Introduction
Businesses of all sectors and sizes adopt a thorough health and safety management system for the well-being of their employees. The system ensures that this structured method enhances workplace safety and improves the overall performance of the workforce. Read on to learn more about the importance of an Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS) for an organisation.
Understanding Health and Safety Management System
A Health and Safety Management System is a proven approach to reducing risk and improving productivity. For a business, being certified in an international occupational health and safety management system shows that management is actively identifying, managing, and controlling health risks.
A comprehensive Health and Safety Management System:
- Identifies legal requirements and other safety requirements.
- Defines the structure of a framework, determines authority and assigns responsibilities.
- Sets measurable improvement objectives and goals.
- Conducts thorough structured risk assessments.
- Documents various health and safety protocols for employees from multiple departments.
- Monitors issues and audits performances regularly to update processes timely.
- Ensures that training is provided at the right time and awareness regarding processes is spread.
HIRA Full Form
HIRA full form: Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment is a structured process used in occupational health and safety to identify potential hazards at a workplace. Risk assessment is a part of the process which further entails:
- Recognising hazards that could cause harm to people, property or the environment.
- Evaluating the likelihood and severity of these risks.
The goal of HIRA is to prevent workplace incidents by addressing hazards before they result in accidents or injuries.
5 Common Pitfalls in Health and Safety Management Systems
Importance of occupational health and safety management systems for a business gets accentuated in case of unforeseen accidents and hazards. Here are 5 common problems that plague every health and safety management system of a workplace:
- Neglecting Periodical Risk Assessment
Failing to assess workplace hazards regularly can result in unnoticed yet serious accidents. Over time, employee safety is compromised which further causes issues with regulatory compliance and more. The overall risk management strategy can be compromised if a risk assessment is not done as and when the objectives of a company evolve.
Remedy: The management must come up with a scheduled risk assessment plan which must include timely hazard identification, evaluation and proper control. Standardised checklists and key personnel also ensure that new risks are regularly addressed by the leadership.
- Insufficient Training of Employees
Without proper training, employees may not understand the latest safety procedures. Certain workplace hazards crop up as and when the operations of a business evolve. This lack of awareness increases a sense of unsafe behaviour and accidents in the workforce. Non-compliance with changing safety standards also goes up.
Remedy: Implementing comprehensive yet regular training programs tailored according to the roles of individuals is an effective way to maintain safety standards. Hazard recognition programs, emergency response teams and refreshing sessions across all levels of staff are also essential.
- Cloudy Communication Channels
Unclear communication channels can confuse safety policies and standards. Changed safety procedures often cause misinterpretation and rule violations if not followed properly. This can also lead to the breakdown of the effectiveness of health and safety systems.
Remedy: The leadership should create structured communication channels for employees from all levels. Regular safety briefings, visible signage and digital alerts are some other ways to ensure that two-way communication channels remain clear and consistent.
- Delayed Incident Reporting
Delayed incident reporting can be a serious problem for organizations. The root cause of the problem is often left uninvestigated which allows hazards to persist and worsen during a crisis. This further erodes accountability and increases the risk of worsening the condition.
Remedy: A business must create a no-blame reporting culturand hold regular safety meetings. The latest OHSMS software must be installed that allows immediate documentation of all incidents. Accessible reporting tools are also essential as they allow the execution of timely corrective actions.
- Poor Maintenance of Existing Systems
Businesses often neglect the maintenance of essential equipment and infrastructure which can lead to unsafe working conditions. If electronic systems are not uploaded at the right time, malfunctions can lead to major breaches of data. Over time, this increases the risk of accidents and costs due to emergency repairs or other liabilities.
Remedy: A regular maintenance schedule must be maintained with a dedicated team for regular inspections. Maintaining checklists, assigning responsibilities and documenting activities that ensure operational continuity is a must. All these activities must be compliant with relevant standards.
Conclusion
The aim of the Occupational Health and Safety Management System is to protect employees, strengthen the reputation of an organisation and ensure financial stability. HIRA and OHSMS are essential for any business to run smoothly. Neglecting safety responsibilities can lead to significant fines, and operational disruptions and cause long-term damage to brands. Therefore, an organization must make sure that safety systems are up-to-date and aligned with the objectives.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. 1 What is the best way to conduct HIRA in an organisation?
Answer 1: The best way to conduct HIRA or Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment is to identify risks, recognise hazards, assess associated risks, evaluate controls and implement mitigation methods. Consistent training and engagement of employees and regularly reviewing the process ensures maximum effectiveness and complete compliance.
Q. 2 What are the main benefits of implementing HIRA?
Answer 2: Some of the most prominent benefits of HIRA are reducing accidents, improving operational consistency during crises and managing workplace risks effectively. HIRA contributes to a safer and more efficient working environment to strengthen the reputation of an organisation.
Q. 3 What are the essential components of HIRA?
Answer 3: Key components of HIRA include hazard identification, risk analysis, risk evaluation and control implementation. Proper documentation, clear communication and employee participation further help an organisation manage risks effectively at all levels of an organisation.
Q. 4 Which ISO underlines the requirements of maintaining an occupational health and safety management system?
Answer 4: ISO 45001:2018 is the international standard that outlines requirements for the Occupational Health and Safety Management System. The system helps an organisation to reduce risks at the workplace, improve safety standards and enhance the well-being of employees.
Q. 5 How often should a business update or review occupational health and safety management systems?
Answer 5: OHSMS and HIRA should be reviewed at least once every year. However, the frequency also depends on significant changes such as the scale of operations, changes in regulations and so on. These security systems must align with an organisation’s realities and safety objectives for complete compliance.
Lexy Summer is a talented writer with a deep passion for the art of language and storytelling. With a background in editing and content creation, Lexy has honed her skills in crafting clear, engaging, and grammatically flawless writing.
