Who Should Really Be Accountable for Safety in Our Plant? Seeking Your Thoughts on HR's Role

Hello friends,

In our organization, no one wants to take responsibility for safety in case of any minor or major accident happening in the plant. Then everyone, like maintenance, production, and quality, says that HR is only responsible for safety. Here, I agree, but when we have to prepare a report, no one wants to give feedback or acknowledge the report by saying that HR is only responsible for safety and safety-related reports. They will not give feedback and will not provide anything in writing. HR will only investigate and prepare a report. Is it right?

Dear Sonia Kothari,

In the good old days of personnel management, the Personnel Manager was responsible for the safety function as well. However, those days were different. We are in 2024, and the situation necessitates the appointment of the Safety Officer (SO). This position reports to the Plant Head, Operations Head, or Factory Manager as the case may be.

Whether the SO is appointed or not, it is crucial to hire an external agency to conduct the safety audit. The SO should then address the points raised by the audit.

Your query pertains to handling situations where the HODs are reluctant to provide the information. This reluctance stems from their perception of the HR's position. They may question why they should listen to someone who does not belong to operations. This is a common challenge faced by many other companies.

Safety is an extremely serious matter. The gravity of this function becomes evident when accidents occur. However, it is essential to demonstrate foresight rather than relying solely on hindsight. Assigning safety responsibilities to an individual who lacks formal safety training or relevant experience in the Safety Department is not advisable. Therefore, your priority should be to dissociate yourself from the erstwhile function of personnel management.

Thanks,

Dinesh Divekar

Dear Sonia,

Safety starts with self-disciplined behavior. Every establishment conducts a survey to assess the risks and dangers involved in every process, action, and seasonal aspect. Remedies are prescribed, including Do's and Don'ts. Therefore, all employees are informed of this information by their respective DH. In the present day, it is mandatory for every factory to appoint safety officers to monitor lapses and supervise actions. The safety officers report directly to the Factory Manager or HOD, depending on the nature of the establishment.

No one can refuse to provide a report; in such cases, a circular should be issued through top management, and any violation shall be treated as gross misconduct. Reports should be prepared by an experienced technical person who understands the process and possible causes of incidents.

Hi, It is the responsibility of each and every employee of the organization. Especially, each in-charge is responsible for preventing incidents and accidents by providing necessary guidelines to their area employees, such as engineering control, administrative control, and PPEs in their area. Furthermore, if your company is certified under the Environmental Management System and OHSAS safety management, it is the duty of each department in charge to prepare the HIRA, aspect, and impact of the operations carried out in their area. Just HR alone cannot do everything unless other in-charges support you. Additionally, you need to meet in-charges and employees every day and gain their confidence; they will definitely support you. Please ensure to create the SOP on the safety-related procedures to be followed in their respective areas.

The Role of Safety in Organizations

Safety is driven by the safety team if the organization has such a team. However, safety is every person's responsibility within the organization, and the primary responsibility lies with the respective supervisor as well as the manager.

The Need for a Safety Committee

Safety can't be ensured by just one person or team, such as the safety team or HR team. There is a need to create a committee for safety and plan the safety process, which should be approved by the management.

Immediately form a Safety Committee consisting of people from Manufacturing, Maintenance, HR, etc., including both Management Staff and workmen.

If the committee is not well aware of the subject—how to deal with safety policy, etc.—then please seek help from experts available in the market who can initially guide the committee on how to proceed.

Under no circumstances should safety be solely the responsibility of HR.

Regards, S K Bandyopadhyay (Howrah, WB) CEO-USD HR Solutions [Phone Number Removed For Privacy-Reasons] [Email Removed For Privacy Reasons]

Hello Everyone,

Thank you for your valuable advice, and I understand it well.

Once we discuss with the respective head, they approach the Plant Head directly. The Plant Head communicated to us that the respective department head will not provide you with the report as they are not responsible for it and will not sign it, as you are the one responsible for preparing the report. When we discussed with him, he didn't want to listen to anything.

HR's Role in Safety Management

As per the Factory Act (and in general management), HR is not responsible for safety. At best, HR acts as a monitoring agency.

Responsibilities Under the Factory Act

Under the Factory Act, the Occupier is liable for safety. There is a provision to have a safety officer and a safety committee. The qualifications for the safety officer are given in the factory rules.

Composition and Role of the Safety Committee

Generally, the Safety Committee includes people from all departments, with the safety officer taking a lead role. Engineering holds a prime position as they, along with Operations/Floor Managers, are considered responsible for safety in most companies.

I hope they understand that in case of a problem, the factory inspector and the police will hold the engineering head, factory manager, and the concerned floor managers accountable, possibly even imprisoning them on charges of negligence. They are unlikely to take action against HR for that.

Also note, the Safety Officer does not report to HR.