SOURCES OF INFORMATION (INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL)

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.