OHS Management Systems and Impact on Business Practices

Article by: Wayne J Harris

Are you prepared for the forthcoming global changes in regards to standardisation of EHS or OHS management systems, or the correlation with other international standards? With the number of changes and introduction of new standards taking place over the next 3 years people need to start now to evaluate the impact on local and global business practices.

Over the last 25 years the merits of having a quality approach to business has been firmly cemented into the fabric of many organisations, from small family businesses, to major international conglomerates. Yet for many years there was a tendency to view quality management systems as bureaucratic and just a means to put a certificate on the office wall.  (Unfortunately in some cases these organisations still exist).

The next phase in standards implementation will take many industries to the next level of risk and safety management strategies, improvements and operational efficiency.  In addition organisations are facing stronger demands from employees and clients to address Occupational Health and Safety. So for some organisations major changes will be required if they are to survive.

New OHS Standard 45001: 2016

The good news is ISO have started the process of developing an international standard for Occupational Health and Safety Management (ISO 45001: 2016) due to be released in late 2016.

It is hoped that the introduction of the ISO 45001:2016 standard will have a positive impact on global acceptance to OHS.  Time will tell if the present ISO working committee have got it right, if not it could turn out to be a basic cosmetic makeover of OHSAS 18001, with very little impact.

If you consider there are three major changes to ISO management standards including, Quality and Environment in 2015 and OHS in 2016, you have to question when, or if, your organisation should make the transition.  As with any systems changes you will need to take into account aspects such as, development cost, staff training and re-certification.

It might pay to hold back on any certification and changes until after the OHS standard is officially released in 2016. Then you can make one integrated change across your management systems, limiting any financial, time or operational impacts and make implementation feasible.

Planning for the Future

 

So how do we plan for the future, when uncertainty is now a common theme popping up in business discussions and board meetings?  It’s a case of being positive and accepting that change is needed. Business leaders must be prepared and willing to adapt to remain competitive and more importantly retain profitability, otherwise failure may well be the next stage of corporate evolution.

In today’s global business environment the pressure to have demonstrable safety management practices has never been higher. The desire and need to have a lean management approach has been one of the top corporate objectives, especially since the global financial collapse in 2008.

Now is the time to have a real good look at your organisation and start to plan you strategic change in regards to management systems. There will be a tendency by some people to do things on an ad-hock basis, but ultimately this will create long-term issues in regards to systems integration.

Summary

Over the next 3 years will see the biggest impact on management systems since ISO 9000 was first introduced to the business world in 1987.  Every one of us will have a part to play in making sure that any changes are a success. It’s with innovation and clear strategies that organisations will achieve positive and sustainable OHS improvements.

 

 

Good leaders are those who know how to inspire and challenge people at all levels of an organization to achieve their best performance. In addition they support and provide the resources necessary to ensure it is possible to meet the safety objectives that have been set

– Wayne J Harris