Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems (OHSMS)

Healthcare Worker Speaking With Their Supervisor - Occupational Health And Safety Management Systems (Ohsms)

Overview

An Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS) is a comprehensive framework that ensures worker safety through a set of policies and procedures. A well-designed OHSMS safeguards employees and promotes a culture of continuous improvement in occupational health and safety.

By implementing a robust OHSMS, organizations can consistently review and update their safety protocols, assign clear responsibilities for updates, and effectively communicate changes to all staff. This ensures that everyone is aware of the safest ways to perform their duties, thereby reducing workplace incidents and enhancing overall productivity.

What We Do

At Health & Safety Professionals Inc. (HSPI), we specialize in developing and implementing tailored OHSMS solutions. Whether you’re looking to establish a new Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS) or update an existing one, our team of experts is here to provide the guidance and resources you need. We understand that busy leaders may need more time or resources to dedicate to this critical aspect of their business, so we offer our expertise to help you achieve your safety goals efficiently.

How We Support You

Our approach is customized to meet each client’s unique needs. The first meeting with an HSPI consultant always centers around you! From the initial consultation, we focus on understanding your requirements, existing systems, and overall objectives. Based on this understanding, we design a personalized plan to help you develop, implement, or update your OHSMS. Our mission is to design a plan to support you in achieving your goals.

16060

Our comprehensive OHSMS support includes:

  • Review of current policies and procedures to ensure compliance with legal standards. 

  • Development of new policies and procedures tailored to your organizational needs.

  • Conducting organizational analyses to identify gaps in data reporting and safety practices. 

  • Development of communication structures to ensure the proper flow of safety-critical information

  • Providing training for staff on the utilization of your current or new OHSMS. 

2148694108
2148976264

Areas We Have Experience In

Our consultants at HSPI have extensive experience across a wide range of sectors, ensuring that we can address the unique challenges of any industry. We have successfully completed projects for organizations in:

  • Healthcare and social services organizations

  • Municipal governments

  • First Nations communities

  • Industrial and manufacturing facilities

  • Power generation and utility providers

  • Mining

  • Retail and customer service

HSPI has worked with clients of all sizes, ranging from new businesses just beginning operations to large established companies with over 3000 workers. Regardless of the size of your organization or the length of time you have been in business, HSPI has staff who can help you meet your safety goals.

Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems (OHSMS) Frequently Asked Questions

An Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS) is a systematic approach used by organizations to manage and improve the health and safety of their employees. It includes a set of policies, procedures, and practices aimed at identifying and mitigating workplace hazards, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations, and promoting a culture of safety within the organization.

An OHSMS is essential for businesses because it helps to:

  • Prevent Workplace Injuries and Illnesses: By identifying and controlling potential hazards, an OHSMS reduces the risk of incidents and health issues.
  • Ensure Legal Compliance: It helps organizations comply with health and safety regulations and standards, avoiding legal penalties and fines.
  • Improve Productivity and Morale: A safe work environment boosts employee morale, reduces absenteeism, and enhances productivity.
  • Enhance Reputation: Demonstrating a commitment to health and safety can improve an organization’s reputation among clients, employees, and stakeholders.

The key components of an effective OHSMS include:

  • Policy: A formal statement of the organization’s commitment to health and safety.
  • Planning: The process of identifying hazards, assessing risks, and setting objectives for risk reduction.
  • Implementation and Operation: Developing procedures, assigning responsibilities, and providing resources to manage risks.
  • Evaluation: Monitoring and measuring safety performance against objectives.
  • Improvement: Taking corrective actions to address deficiencies and continuously improve safety performance.

An OHSMS improves workplace safety by:

  • Systematically Identifying Hazards: It uses tools like risk assessments and audits to identify potential hazards.
  • Implementing Control Measures: It establishes procedures and practices to control and mitigate identified risks.
  • Training Employees: It ensures that employees are trained and aware of safety protocols and procedures.
  • Promoting a Safety Culture: It fosters a culture where safety is a shared responsibility and employees are encouraged to report hazards and participate in safety initiatives.

An OHSMS should be reviewed regularly to ensure its effectiveness. This typically involves:

  • Annual Reviews: Conducting a comprehensive review of the OHSMS at least once a year.
  • Post-Incident Reviews: Reviewing the system after any significant incident or accident.
  • Regulatory Changes: Updating the OHSMS to comply with new health and safety regulations or standards.
  • Continuous Improvement: Ongoing monitoring and periodic audits to identify areas for improvement.

The responsibility for implementing and maintaining an OHSMS typically lies with:

  • Senior Management: Providing leadership and resources to support the OHSMS.
  • Safety Managers/Committees: Developing and overseeing the implementation of safety policies and procedures.
  • Employees: Participating in safety training, following safety procedures, and reporting hazards.

For employees, an OHSMS provides:

  • A Safer Work Environment: Reduced risk of injuries and illnesses.
  • Health and Well-being: Improved physical and mental health due to a safer workplace.
  • Job Satisfaction: Enhanced morale and job satisfaction knowing their employer values their safety.
  • Empowerment: Opportunities to contribute to safety initiatives and improvements.

Yes, small businesses can greatly benefit from an OHSMS. While the scale and complexity of the system may vary, even a simplified OHSMS can help small businesses manage risks, comply with regulations, and create a safer work environment. Implementing an OHSMS can also demonstrate a commitment to safety, which can be a competitive advantage.

By understanding and implementing an Occupational Health and Safety Management System, organizations can create a safer, more productive work environment, ultimately benefiting both employees and the business as a whole.