“Efficacy”, what does it mean and why does it matter for your safety?
Health and Safety Update
What’s Changing?
We are using a new word “Efficacy”, which begs the question what does it mean and how is it different from the word we used to use, “Efficiency”?
What Do I Need to Know?
Efficacy is defined as the capacity to get a thing done or achieve a specific result. Efficiency means the same, but with consideration for the cost. This is relevant to safety in that the majority (around 85%) of safety law specifies “reasonableness”, which is balancing risk against cost. Costs include time, money, effort, energy, hassle, people, space, or other limited resources such as machinery or technology.
What Do I Need to Do?
In light of this, so that they can be sure to make the best use of their time, money and other resources, business owners and managers should seek advice on which requirements are absolute and those that are qualified?
One way to achieve this is to have a properly qualified team of safety professionals appointed (such as Greens Consultancy) to advise the business and its managers.
Where Can I Find Further Information?
To find out more about how you can best protect your people, business and money, contact [email protected] or call (0116) 2169224.