Occupational Safety And Health Management System Construction Essay

OSH Management system standard has been widely used as an approach and strategy towards improving the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) standards at the workplace. As a Safety Officer , I have been instructed by my organization to get the OHSAS 18001:2007 certification within a year. There were some reasons that forced the Board of Directors took this step. I believe the reasons can be considered by other companies, which are willing to adopt it as their OSH management systems.

OHSAS 18001:2007  is occupational health and safety management standard. It defines a set of occupational health and safety (OH&S) management requirements for occupational health and safety management systems (OHSMS).

This new OHSAS 18001 2007 standard was officially published during July of 2007. It cancels and replaces OHSAS 18001 1999.The purpose of OHSAS 18001:2007 is to help organizations to manage and control their OH&S risks and to improve their OH&S performance.They can achieve this purpose by developing an OHSMS that complies with OHSAS 18001:2007.

An OHSMS is a network of interrelated elements. These elements include responsibilities, authorities, relationships, functions, activities, processes, practices, procedures, and resources. These elements are used to establish OH&S policies, plans, programs, and objectives. Simply by meeting all of the OHSAS 18001:2007 requirements (Part 4), you will automatically establish an integrated OHSMS for your organization.

How we meet each of the OHSAS 18001:2007 requirements, and to what extent,

depends on many factors, including:

The size of the organization

The location of the organization

The nature of the organization’s culture

The nature of the organization’s activities

The nature of the organization’s legal obligations

The nature and scope of the organization’s OHSMS

The content of the organization’s OH&S policy

The nature of the organization’s OH&S hazards

The nature of the organization’s OH&S risks

Here are the reasons why implementing OHSAS 18001:2007 would give companies more value and benefits.

Meeting customer’s requirements, especially the customers which have been implementing OHSAS 18001

Attract more companies to deal with the company.

Fulfill stakeholder’s satisfaction

Ensure the company to meet legal and regulations on occupational safety

and health.

Improve the quality of workplaces

Improve company’s health and safety performance

Prevent company to pay unnecessary expenditures

Enhance company’s image and company’s commitment to continuous improvement on health and safety matter in the workplace

Company Background

PENWIN Group is engaged in construction and investment holding activities. It operates in three segments: construction, which is engaged in construction activities; property development, which is engaged in development of land into vacant lots, residential, commercial and/or industrial buildings; manufacturing and quarrying, which is engaged in production and sale of concrete products and quarrying activities.

Element 4.2 : OH&S Policy

HSE Management System

PENWIN GROUP HSE Management System (“HSEMS”) is an integrated system certified by OHSAS 18001:1999, ISO 14001:2004 and MS 1722:Part 1:2005 standards. Committed to the set HSE objectives, the Group has systematically implemented, monitoredand measured significant HSE management elements translated into the Group HSEMS Manual, Procedures and Workplaces Plans; these include:

• Pro-active management of OHS Risks and Environmental Impacts by identification of hazards, assessment of risks and impacts, and determination of risks and impacts control measures during the project activities’ planning stage;

• Continuous identification and compliance evaluation of relevant HSE Legislations;

• Training and competency needs identification and provision for the Group’s employees based on specific roles and responsibilities towards HSE;

• Effective platforms for consultation and communication of HSE issues by active participation from various levels and functions;

• Determination of operational control measures to eliminate or reduce OHS risks and environmental impacts by establishment of HSE Standard Operating Procedures and Criteria;

• Pro-active planning for emergency readiness and responses;

• Effective programmes for measurement and monitoring of HSE performance covering planned and surprise inspections, statistical analysis and reporting;

• Non-conformity and Incident Management for managing identified non-conformity and incidents through causal analysis to determine improvement actions and prevention of recurrence;

• Scheduled internal audits for verification of system conformance; and

• Scheduled management review for reviewing established system suitability, adequacy and effectiveness. HSE Organisation

The Health, Safety and Environmental Management System has been implemented at all levels of the Group and HSE Organisations are established to effectively manage and monitor its implementation. The HSE Organisations include:

a) Health, Safety and Environment Management Committee (“HSEMC”)

The Committee, led by the CEO & Managing Director meets at planned intervals to review HSE operations and performance.

b) Health, Safety and Environment Committee (“HSEC”)

Led by appointed senior management staff, the Committee is established at corporate level and at all workplaces as part of compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 (“OSHA”).

c) Corporate HSE Department

Established at corporate level to assist the Group in establishing, implementing and maintaining the Health, Safety and Environmental Management System.

Health And Safety Policy Statement

Our Goal: “1 Malaysia, Health, Safety and Environment is Everyone’s Responsibility”

The Management of PENWIN Group is committed to the health and safety of its employees and for all who are involved in our projects. Protection of employees from injury or occupational disease is a major continuing objective. We are committed to continuing improvement toward an accident-free workplace through effective administration, education and training. All supervisors and workers must be dedicated to the continuing objectives of eliminating the “near misses” which will greatly reduce the risk of injuries.

Our philosophy is that the well-being of our company and clients is dependent on the health and safety or our workforce. The Directors and Officers of this corporation promise that every precaution reasonable in all circumstances will be taken for the protection of all workers. No job is to be regarded so urgent that time cannot be taken to do it in a safe manner. The welfare of the individual is our greatest concern.

Supervisors will be responsible for the health and safety of workers under their supervision. Supervisors are responsible to ensure that machinery and equipment required for use by each worker are safe and that each worker works in compliance with established safe work practices and procedures for each piece of equipment. Workers must receive adequate training in their specific work tasks to protect their health and safety.

All supervisors, employees and subcontractors must protect their own and fellow workers’ health and safety by working in compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and all applicable regulations and safe work practices and procedures established by our company. We are a member of the NIOSH.

We recognize that a safe work environment can be established and sustained only through a united effort by all employees and subcontractors and that the assistance of each person is required. Your attitude and cooperation in promoting accident prevention will assist in achieving our goal, and make our company the best place to work, one where employees share in corporate growth and success.

Everyone from the President to new workers has the responsibility to ensure a safe and healthy workplace. Let’s all work together to prevent incidents from creating unwanted losses and personal injuries or illnesses.

[BADROL HISHAM BIN HJ BAHARI]

President PENWIN Group

12 September 2000

Health and Safety Responsibilities

Senior Management

Prepare a health and safety policy. Post it in the workplace and review it annually.

Develop a program to implement the health and safety policy. Ensure it is known throughout the organization. Ensure training is in place to make the program work.

Appoint competent supervision.

Ensure that equipment, materials and protective devices are provided and maintained in good condition.

Provide resources so supervisors and workers can carry out safe and healthy work.

Ensure that adequate and suitable planning is done to provide safe and healthy workplaces.

Review accident reports and respond where necessary.

Review middle management’s site inspection reports quarterly.

Delegate authority and responsibility.

Hold employees and subcontractors accountable for the authority and responsibility delegated to them.

Be visibly committed to making health and safety work. Inspire others to make it work.

Middle Management

Ensure that the workforce understands their health and safety responsibilities.

Ensure that equipment, materials and protective devices are provided and maintained in good condition.

Ensure the workforce is trained to safely complete the work and deal with hazards. Ensure that the training is current and regularly reviewed.

Be aware of applicable legislation and ensure compliance.

Ensure there is an effective mechanism for co-operative problem solving amongst workers and supervisors.

Take unresolved health and safety problems to senior management.

Respond appropriately to reports of problems and to Joint Health and Safety Committee/Health and Safety Rep recommendations.

Ensure procedures and practices are established so workers can carry out safe and healthy work.

Establish a system to review the health and safety program. Ensure it is up-to-date.

Review supervisor’s safety/toolbox talks

Review accident/incident reports. Ensure corrective actions are taken.

Conduct a formal inspection of a job site once a month.

Report quarterly to senior management on the status of health and safety performance.

Hold supervisors accountable for the authority and responsibility delegated to them and hold workers accountable for their responsibilities.

Be visibly committed to making health and safety work. Inspire others to make it work.

Supervisor

Ensure that workers use or wear the equipment, protective devices or clothing that the company requires to be used or worn and that it is in good condition.

Ensure that workers receive appropriate training to use or wear the equipment, protective devices or clothing that the company requires.

Establish procedures and practices to ensure that workers can carry out safe and healthy work.

Ensure that workers comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act, applicable regulations and the company’s policy and program.

Ensure that workers are aware of potential hazards and have dealt with, or are dealing with, the actual hazards in the workplace.

Plan and communicate work assignments to enable workers to produce safety.

Involve workers in work planning and problem solving.

Provide orientation to new crew members.

Conduct weekly safety talks and weekly site inspections.

Review safety aspects of each task with crew.

Conduct accident or incident investigation.

Encourage workers to report health and safety problems

Respond quickly and appropriately to worker concerns and cooperate in their correction. Take matter to higher level if beyond supervisor’s authority/ability.

Report safety problems to middle management.

Be aware of the applicable legislation and company procedures.

Set an example by being consistently safety conscious, and insisting on the safe performance of work.

Supervise, advise and coach workers as required.

Observe the work in progress and provide positive input to the worker.

Worker

Use or wear the equipment, protective devices or clothing that the company requires.

Work safely in accordance with the company’s or the client’s health and safety policy and program, and with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and applicable regulations.

Do not remove, displace or interfere with the use of any safeguards.

Report unsafe conditions to the supervisor, after taking appropriate immediate action.

Report all accidents, injuries and near-misses immediately to the supervisor.

Work in a way that will not endanger yourself or others.

Advise other workers of unsafe conditions or work practices.

Participate in solving health and safety problems.

Provide recommendations to the supervisor to improve health and safety.

Element 4.3.1 : Planning For Hazard Identification, Risk Assesment and

Risk Control

Job Hazard Analysis

Purpose

The purpose of our Job Hazard Analysis is to identify, control or eliminate potential or actual dangers in a job or task.

Factors to be considered in assigning a priority for analysis of jobs include:

Accident frequency and severity: jobs where accidents occur frequently or where they occur infrequently but result in disabling injuries

Potential for severe injuries or illnesses: the consequences of an accident, hazardous condition, or exposure to harmful substances are potentially severe

Newly established jobs: due to lack of experience in these jobs, hazards may not be evident or anticipated

Modified jobs: new hazards may be associated with changes in job procedures

Infrequently performed jobs: workers may be at greater risk when undertaking non-routine jobs, and a Job Hazard Analysis provides means of reviewing hazards

PENWIN Group management and supervision is responsible for ensuring all work is safely planned; the Job Hazard Analysis will assist in determining firstly, what are the steps in the job; secondly, what are the potential hazards in the job; and finally, what are the protective measures for the safety of our worker(s) assigned to do the non-routine work.

Procedure for Completing a Job Hazard Analysis

Breakdown of Job Steps

Job or task identified for analysis by supervisor

Supervisor overseeing the job breaks job into steps (with assistance from crew members, h & s rep etc)

A job step is defined as a segment of the operation necessary to advance the work

Keep the steps in the correct sequence

Identify Actual/Potential Hazards (refer to checklist in appendix)

Once the basic steps have been recorded, potential hazards must be identified at each step. This is based on observation of the job, knowledge of accident and in jury causes, and personal experience. To identify potential hazards, the supervisor may use questions such as these (this is not a complete list):

Can any body part get caught in or between objects?

Do tools, machines or equipment present any hazards?

Can the worker make harmful contact with objects?

Can the worker slip, trip or fall?

Can the worker suffer strain from lifting, pushing or pulling?

Is the worker exposed to extreme heat or cold?

Is excessive noise or vibration a problem?

Is there a danger from falling objects?

Is lighting a problem?

Can weather conditions affect safety?

Is harmful radiation a possibility?

Can contact be made with hot, toxic or caustic substances?

Are there dusts, fumes, mists or vapours in the air?

Preventative Measures/Controls

After completing the risk assessment and having taken account of existing controls the company should be able to determine whether existing controls are adequate or need improving or new controls are required. The following provides examples of implementing the hierarchy of controls.

Elimination – modify a design to eliminate the hazard, e.g introduce mechanical lifting devices to eliminate the manual handling hazard.

Substitution – substitute a less hazardous material or reduce the system energy e.g lower the force, amperage, pressure, temperature, etc .

Engineering Controls – install ventilation systems, machine guarding, interlocks, sound enclosures, etc.

Signage, warnings and/or administrative controls – install alarms, safety procedures, equipment inspections, access controls.

Personal protective equipment – safety glasses , hearing protection, face shields, safety harnesses and lanyards, respirators and gloves.

Eliminate the Hazard

This is the most effective measure, some examples are:

Choose a different process

Modify an existing process

Substitute with less hazardous substance

Improve environment (ventilation)

Modify or change equipment or tools

Contain the Hazard

If the hazard cannot be eliminated, contact might be prevented by using enclosures, machine guards, worker booths or similar devices.

Revise Work Procedure

Consideration might be given to modifying steps that are hazardous, changing the sequence of steps or adding additional steps (such as locking out energy sources)

Reduce the Exposure

These measures are the least effective and should only be used if no other solutions are possible. One way to minimizing exposure is to reduce the number of times the hazard is encountered.

Communication of Job Hazard Analysis to Workers

When the Job Hazard Analysis is completed, the results must be communicated to all workers who are, or who will be, performing the job. The job hazard analysis must be discussed by the employees performing the job to ensure that all the basic steps have been noted, are in the correct order, have suitable controls and be documented and signed by the worker and supervisor. Supervisors will ensure that workers are following the appropriate control procedures.

Hazard Reporting System

Policy

PENWIN Group is committed to identifying and removing or controlling hazards. The hazard reporting system is a worker-oriented process. Workers are in the best position to identify the hazards in the workplace because they are the ones who perform the work. Workers act as a second set of eyes for supervisors.

Procedure

Worker Responsibilities

Report any perceived hazard verbally to the site supervisor.

Provide recommendations to the supervisor on how to eliminate or control the hazard.

If the supervisor does not respond to your concern you are to inform management.

Supervisor Responsibilities

Discuss the hazard and controls with the worker and complete the Hazard Identification Form.

Respond to the worker’s concern by the next shift.

Ensure that the form details the action or non-action which will be taken.

Provide a copy of the completed Hazard Identification Form to middle management.

Middle Management Responsibilities

Ensure action is taken to address the hazard identified.

Initialize and date the Hazard Identification Form.

See ATTACHMENT for:

Hazard Identification Form

Risk Assesment

Risk assessment is the process where you:

Identify hazards.

Analyze or evaluate the risk associated with that hazard.

Determine appropriate ways to eliminate or control the hazard.

In practical terms, a risk assessment is a thorough look at your workplace to identify those things, situations, processes, etc that may cause harm, particularly to people. After identification is made, you evaluate how likely and severe the risk is, and then decide what measures should be in place to effectively prevent or control the harm from happening.

Risk assessments are very important as they form an integral part of a good occupational health and safety management plan. They help to:

Create awareness of hazards and risks.

Identify who may be at risk (employees, cleaners, visitors, contractors, the public, etc).

Determine if existing control measures are adequate or if more should be done.

Prevent injuries or illnesses when done at the design or planning stage.

Prioritize hazards and control measures.

The aim of the risk assessment process is to remove a hazard or reduce the level of its risk by adding precautions or control measures, as necessary. By doing so, you have created a safer and healthier workplace.

Assessments should be done by a competent team of individuals who have a good working knowledge of the workplace. Staff should be involved always include supervisors and workers who work with the process under review as they are the most familiar with the operation.

In general, to do an assessment, you should:

Identify hazards.

Evaluate the likelihood of an injury or illness occurring, and its severity.

Consider normal operational situations as well as non-standard events such as shutdowns, power outages, emergencies, etc.

Review all available heath and safety information about the hazard such as MSDSs, manufacturers literature, information from reputable organizations, results of testing, etc.

Identify actions necessary to eliminate or control the risk.

Monitor and evaluate to confirm the risk is controlled.

Keep any documentation or records that may be necessary. Documentation may include detailing the process used to assess the risk, outlining any evaluations, or detailing how conclusions were made.

When doing an assessment, you must take into account:

the methods and procedures used in the processing, use, handling or storage of the substance, etc.

the actual and the potential exposure of workers

the measures and procedures necessary to control such exposure by means of engineering controls, work practices, and hygiene practices and facilities

By determining the level of risk associated with the hazard, the employer and the joint he Ranking or prioritizing hazards is one way to help determine which hazard is the most serious and thus which hazard to control first. Priority is usually established by taking into account the employee exposure and the potential for accident, injury or illness. By assigning a priority to the hazards, you are creating a ranking or an action list. The following factors play an important role:

percentage of workforce exposed

frequency of exposure

degree of harm likely to result from the exposure

probability of occurrence

There is no one simple or single way to determine the level of risk. Ranking hazards requires the knowledge of the workplace activities, urgency of situations, and most importantly, objective judgement.

One option is to use a table similar to the following as established by the British Standards Organization:

Note: These categorizations and the resulting asymmetry of the matrix arise from the examples of harm and likelihood illustrated within the British Standard. Organizations should adjust the design and size of the matrix to suit their needs.

Definitions for Likelihood of Harm

Very Likely - Typically experienced at least once every six months by an individual.

Likely - Typically experienced once every five years by an individual.

Unlikely - Typically experienced once during the working lifetime of an individual.

Very unlikely – Less than 1% chance of being experienced by an individual during their working lifetime.

Definitions for Severity of Harm

Potential severity of harm – When establishing potential severity of harm, information about the relevant work activity should be considered, together with:

a) part(s) of the body likely to be affected;

b) nature of the harm, ranging from slight to extremely harmful:

1. slightly harmful (e.g., superficial injuries; minor cuts and bruises; eye irritation from dust; nuisance and irritation; ill-health leading to temporary discomfort)

2. harmful (e.g., lacerations; burns; concussion; serious sprains; minor fractures; deafness; dermatitis; asthma; work-related upper limb disorders; ill-health)

3. extremely harmful (e.g., amputations; major fractures; poisonings; multiple injuries; fatal injuries; occupational cancer; other severely life shortening diseases; acute fatal diseases)

Definition for Risk Level – Tolerability Guidance on necessary action and timescale

Very low – These risks are considered acceptable. No further action is necessary other than to ensure that the controls are maintained.

Low – No additional controls are required unless they can be implemented at very low cost (in terms of time, money, and effort). Actions to further reduce these risks are assigned low priority. Arrangements should be made to ensure that the controls are maintained.

Medium – Consideration should be as to whether the risks can be lowered, where applicable, to a tolerable level and preferably to an acceptable level, but the costs of additional risk reduction measures should be taken into account. The risk reduction measures should be implemented within a defined time period. Arrangements should be made to ensure that controls are maintained, particularly if the risk levels area associated with harmful consequences.

High – Substantial efforts should be made to reduce the risk. Risk reduction measures should be implemented urgently within a defined time period and it might be necessary to consider suspending or restricting the activity, or to apply interim risk control measures, until this has been completed. Considerable resources might have to be allocated to additional control measures. Arrangements should be made to ensure that controls are maintained, particularly if the risk levels are associated with extremely harmful consequences and very harmful consequences.

Very high – These risk are unacceptable. Substantial improvements in risk control measures are necessary so that the risk is reduced to a tolerable or acceptable level. The work activity should be halted until risk controls are implemented that reduces the risk so that it is no longer very high. If it is not possible to reduce the risk, the work should remain prohibited.

Element 4.42 : Competence , training and awareness.

Employee Training

PENWIN Group is responsible for ensuring all employees and supervisors are properly trained. It is committed to providing adequate time and resources to train all personnel to perform their duties in an efficient and safe manner.

Management is responsible for ensuring records of all completed training courses are maintained. A review of all training should take place at the regular management/supervisor meetings and meetings of the joint health and safety committee and must be completed no less than annually.

Management Training

In addition to participating in supervisory training requirements, operations management will be given the opportunity to attend advanced training in maintaining safety in the workplace.

Supervision Training

All construction supervision must attend the following safety competency courses:

Supervisor competency via an accredited organization

First aid and CPR

Fall protection train the trainer

PENWIN Group health and safety program training

Specialized tool and equipment instruction as required

Worker Training/Instruction

Workers will be instructed by a competent person to ensure that safety is maintained in the workplace. Formal training must be provided for the following:

Fall Protection

Personal Protective Equipment (Respirator, hazmat if required)

Tools and equipment (new or specialized)

Emergency Response

An evaluation must be completed to ensure workers are familiar with program content and the activities for which they will be responsible.

The objective of training is to ease the implementation of health and safety policies into specific job practices and to raise awareness and skill levels to an acceptable standard. While all employees can benefit from health and safety training, special attention should be given to the training of supervisors, trainers, and workers. Occasions when employee training may be required are:

commencement of employment

reassignment or transfer to a new job

introduction of new equipment, processes, or procedures

inadequate performance

The following topics be included in supervisory safety training:

safety and the supervisor

know your accident problems

human relations

maintaining interest in safety

instructing for safety

industrial hygiene

personal protective equipment

industrial housekeeping

material handling and storage

guarding machines and mechanisms

hand and portable power tools

fire protection

The supervisor is generally responsible for much of the training of workers. This duty, however, is often delegated to an experienced worker. To be an effective instructor, an instructor should:

Receive training in how to instruct.

Prepare an orderly plan for instruction.

Explain reasons why each step must be done in a certain way.

All instructors should be taught how to proceed when training a new or inexperienced employee:

Plan the session beforehand; break the job down into steps; have training aids available.

Explain what is to be done.

Describe all the hazards and protective measures.

Demonstrate each step, stress key points, and answer any questions.

Have the employee carry out each step, correct errors, and compliment good performance.

Check frequently after the employee is working independently to ensure correct performance.

Documented correct work procedures are an invaluable aid in job skills training. External sources for training assistance are industry associations, unions, government agencies, and professional consultants.

Once the health and safety program has been set in place and the program appears to be running smoothly, effort is still required to maintain enthusiasm and interest. Studies have shown that the effectiveness of health and safety educational techniques depends largely on how much importance management is seen to place on health and safety. Where management, by its actions, has shown that they are sincerely concerned, interest in the program can be maintained at a high level. Accountability for individual performance is a key motivator.

Safety awareness can be enhanced by:

the setting of realistic goals and monitoring progress

distribution of all pertinent information

individual recognition for superior performance

general meetings, tailgate talks, and one-on-one coaching

well-designed incentive programs

The safety incentive program is probably the most controversial. Most incentive programs are based on the rationale that anything that raises safety awareness is worthwhile. However, there are those who do not share this viewpoint. They maintain that these programs lead to under-reporting of accidents and promoting of the “walking wounded” syndrome. Programs must not encourage workers to remain at work when doing so is unsafe for them due to their physical condition. Therefore, when an incentive program is launched, strict controls must be maintained to prevent this from happening. The joint health and safety committee can play a leading role in activities designed to promote the program and participation of all employees.

Element 4.4.4 : Documentation

Documentation ensures that all trainings conducted are properly recorded and

documented. Documents should be easily retrieved for audit or inspection. Legal

requirements also require that all safety and health training be properly

documented.

Training records are normally kept in the personal files of employees, with the

following details:

1. Employee name, employee number and identification card number;

2. Training attended;

3. Length of training; and

4. Instructor.

Training records are important as they allow you to determine if an employee

has undergone a specific training or not. If yes, you can then determine if the

training has been effective. If no, then you should arrange for the employee to

undergo training. This allows you to keep track of the effectiveness of the

training programmes and whether they result in any improvement.

Records Review and Statistical Analysis

Guidelines

In order to recognize hazards and monitor the success of the Construction Health & Safety Program, reports, records and other performance measures must be reviewed. Analysis of these reports will provide information regarding what elements of the entire program need attention and improvement, and will assist in the prevention of accidents and injuries.

In addition to Hazard Assessment Procedures already in place, it is PENWIN Group policy to perform annual reviews of the following performance measures:

Hazard reports

Accident investigations

Lost time injury reports

Joint Health & Safety Committee, JHSC, minutes

To review data from these sources, it is necessary to establish a system to document, maintain and keep records on all injuries, accidents, and incidents that occur on all projects.

Records Review and Statistical Analysis Procedures

All project safety data is registered and recorded at the project, with appropriate responses initiated immediately (accident investigation, etc.)

All project safety data are copied to management.

Project inspection checklists from routine safety inspections may be collected and statistically analyzed in a Health & Safety report (annually/bi-annually).

All other project safety data is presented and reviewed using charts and graphs in annual report that assesses:

Project Safety Data

Statistical Focus Examples

Project inspections

Number performed, issue involved, hazards identified

Accident investigations

Number performed, recommendations, by occupation

Lost Time injuries

Frequency, injury type, body part involved, by

occupation

Joint Health &Safety

Committee, JHSC, minutes

Issues identified, follow up, meeting frequency

Appropriate action is taken, beginning with management, to respond to trends, repeated contravention, repeated injuries or commonly identified hazards.

Elements 4.4.5 : Control of Documents

Keeping records of your assessment and any control actions taken is very important. You may be required to store assessments for a specific number of years. Check for local requirements in your jurisdiction.

The level of documentation or record keeping will depend on:

level of risk involved,

legislated requirements, and/or

requirements of any management systems that may be in place.

Your records should show that you:

conducted a good hazard review,

determined the risks of those hazards,

implemented control measures suitable for the risk,

reviewed and monitored all hazards in the workplace.

Roles and Responsibilities

Worker

Report all accidents, incidents, first aid occurrences, lost time injuries and equipment damage to project supervisor.

Supervisor

Record all accidents, incidents, first aid occurrences, lost time injuries, equipment.

damage, MOL reports and JHSC minutes and make available on the project.

Send all relevant health and safety information to head office.

Coordinate first aid response, accident investigation or other follow up procedures subsequent to an occurrence.

Senior Management

Maintain records of orientation, project inspections, safety audits, MOL reports and follow up actions.

Monitor injury frequency rates.

Compile an annual report on all health and safety activities and occurrences on a project.

Ensure follow up performed for all action items.

Ensure appropriate actions are taken following review of quarterly project safety data report.

Conclusion

To ensure effectiveness an implementation of OHSAS 18001:2007 , Management review is an essential part of any Occupational Health and Safety HYPERLINK “http://www.edunetsys.com/consulting/importance-of-management-review-ohsas-180012007/technology”management system (OH&S MS). It is like stock taking. This is carried out at predetermined interval based on what has been the complexity and nature of organization. Agenda of any management review should focus on following key points:-

 

Review of internal audit results and evaluation of compliance in respect of legal and other requirements to which the company subscribes.

Results of participation and consultation. This is a new addition and focus on participation and consultation suggests importance of bringing in every member of organization in to its mainstream.

Performance evaluation of objectives which have been initially set up and time framed. This gives an idea about performance of OHS management system and redefining or objectives.

Status of incident investigations, record of incidents reported during the intervening period, corrective and preventive action taken.

Communication from interested parties, complaints – action taken status and suggestions thereof.

Organization’s preparedness against changing environment, development in respect of legal or other requirement.

Points related to previous management reviews.

 

Any organization’s OH&SMS which lays strong emphasis on management reviews will benefit a lot in terms of enhanced safety compliance and employee satisfaction. It has been observed that organizations that get certified under OHSAS 18001 just for the name sake and do not lay much importance on its implementation would not be able to derive any benefits.   

Occupational health and safety in an organization is as important as its operations. A strong system brings stability in any organization’s operations and enhances its core strength.