Occupational Health and Safety is a cross-disciplinary area looking at protecting the safety, health and welfare of employees engaged in employment. As a secondary effect, it may also protect co-workers, family, employers, customers, suppliers, and other members of the public who are impacted by the workplace environment.
Benefits of a Health and Safety Management System:
1. Satisfying the registration demands of your customers.
2. Improving credibility and acceptance of international audiences.
OHSAS 18001 is not only recognised, but also accepted throughout the world.
3. Improve your acceptance by the general public, regulators, and other parties interested in your [spin|products or services[/spin] company.
OHSAS 18001 has become known as a typical “good citizen” credential.
4. Join the elite category of business.
Through registration to OHSAS 18001, your company is basically on the same level of excellence shared by businesses all over the world.
5. You will always be ready for external inspections and audits.
A safe and healthy workplace is promoted through implementing Occupational Health and Safety Management system. A health and safety management system is a process that a company puts in place to minimize the occurrence of sickness and injuries in the workplace. Through the assessment and identification of workplace hazards, the implementation of occupational health and safety management system is accomplished.
Risk management in all workplace operations is then also able to take place. It is important to note that the complexity and scope of a health and safety management system may vary depending on the nature of work performed, as well as the type of workplace it is being performed in. The spectrum of staff related risks in the workplace are managed. This will enable your organisation to control insurance expenses and improve performance from its existing operations.
Before implementing an Occupational Health and Safety Management System, you need to be sure of your decision. It is expensive and at times difficult to implement an Occupational Health and Safety Management System that is works well and adds value to your organisation. Also realize that the process could take long. Once implemented though, it acts as a tool to help run the company better and secure continual improvement. Always ensure that top management is at all times fully supportive of the OHSAS Management System Implementation process.
It is very important for all employers to be aware of the following when in the process of planning your Health ans Safety Management system:
1. The different categories of people that you should protect; and
2. The regulations concerned with occupational health and safety applying to you and your business operations.
You first have to realise the importance of the above before policy statements are written, risk assessments conducted, or safety systems developed. Your local SHEQ Consultants can assist you in the process.