Managing the health and safety process in an organization is typically a systematic and continuous cycle, often summarized by the “Plan, Do, Check, Act” model or similar structured approaches.
Here is a breakdown of the key stages and activities involved in managing the Health and Safety process:
🧭 The Core Management Process
Many systems follow a cyclical process to ensure continuous improvement:
1. Plan: Setting the Direction
- Create a Policy & Commitment: Establish a formal Health and Safety Policy outlining the organization’s commitment, aims, objectives, and management responsibilities.
- Risk Assessment: Systematically identify hazards (things that could cause harm) and assess the risks (the likelihood and severity of harm).
- Set Objectives: Establish measurable safety and health objectives and performance standards.
- Develop the Plan: Outline the necessary actions, procedures, and responsibilities for controlling risks and achieving the objectives.
2. Do: Implementing the Plan
- Establish a Positive Culture: Encourage a “safety first” mindset through visible management commitment and active worker involvement.
- Implement Controls: Apply the necessary preventative and protective measures, prioritizing the Hierarchy of Controls (Elimination, Substitution, Engineering, Administrative, and PPE).
- Provide Resources & Training: Ensure adequate budget, personnel, equipment, and training are provided to enable safe work.
- Communicate and Consult: Clearly communicate policies and procedures to all staff, and actively involve workers in the process.
3. Check: Monitoring Performance
- Active Monitoring (Proactive): Regularly inspect the workplace, audit systems, and measure performance against established objectives and standards (e.g., checking training completion, maintenance schedules, or safe behavior).
- Reactive Monitoring: Investigate all accidents, near misses, and work-related ill-health incidents to determine immediate and underlying causes.
- Analyze Data: Review all collected information (inspections, incident reports, audit findings) to identify trends and areas for improvement.
4. Act: Review and Improve
- Performance Review: Top management formally reviews the overall health and safety performance and the effectiveness of the management system.
- Make Changes: Update the Health and Safety Policy, risk assessments, and procedures based on the review findings, monitoring results, and any new legislative requirements.
- Seek Commitment: Secure renewed commitment from all levels for the necessary improvements, starting the cycle of continuous improvement again.
🔑 Key Elements for Success
- Management Leadership and Commitment: Safety must be given the same priority as other core business goals.
- Worker Participation: Involving employees at all stages is crucial, as they have firsthand knowledge of the risks.
- Competence: Ensuring that all personnel (including managers) are properly trained, competent, and supervised.
- Documentation: Keeping clear, up-to-date records of policies, risk assessments, training, and monitoring activities.