Safety Management Systems Overview

A dangerous situation, object, or condition that has the potential to cause harm.

The chance that a hazard will actually cause harm, along with the severity of that harm.

Any factor that contributes to the existence of a hazard or influences the likelihood or severity of a risk.

A system that outlines the steps needed to manage hazards and risks, ensuring the safety of workers and the workplace.

The understanding and practice of ethical conduct in professional settings, including safety responsibilities.

The range of scientific disciplines that contribute to workplace safety, including biology, psychology, and engineering.

The ability to effectively lead and manage teams and organizations to achieve safety goals.

A plan outlining how a business will continue operations during and after an emergency, focusing on critical functions and resources.

A structured hierarchy within an organization defining lines of authority and communication during emergencies.

A system of strategies and processes to prevent, manage, and respond to crises, protecting stakeholders and reputation.

Identifying potential workplace hazards and implementing strategies to reduce or eliminate their impact.

Process of creating comprehensive documents and procedures outlining actions to be taken during emergencies.

Putting emergency plans into practice by conducting drills, simulations, and periodic reviews to test effectiveness.

The study of factors in the workplace that affect employee well-being, including culture, diversity, and inclusion.

The application of psychological principles to understand and enhance workplace performance, motivation, and well-being.

Conditions that can arise from work and lead to health issues, including asthma, PTSD, and chemical sensitivities.

A professional certified by the Governing Board, applying broad safety knowledge to analyze and design systems for optimal hazard control. They focus on loss control, incident prevention, and environmental protection.

A CRSP® uses their expertise to analyze and design systems for optimum control over hazards and exposures detrimental to people, equipment, materials, and the environment.

Artificial intelligence (AI) can be used in workplace design to automate processes, analyze data for safety insights, and provide real-time risk assessments.

Robotics can automate tasks, reduce manual labor, and improve precision and consistency, leading to safer working conditions.

A method used to determine the passing score for exams like the CRSP and CRST by examining question difficulty and candidate performance.

Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) are guidelines for workplace exposures to airborne substances. They are set by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) and represent levels to which most workers can be exposed daily without adverse effects.

Biological Exposure Indices (BEIs) are guidelines for workplace exposures to substances that are absorbed into the worker's body and measured in biological samples (e.g., blood, urine, exhaled air). They are also set by the ACGIH and serve to assess the effectiveness of preventative measures.

A statistical procedure used to determine the difficulty of exam questions based on how candidates answered them (correctly or incorrectly).

These are agreements between organizations that make it easier for professionals to hold multiple credentials with a simplified application process .

These are controls designed to prevent or minimize exposure to biological hazards in the workplace. Examples might include vaccinations, protective clothing, or proper hygiene practices.

These are control measures used to manage environmental hazards in the workplace, such as noise, radiation, or extreme temperatures. They might involve engineering controls, administrative controls, or personal protective equipment.

Occupational illnesses and diseases are health problems that result from exposure to hazards in the workplace. These illnesses can be caused by a variety of factors including but not limited to: biological hazards, chemical hazards, physical hazards, and ergonomic hazards.

Occupational hygiene measurement and sampling involves collecting data on workplace exposures to identify potential hazards and evaluate the effectiveness of controls.

Ventilation is the process of moving air in or out of a space to control temperature, humidity, and air quality. Types of ventilation include local exhaust systems, general ventilation, and air supply systems.

The systematic process of managing the risks of fire hazards in a workplace. This involves identifying potential fire hazards, assessing the risks they pose, developing and implementing fire safety measures, and training employees on fire safety procedures.

The study of how people interact with their work environment to improve safety and reduce injuries. Focuses on designing workspaces and jobs to minimize physical strain and risk.

A set of guidelines for responsible and ethical behavior in the occupational health and safety field.

A globally recognized system for classifying and labeling chemicals, providing consistent information on potential hazards and safety precautions.

An integrated system for managing incidents, including structure, roles, and responsibilities, aimed at effective response and coordination.

The integration of human resource practices and occupational health and safety initiatives to create a safe and healthy work environment.

A set of standards for companies to demonstrate responsible and ethical business practices, considering social, environmental and economic factors.

The study and practice of protecting workers from hazards in the workplace, aiming to prevent injuries, illnesses, and fatalities.

A comprehensive body of knowledge covering all aspects of occupational health and safety, providing a structured resource for professionals.

A combination of factors that contribute to or influence the occurrences of accidents and incidents in the workplace, including human factors, organizational factors, and environmental factors.