5.2. Conclusions
Based on this study, the FPP, as a type of administrative and
program-based intervention, was deemed to be effective because
it increased management commitment and made competency
requirements explicit. The clear allocation of responsibilities and
requirement for additional training were key contributions of the
FPP. Since all the components of the FPP could be replicated from
the safety and health management system, many of the FPP components
can be removed. To tap onto its benefits while preventing
the FPP from becoming a ‘‘paper exercise”, it is proposed that the
FPP should be scaled down significantly and be positioned as a
detailed risk assessment document. The document should be
frequently discussed and actions closely tracked. Inspections must
be planned to assure implementation and suitability of the risk
control measures. Dedicated feedback and communication channels
must be present to allow workers and frontline staff to feedback
on FFH risks and controls.
The study identified management commitment, commitment of
frontline personnel (e.g. sub-contractors), work or site specific
details, competency and actual implementation of plans as important
underlying factors for the success of a program-based interventions.
The study also showed that the overlaps and links
between safety management programs or systems should be
clearly identified to prevent unnecessary paperwork. Excessive
paperwork can potentially reduce the effectiveness of interventions.
A bigger concern is that ‘‘paper exercise” is a dangerous form
of violation, where despite the apparent compliance to a safety