SOURCES OF INFORMATION (INTERNAL AND
EXTERNAL)
Health and safety is surprisingly complex. There is a wealth of information available which
needs to be consulted. There are two chief sources of data – outside the organisation (External)
and inside the organisation (Internal).
External
External data sources include:
• National legislation (e.g. regulations).
• Safety data sheets from manufacturers and suppliers.
• Government Enforcing Authority publications such as Codes of Practice and Guidance
• Manufacturers’/suppliers’ maintenance manuals.
• National/International standards.
• Information from local safety groups.
• Information from trade associations.
• Information from journals and magazines.
Internal
Internal data sources include:
• Information from accident records.
• Information from medical records and the medical department (if you have one).
• Information from company doctors.
• Risk assessments
• Maintenance reports.
• Information from joint inspections with safety reps.
• Information from audits, surveys, sampling and tours.
• Information from safety committee minutes.
