26/03/2021
CASE STUDY – March 2021.
This case study will help emphasize the role of the Dover Test in Risk Management.
• PERSONAL INFORMATION
The candidate is a 48 year old male with a basic education of 9-10 years.
He has been working as a construction-type of machine operator for the past 4 years with the present employer.
There is no information regarding previous accidents or incidents to use a base line for behaviour.
• THE DOVER TEST
The Dover Test was administered by an experienced person who reports having made every effort to put the candidate at ease.
There is no report of an anxiety build-up outside the testing environment, nor any previous (negative) experience with the test.
The test results indicated the candidate achieved a significantly lower score than is expected of the average operator.
The test is designed to be used within the limits of the ‘average’ operator, who can generally score within a 70% level of accuracy.
• THE TESTING RESULTS
The candidate in this study scored a 30% average, with a marked deterioration in performance as the test progressed.
He was able to recover marginally, but still performed below the expected level.
The results indicate the candidate achieved a less-than-average score. This can result in increased risk-type behaviour, possibly leading to injury, damage to equipment and delayed production.
The other tests support these findings.
• AFTER TESTING ACTIONS
It is recommended that the candidate be re-evaluated if there is no indication of accidents or incidents (i.e. - Recognition of Prior Learning). This could be conducted after a month (instead of the usual 3- 6 months), and used as a baseline for either deterioration or improvement.
If improvement is indicated, the candidate may benefit from training, either on the Rehacom or close supervisory interventions / simulator-type sessions.
This would apply to candidates who are already employed, but should also be used as a cautionary guideline for new employees.
• DISCUSSION
The chances of a bad thing happening (with a bad outcome) is what a risk is. For example, slipping off a ½ meter-high ledge has less consequences than slipping off a 20 meter-high ledge. The risk difference in the latter scenario is a lot greater. Risk must be measured by what consequence of the event will be.
A high risk is a bigger problem than a low risk – one is bad, the other is not too bad. The decisions needs to be looked at from this point of view.
The Dover Test is an example of action-reaction, as well as the potential consequence – your decision comprises what you balance the safety factors on.
The Dover is not the final decision, but is a very good guide and recommendation as to what to expect, as well as the level of competence that you expect from your operator.
Hope you all have a safe weekend.
Regards,
The Dover Team