Health and Safety Management Systems
A health and safety management system is a process put in place by an employer to minimize the risk of injury and illness. This is accomplished by 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 eight components should be in place:
- 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. - Control measures to eliminate or reduce the risks to workers from hazards.
Control measures include: engineering controls, administrative controls and personal protective equipment. - Clearly demonstrated and management commitment, and written company policy
Commitment from senior management is essential for the health and safety management system to be effective. - Worker competency and training
Workers need to know how to do their jobs safely and without risk to their health; new and/or young workers need special attention. - Inspection program
Inspections are an opportunity to identify any hazards that have not been recognized before, and to check that existing hazard controls are working. - Emergency response planning
Emergencies could include natural or manmade disasters as well as health emergencies or injuries. Effective plans need to be in place to address all potential emergencies. - Incident reporting and investigation
When an incident occurs at any workplace it is important to investigate so that any inadequately controlled hazards are identified and controlled and processes can be put in place to prevent the recurrence of similar incidents. - Management system administration
Program administration ensures that all parts of a health and safety management system are properly looked after and communicated to employees.
To learn more, see Building an Effective Health and Safety Management System.
Modified: 2011-03-21
PID: 331
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