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Safety Management Systems

In the first instance, the reduction of workplace illness and injury, and minimising the costs associated with workplace accidents should be the primary motive for the implementation of an effective HSMS. Organisations can demonstrate, internally and externally, that they are systematically controlling the risks to all persons affected by their activities, products and/or services.

For an organisation to comply with the relevant legislation, standards and codes of practice, it needs to implement an effective HSMS. The Health and Safety Plan needs to be relevant and appropriate, reflecting the potential HSMS issues within the organisation. Therefore, the system needs to have a number of components

An Occupational Health & Safety policy

This is the cornerstone of an effective HSMS and demonstrates management’s commitment and objectives including compliance with relevant legislation, the establishment of objectives and targets and the elimination or minimisation of work-related illness and injury. This policy should be reviewed regularly (preferably annually) to ensure that it remains relevant to your organisation’s objectives.

Planning

We will work collaboratively with you to set objectives and targets. Planning also involves the establishment of optimum performance indicators. The planning process needs to address the regular and systematic identification of hazards and then develop the controls necessary to eliminate or minimise the risks. Allocation of responsibilities and resources needed must be considered at this stage. Planning procedures will need to include factoring in the future operations of the organisation.

Implementation

For the organisation to achieve its HSMS objectives and formulate policies it is critical that financial, human and material resources are allocated. We will guide you in defining and designating responsibilities with an efficient reporting relationship between management, workers, contractors, subcontractors and site visitors. Consultation and involvement of both management and workers will identify common goals. In consultation with workers, we will identify training needs and help put procedures in place to ensure employee education is delivered and documented.

Measurement and evaluation

Our evaluation and assessment documentation will guide you in measuring your organisation’s performance in accordance with your HSMS plan and objectives. All details – both positive and negative – need to be recorded and made available for all stakeholders to see. We can carry out an external audit on a regular basis or you can do it internally for management to review. Accident investigations provide ad hoc opportunities to analyse and redefine the effectiveness of an organisation’s HSMS. These investigations are about identifying deficiencies in the system rather than apportioning blame.

Management review and improvement

Management review is pivotal for an effective and sustainable HSMS. This is an opportunity for senior management to re-assess the suitability of the existing system and to make necessary adjustments and improvements. This process can be done by management or in collaboration with workers and other stakeholders. Changes in legislation, different technologies, consequences of HSMS incidents and feedback from workers and stakeholders will influence the need for and outcomes of a review process. We can help you meet these requirements with an HSMS tailored to your organisation’s individual needs.

Hazard / Risk Identification

Hazards in the workplace involve consideration and identification of the sources of risk, their impact and the likely consequences.

Risk is analysed by identifying and then managing potential problems that could undermine an organisation’s capacity to conduct business, carry out key projects, and supply products and/or services. In most circumstances, existing controls are considered and the most pertinent information and techniques are then used to analyse consequences and likelihood. Sources of information may include the following:

• Past records
• Practice and relevant experience
• Consultation with workers and Health and Safety Committees
• Relevant published material
• Specialist and expert judgements
• Codes of practice and relevant standards
• Product information

Consequence and likelihood tables are used to provide definitions for rating scales so there is a common understanding of their meaning. Tables should be consistent with the specific objectives and context of the risk management activity. Remember:

• Risk assessment is a necessary step in the hazard management process
• There are many methods used to identify hazards and their risks
• History is not always a reliable indicator of risk – just because it hasn’t happened in the past doesn’t mean it won’t happen in the future
• Reassessment is essential when hazard circumstances change

Pre-qualification Assistance

Health & Safety Worx in Tauranga will help you meet pre-qualification health and safety imperatives for the carrying out of work as a sub-contractor for large corporate organisations, government departments and local body authorities.

To make it easier for you to negotiate the pre-qualification process we’ll sit down with you and advise on the systems and procedures required by SiteWise, IMPAC PreQual and other relevant training bodies. You will only secure the contract you are tendering for by precisely meeting the HSMS requirements of the work. Councils are stringent on using contractors who operate effective health and safety systems – we can show you how that impacts you and get you across the line. SHE Software NZ Ltd works with Waikato and Bay of Plenty Councils to streamline the qualification process – we understand this and have the resources to ensure you will achieve a successful outcome for your business.

Systems Audits

Our system audits are a comprehensive evaluation of your current HSMS status.

We leave no stone unturned in our wide-ranging appraisal of where your business is at now and where it needs to be in terms of health and safety. From there we can advise on the next steps to remedy, improve or fine-tune anything that is required to ensure you are meeting your obligations under the Health and Safety Work Act 2015.