What is a Health and Safety Management System?

When meeting with clients, we often ask what kind of health and safety management system they have in place. What we typically find is that they may have spent a large sum of money for a manual or procedures to be put in writing, but the execution of what the manual contains leaves something to be desired.

Having a proper health and safety management system means much more than having it on paper. Most importantly, is the implementation of the system, ensuring it is followed, and is a part of your company culture. 

There are many moving parts associated with an effective health and safety management system. Some of the main components include not only the development of the system, but also understanding, educating, and learning what those procedures are, and how they should be put into practice.  

 Safety is constantly evolving and should be taken seriously by businesses and organizations. 

What is a health and safety management system? 

A health and safety management system is a process put in place by an employer to minimize the risk of injury and illness in the workplace. This is made possible by identifying, assessing, and controlling risk to workers in all workplace operations. 

Depending on the classification of the workplace, and the type of operations carried out by the company, the scope and complexity of this system will vary accordingly.  

What should be included in a health and safety management system? 

An effective health and safety management system should have the following eight components in place: 

1. Identification and analysis of health and safety hazards at the work site.
2. Control measures to eliminate or reduce risk to workers from hazards.
3. Clearly demonstrated management commitment to the system and have a written company policy.
4. Worker competency, orientation, and training programs.
5. Formal inspection programs of its operations and assets.
6. Emergency response planning and training.
7. Incident reporting and investigation systems.
8. Proper management system administration.

It is important to note that, depending on operational size, you may need a joint health and safety committee by legislation.

We understand that implementing and educating your workplace on proper health and safety management systems can be challenging. However, it doesn’t have to be. When you work with our team, we will support you every step of the way. 

Have questions about your own health and safety management system? Contact us today! We look forward to hearing from you.