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Learning Outcomes
• Outline the key elements of a health and safety
management system.
• Explain the purpose and importance of setting
policy for health and safety.
• Describe the key features and appropriate content
of an effective health and safety policy.
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Unit IGC1: Element 2.1
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ILO-OSH 2001 Safety and Health
Management System
Follows the PDCA cycle:
• Plan – what you’re going to do.
• Do – it!
• Check – that what you’re doing is working.
• Act – if what you’re doing isn’t working as well as
it should.
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Safety Management System
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Key Elements of ILO-OSH 2001
We will cover this in more detail in a minute…
– Policy.
– Organising.
– Planning and implementing.
– Evaluation.
– Action for Improvement.
– Audit.
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Key Elements of ILO-OSH 2001
Policy:
– Clear statement of commitment to health and safety.
Organising:
– Roles and responsibilities for health and safety.
– At all levels in the organisation.
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Key Elements of ILO-OSH 2001
Evaluation:
– Methods to monitor and review the effectiveness of the
arrangements.
Audit:
– Independent, critical and systematic review of the
management system.
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End-of-Section Quiz
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Unit IGC1: Element 2.2
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Health and Safety Policy
An important document:
• The foundation stone for good health and safety
management in an organisation.
• Sets out the organisation’s aims.
• Identifies who is responsible for achieving these aims.
• States how the aims are to be achieved.
• Specific to each organisation’s requirements.
(Not to be confused with “Policy” in the H&S management
system model.)
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Group Discussion Point
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Why Have a Written Policy?
Legal compliance.
Meet management-systems standards
(ILO-OSH 2001, OHSAS 18001).
Clear communication.
Continuous Improvement.
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End-of-Section Quiz
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Unit IGC1: Element 2.3
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Key Elements of a H&S Policy
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General Statement of Intent
• Setting overall aims and
objectives.
• Complying with law.
• Achieving standards.
• Reminds workers at all levels of their
responsibilities.
• Signed and dated by the most senior
person.
• Regular review.
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Group Discussion Point
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Organisation Section
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Organisation Section
• Outlines the chain of
command for health and
safety management.
• Identifies the roles and
responsibilities of staff.
• Usually includes an
organisational chart
relating to health and
safety.
• Shows lines of
communication and
feedback.
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Organisation Section
Defines responsibilities for:
The CEO or MD – ultimately responsible and
accountable.
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Arrangements Section
Examples of topics:
Carrying out risk assessments.
Information, instruction and training.
Compliance monitoring, including auditing.
Accident and near-miss reporting, recording and
investigation.
Consultation with workers.
Developing safe systems of work.
Welfare and first-aid provision.
Fire safety and prevention.
Emergency procedures.
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Individual Activity
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Arrangements Section
Specific Risks and Problems
• Lone working.
• Noise.
• Vibration.
• Hazardous substances.
• Control of contractors.
• Transport risks.
• Waste disposal.
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Reviewing the Policy
Some reasons for review:
Changes in:
Key personnel.
Management structure.
Ownership.
Processes.
Technology.
Legislation.
Incident.
Enforcement action.
After audit.
After worker consultation.
Passage of time, e.g. annually.
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International Standards for Policy
Article 14
ILO Recommendation R164
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End-of-Section Quiz
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