If you asked a business owner about what annoyed them the most, they’d probably say rules and regulations. It can certainly be time-consuming and often hard to understand.
There seems to be legislation for everything these days – and most of it is there for very good reasons. This is especially true for workplace health and safety. Figures just out from Safe Work Australia show that 118 Australians were killed at work in 2018, compared to 190 in 2017.
This huge improvement is due to tougher penalties for breaking the law, and better workplace safety systems. More businesses are starting to see that an integrated safety management system makes good sense.
Integrated Safety Management System
It really is as simple as it sounds; most organisations have management systems in place and integration is a way of bringing them together in one, easy to manage operation. As we move into 2019, even more businesses look set to adopt the new ISO 45001 standard, which replaces OHSAS 18001 and AS/NZ4801.
Integrating your workplace safety management system with quality management and environmental management will not only help you reduce duplication and documentation but will also save you time and money.
You can even take this to the next level by applying for integrated safety management system certification. This is a smart move for organisations that wish to ensure compliance whilst improving efficiency within the business.
The main reason why the integrated safety management system works to save lives is that it puts safety at the core of everything your organisation does. It identifies and eliminates risk and removes the danger of rushed decisions.
Standard Consulting
The key to doing this well is working with professional consultants who specialise in integrated safety management system implementation, training and certification. A good example would be Standard Consulting in Brisbane, a business that has been helping organisations achieve greater efficiency for over a decade.
It’s a matter of finding out what would work best for your organisation. If you already have management systems in place, these can be reviewed and then integrated into the new system. It’s recommended you seek certification, especially if you wish to expand your customer base, become a supplier or start trading overseas.
With the help of Standard Consulting, ISO 45001 will put in place all the policies, procedures and controls you need to ensure compliance. It will also help you deliver to your employees the best possible working conditions and best practice procedures.
Transition Course
If you’re still unsure why not attend a one-day ISO 45001 transition course? It is perfect for anyone who wants to learn about workplace safety and the benefits to be gained by implementing ISO 45001. It will also explain the differences between OHSAS 18001:2007 and AS/NZ4801.
Workplace health and safety is not just about meeting legal requirements. As a business owner, it’s your responsibility to keep your employees, customers, suppliers and other stakeholders safe. The penalties for failing to do this are high.
And that doesn’t just mean providing a first aid kit! The work premises, machinery, materials, vehicles and more must all be maintained and safe. You must also supply appropriate safety clothing where required, and training.
There’s one thing you can count on: you’ll not only be keeping your workers safe but, by doing so, you’ll also see a boost in productivity as a safe work environment has been proven to boost staff morale.