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716 Safety Management System Evaluation
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Evaluating Attributes

Attributes. Each attribute is considered critical to the effectiveness of one or more programs in the SMS. Each attribute is worded as a positive statement and is rated as "in place" if true and "not in place" if the statement cannot be justified as being true. To arrive at a conclusion about the quality of each attribute, the evaluator analyzes a number of metrics or "cues."

Cues. Cues are specific facts or perceptions that help justify the rating given to an attribute. All cues listed below the attribute either support/confirm (+) or oppose/negate (-) the attribute statement. Each cue gives added weight to the rating for the attribute. On the worksheet, the evaluator checkmarks the plus (+) column if the cue is present or minus (-) if it is not. Cues are uncovered through observations, inspections, measurement, interviews, and document review.

The table below displays the format used in OSHAcademy's Ultimate SHARP Audit. Attribute #1 is followed by a sample of its related cues.

1. A comprehensive, baseline hazard survey has been conducted within the past five (5) years.

CUES Yes (+) No (-)
a. Surveys address hazards in a timely and effective manner.
b. The survey results in an updated hazard list or survey report (action plan).
c. The survey was completed by a certified specialist.

As you'll see in the next section, this attribute would receive a rating of "2" because there are few negating cues and multiple confirming cues.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

5-5. What term describes a specific fact or perception used by the evaluator to rate an attribute on the SHARP Assessment (SHPA) Worksheet?