Role of Workers cont'd

DOE-HDBK-1148-2002

ISMS, the expectations for involving workers are addressed with standards identification

processes that are tailored to the specific characteristics of the work.

In the N&S Process, workers can provide invaluable contributions either as members of the

Identification or Confirmation Teams, or as Operational Experts who assist these teams with

their "knowledge and expertise relevant to the work and the site, facility, and activities." The

definition of who is a "worker" will of course depend on the nature of the work. For purposes of

the N&S Process, "workers" may include crafts personnel, engineers, designers, researchers,

ES&H professionals, and others.

Workers can be particularly valuable in the N&S Process by:

Identifying the work, associated hazards and standards. Those who regularly perform

the work in question will have detailed knowledge of how that work is done, and may

often be able to identify specific hazards, standards utilized or inefficiencies associated

with the work that would not be apparent to an outside analyst.

Evaluating the feasibility of the WSS set for implementation. Because workers are the

ones who directly implement the standards, they can provide insight into whether those

standards are reasonable and practical in the context of the actual work environment.

Unions representing workers are Stakeholders in any N&S Process application and should be

informed about the N&S Process and its expected effects on the workplace. Both the

communication of information about the N&S Process and the involvement of union workers as

Operational Experts should be coordinated through appropriate channels such as union

representatives.