What is a management system?
A management system is a formal system for setting out what needs to be done, by whom, to what standard and when. It also sets out the way in which the system will be monitored to ensure thats it’s working as expected.
In small low-risk organisations its usually simply and easy to implement. However as organisations grow, the importance of the system and it’s complexity can grow considerably.
What does the law require of management systems?
The law requires you to have effective arrangements in place for the planning, organisation, control, monitoring and review of protective measures.
What if I don’t have a proper management system for health and safety?
A management system is a legal duty so the company, and it’s senior managers can be held responsible for any resulting accidents and injuries. Likely your organisation will be less efficient and profitable without well considered systems.
Productions have occurred where there have been no accidents but poor management created unacceptable risk to staff and others.
Are there set standards for safety management systems?
Many UK businesses follow the HSE defined standard HSG(65)
The most popular international safety management standard is ISO 45001.
Both these safety management systems tend to follow a standard, “Plan, Do, Check, Act” cycle. This is true of both quality and safety management systems the world over.
Smaller organisations often adopt their own systems which is totally fine.
Whatever safety management system you have in place it needs to ensure risks to health in your workplace are reduce to an appropriate level. This means the core of all safety management systems is an ongoing risk assessment process.
Providing staff with appropriate safety training is a big part of all health and safety management systems. You’ll also need to store certificates and repeat training at appropriate intervals.
Contact us if you wish to discuss your businesses safety training.
