What is a health and safety management system?
• Australian Standard AS/NZS 4801:2001 states that an OHS Management System is “that part of the overall management system which includes organisational structure, planning activities, responsibilities, practices, procedures and resources for developing, implementing, achieving, reviewing and maintaining the OHS policy and so managing the risks associated with the business of the organisation.” • Health and safety needs to be managed just like other critical aspects of a business and the best way to do it is to adopt a systematic approach. Consider the other things you need to manage as part of your business: quality, productivity, finance, accounting, industrial relations, insurance etc. Having systems in place makes it easier to manage these things. The same applies to health and safety. Good health and safety management systems are good business.
A health and safety management system is a process put in place by an employer to minimize the incidence of injury and illness to workers involved in the operations carried out by the employer. This is accomplished through identifying, assessing and controlling risks to workers in all workplace operations. The scope and complexity of a health and safety management system will vary according to the type of workplace and the nature of operations carried out. To be effective, the following components are considered to be essential and form the basis of the Partnerships health and safety management system: Identification and analysis of health and safety hazards at the work site • Evaluation of all equipment, machinery, work areas and work processes to identify and analyze all potential sources of harm to workers. A record of all hazards should be kept, along with the degree of risk and level of potential exposure for workers. Control measures to eliminate or reduce the risks to workers fr
A health and safety management system is a process put in place by an employer to minimize the incidence of injury and illness to workers involved in the operations carried out by the employer. This is accomplished through identifying, assessing and controlling risks to workers in all workplace operations. The scope and complexity of a health and safety management system will vary according to the type of workplace and the nature of operations carried out. To be effective, the following components are considered to be essential and form the basis of the health and safety management system: Identification and analysis of health and safety hazards at the work site • Evaluation of all equipment, machinery, work areas and work processes to identify and analyze all potential sources of harm to workers. A record of all hazards should be kept, along with the degree of risk and level of potential exposure for workers. Control measures to eliminate or reduce the risks to workers from hazards. •
A health and safety management system is very similar to the Management systems found elsewhere in a business. Managing money coming into and going out of a business for example, is usually scrutinised very carefully, with competent bookkeepers, accountants and auditors, closely monitoring compliance with well thought out company policy and procedures, and ensuring that the business complies with the various financial laws. Thus, a sound company manages its money. A similar analogy may be drawn with product quality. The producer will be very keen to manufacture the highest quality materials, on a cost efficient basis, and to consistent standards. A successful company manages its product quality. Managing health and safety in a business undertaking is just that – managing. Companies that give thought to health, safety and welfare management systems will invest in the future well-being of the business, will minimise down-time and accidents and, will save money in the long term.
Related Questions
- My organisation is nothing more than an office. What are the benefits of implementing an Occupational Health & Safety management system and achieving registration to OHSAS 18001?
- Where can I get sample documents to support my health and safety management system?
- What is an Occupational Health & Safety Management System (OHSMS)?
