Health and Safety Management Tips Career Guide
Ensure that your health and safety management system is not only comprehensive and effective but is also properly implemented. In addition, it is important that you keep an eye on the performance phase of your program and monitor it regularly.
Issues covered by a safety and health policy
Identifying, assessing, and controlling workplace risks is an essential part of managing safety and health. A policy should include a safety statement and disciplinary procedures. It should also include employee consultation, worker representation, and appropriate resources. These should all be written and implemented in an active, systematic way.
A risk assessment should identify the specific hazards that may arise in the workplace and the training needed for each one. Depending on the nature of the work, supervisors may need specialized training on safety procedures. The frequency of workplace inspections should be based on the extent of the risks posed in the workplace.
Employers should conduct accident investigations in order to identify the underlying causes of accidents. These investigations should also include an assessment of the severity of the incident. Ideally, the investigation should also include a description of the circumstances surrounding the incident and a management response.
ISO 45001 replaces British standard BS OHSAS 18001
BS OHSAS 18001, which was the first globally recognized occupational health and safety standard, will be replaced by ISO 45001. The new standard is a management system designed to reduce work-related accidents. It is expected to significantly lower workplace fatalities and illnesses.
A number of countries participated in the creation of the new standard. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has developed the standard. David Smith, chair of the ISO/PC 283 working group, which developed the standard, said that the main goal of the new standard was to reduce the number of work-related deaths and injuries.
Aside from its aim to reduce work-related accidents, the new standard has a number of other features. For example, it has a PDCA model and requires organizations to proactively identify and address risks. It also calls for the participation of non-managerial workers. It sets goals and objectives and requires organizations to conduct regular internal audits.
Responsibility of management regarding the implementation of a health and safety management system
Creating a health and safety management system is an integral part of managing your business. The aim of the system is to minimise the risks of accidents and protect the wellbeing of workers and others. The system should be designed to suit the work activities of your organisation. The system should be comprehensive and systematic. The system should also provide a framework for continuous improvement.
A safety and health management system should be implemented in accordance with the requirements of safety legislation and safety codes. It should be a systematic approach to identifying and reducing risks, educating employees on how to prevent and respond to risks, and implementing safe practices.
The system should be reviewed at regular intervals. It should be evaluated against best practice in your employment sector. You should have a formal process for reporting hazards.
Performance phase must be monitored regularly
Having a solid safety and health management program is only part of the equation. Employers must train their workers to be competent in the hazard laden art of being safe and sound. The best way to go about it is to hire an executive board member or two dedicated to overseeing all things safety and health related. The best part is that they're free to do so!
A good place to start is by appointing a director who is both a qualified professional and an active listener. The resulting juxtaposition of brains and brawn may be just what the doctor ordered. The next step is to implement a sound safety and health policy with a formal disciplinary process. The resulting policy should cover the big three (safety, health, and compliance) and be accompanied by a robust employee orientation program.
Communication with the workforce
Creating and improving communication with the workforce for health and safety management is an important first step towards a safer workplace. Without effective communication, teams are likely to miss vital information. Investing in an online tool for H&S management is a great way to ensure all information is available in one place.
Training is another important component of workplace health and safety management. In addition to teaching employees about workplace hazards, training helps them develop skills and prevent illnesses.
In addition to training, managers and supervisors should regularly communicate with the workforce. This can include weekly safety talks, which are a good opportunity for workers to share their concerns. The talk should be documented with employee signatures and dates. The meetings are also a good opportunity to discuss hazard assessments and MOL orders.
