Safety Policy and Organizational Structure

Safety Policy

• A written document communicating management's commitment to the safety program and SMS.
• Includes: management commitment statement, purpose and benefits of SMS, method of monitoring safety performance, commitment to financial and human resources, and clear employee expectations.
• Outlines the organizational structure responsible for SMS, with the safety manager at the helm.

Organizational Structure

• Includes specific positions responsible for ensuring SMS success.
• The safety manager monitors compliance and non-compliance, taking corrective actions.

Procedures

• Multiple procedures are part of SMS, such as training, lockout/tagout, and confined space.
• Procedures for SMS itself include record keeping, retention, periodic and annual reviews, management of change, auditing, and management of non-compliant areas.
• Clear levels of authority and lines of communication are established.

Advantages of OSHAS 18001

• Widely accepted and recognized globally.
• Increases employee and management engagement.
• Improves company and product acceptance, enhancing business expansion opportunities.
• Reduces insurance premium costs through improved overall SRM.
• Reduces production delays and downtime from injuries.
• Provides a systematic platform for communication.
• Serves as a platform for continuous improvement.

Disadvantages of OSHAS 18001

• Cost of SMS external auditing.
• Human resource commitment from management and employees.
• Other costs, including standards purchase, increased auditing, and potential system bureaucracy.

ISO 45001

• Developed by the International Organization of Standardization (ISO).
• A voluntary consensus standard focusing on enhancing overall health and well-being of employees.
• Globally recognized and sound principles in the safety profession.

ANSI Z10

• A framework with basic components that must be tailored to fit individual company needs.
• Components include:
  • Management leadership and employee participation.
  • Planning.
  • Implementation and operation.
  • Evaluation and corrective action.
  • Management review.
• The basic process is presented graphically in Figure 29.5.
• A useful outline of ANSI Z-10 written program includes management leadership, OHSMS policy, responsibility and authority, and more.

This quiz covers the essential elements of a safety policy and the organizational structure responsible for implementing a successful Safety Management System (SMS).