Occupational Health and Safety management is a combination of practices and organisation. The demands on OHS management systems vary a lot depending on industry and organisational roles, but the basic best practices are much the same. Interestingly, some of the best new modern OHS management systems are the fully statutorily compliant, employer managed self insurance systems.
These are extremely well structured management programs, with full financial and operational management conducted in-house. OHS management systems are extremely productive, containing risk, ensuring a good workplace environment and improving productivity. These programs also provide built in mechanisms for compliance with industry regulations, which is a particularly valuable business operational function.
OHS safety management systems overview
OHS safety management requires strategic planning and systematic review of organisational practices for optimal performance.
Elements of planning include:
Scale and range of organisational operations
Statutory requirements
Risk profiling of business functions and operations
Assessment of sickness and accidents in the workplace
Management resources
Compliance with the requirements of the regulator regarding OHS and risk management obligations (Mandatory in self-insurance licensing)
This is really a form of business planning. In practice OHS management can be seen in context with the organisational business plan, in directly relationship to all areas of workplace operations.
Tailoring your OHS management system to your business.
In many industries, the OHS issues are complex. Risk management may involve very large amounts of capital and large numbers of different types of operation. OHS management systems in these multifaceted business environments require a very strong level of consistency from the policy stage to implementation in the workplace.
The OHS management system must cover:
Occupational health and safety policies.
Best practice OHS operational methods.
Creation of practices for documentation of OHS procedures.
Location based OHS criteria for specific needs.
Reporting methodologies to ensure good quality, verifiable information for each stage of OHS procedures
Databases and records required for OHS-related information.
Many businesses engage expert risk management consultants to create and implement their OHS management systems. This ensures best practice and currency of OHS procedures and statutory compliance. Many consultants also provide OHS management services. These services include monitoring of the OHS systems and are an invaluable asset for businesses which dont have the management resources to conduct these operations themselves.
Getting your OHS management routines in place
Implementation of OHS management systems is conducted using a managed prioritisation approach. Typically, this will be a phased, coordinated process mapped out in advance in consultation with business management.
The most important elements in implementation are training and familiarity with the OHS procedures and safety system requirements. With statutorily affected types of business operation, the training is structured to link OHS systems and operational procedures. In some cases this will require new operational procedures, or changes to existing operations.
OHS management systems provide a valuable resource for businesses. They promote good work practices, a safety-conscious work environment, and routinely increase productivity.