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INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
WHY DO WE NEED TO MANAGE HEALTH AND SAFETY?
WHY DO WE NEED TO MANAGE HEALTH AND SAFETY?
A healthy and safe workplace doesn't just happen. It takes commitment and planning to ensure that all equipment is functioning properly, that needed materials are available to do the job and that workers know how to do their job. The benefit of this commitment is an efficient and effective operation, with reduced likelihood of injuries and illnesses. This leads to improved morale because workers know that they are cared about and know that it is okay, even expected, to speak up if they have concerns. With high morale, there is less absenteeism and less staff turnover. This, in turn, improves productivity and quality. Good health and safety makes an employer more attractive – to both workers and customers. Many employers view health and safety management systems as an investment.
If health and safety is not managed, things can get missed. Equipment is not maintained on schedule, workers do not receive the training they need and meetings are not planned. As a result, the potential for incidents increases.
Incidents can result in:
injury, illness or death to workers, customers and the public
damaged equipment, tools or facilities
loss of materials.
Aside from the human aspect of injuries, these incidents cost money. In addition to increases in WCB premiums, there are costs associated with the repair or replacement of equipment, increases in other insurance premiums (e.g., for fleet vehicles), replacement of material, production delays, staff turnover and more. Alberta Human Resources and Employment, Workplace Health and Safety might investigate and order corrective actions.
It is much better to prevent incidents through good management than to deal with the consequences later.
What Is a Health and Safety Management System?
A health and safety management system is a process to minimize the incidence of injury and illness at the workplace. The scope and complexity of a health and safety management system varies, depending on the type of workplace and the nature of the work performed. The purpose of the system is to identify and control hazards, on an ongoing basis, to protect the health and safety of workers. A health and safety management system includes the following key elements, as identified by the Alberta Human Resources and Employment (AHRE) Partnerships program:
management, leadership and organizational commitment
hazard identification and assessment
hazard control
worker competency and training
work site inspection
incident investigation
emergency response
management system administration.
Watch the following video for more information on Health and Safety Management Systems.
Source: Employment AlbertaWatch the following video for more information on Health and Safety Management Systems.
Where Can I Get Help to Develop a Health and Safety Management System?
Training and courses on building health and safety management systems and auditing these systems are available from certifying partners and several health and safety consultants.
Alberta Human Resources and Employment (HRE) works with groups and associations called certifying partners who provide training for the Partnerships in Health and Safety – Certificate of Recognition program. More information about certifying partners, certificates of recognition and Partnerships is found in the supplemental information.
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