systems

“Systems” Approach

The aim of ISM is to provide clients with:

“A simple, affordable, legally compliant WHS Management System, specific to client’s activities and risks including education to facilitate ongoing system maintenance and sustainability”

So…what is a system? A system is a group of parts which work together to produce an end goal or objective – there are systems for making cakes, repairing a car or doing the dishes: we are a society of systems!   The issue is though, if one part of the system fails or is taken out, the system is changed – it may not work or may fail completely! For example, changing a tyre on a car – if all of the planning, tools and competent people are not effectively provided, the system breaks down and requires change. The system is still there, but is now different to “normal”, requiring “on the spot” change to get the car moving again. If the change is not effective (in line with the system) a failure may occur.

In short, the objective of a system is to identify “what could go wrong with work activities and put preventive measures in place”. All pieces of a system go together and while functions may occur, if one part of the system is taken out (or fails), the functionality is compromised and the potential for system failure occurs.

Why do organisations need a Work Health and Safety (WHS) system?   If an organisation does not have a “system” for understanding and managing workplace risks, persons may be injured, legal requirements may not be met (i.e. duty of care), customers may be unhappy – all not good outcomes for overall business performance!  Systems need not be length “intent” documents, but rather an effectively written system consisting of less than 20 pages of content, based on “how” risks are to be managed. This style of management system compilation is used by ISM.

What is the “big picture” of business requirements? All businesses, no matter how large or small, want to be successful, therefore, would require:

  • Objectives/goals (specifics) of what they want to achieve;
  • A Plan of how, when, why and “what if” to ensure they achieve their objectives;
  • Methods of making the plan work “practically” in the day-to-day business;
  • Steps to monitor and measure what is being done – ensuring that objectives will be met. That is, if “methods” or “the Plan” is a little off the track, actions (adjustments) should be made to make objectives achievable; and
  • An overall business review to determine if objectives were met and ways to improve performance for the future.

If businesses adopt the above “systematic” approach for their business, the logical step is to include WHS within the same processes – which are exactly what legislation requires and makes good business sense!!

Safety makes good business sense: a safe business usually is an effective one as the principles involved in producing an effective WHS system, also assist in managing/improving business operations and outputs.

The most widely used system for managing WHS issues is specified in AS/NZS 4801:2001 OHS Management Systems – Specification with Guidance for Use (currently under review).

Should you wish to discuss your WHS system needs, please complete an enquiry form (via contacts page) or call.