06. Understanding the Manager’s Responsibilities (HSMS)

Question 1

There are a number of recognised safety management systems, notably: 2

Answer 1

HSG65 (1997) HSE Guidance on successful health and safety management (2 nd edition) BS OHSAS 18001 (2007) Occupational health and safety management systems – Requirements

Question 2

Benefits of a safety management system (SMS) 5

Answer 2

Creates a structured management framework to enable action, notably delivering on the policy; Supports and promotes good health and safety practise; Demonstrates compliance with legal and other requirements; Enables integration with other management systems (e.g. for quality, environment, security etc.); and Provides an objective framework for audit.

Question 3

Safety Management System Components

Answer 3

PolicyPlanningImplementation and Operation Checking and Corrective Action Management Review

Question 4

Policy

Answer 4

The health and safety policy should establish the overall sense of direction and set the principles of action for the organisation. It should also demonstrate the formal commitment of the organization’s top management, towards good health and safety management and set objectives for levels of responsibility and performance required throughout the organization.

Question 5

Planning

Answer 5

The processes of hazard identification and risk assessment will need to be applied to determine the controls that are necessary to reduce the risks of incidents.

Question 6

Implementation and Operation

Answer 6

Resources, Roles and Responsibilities Competence, training and awareness Communication, participation and consultation Documentation and Document Control Operational Control Emergency preparedness and response

Question 7

Checking and Corrective Action

Answer 7

Performance Measuring and Monitoring A systematic approach for measuring and monitoring health and safety performance on a regular basis is an integral part of an organizations overall management system. Proactive and Reactive measures are required (see Module 8)

Question 8

Management Review

Answer 8

Management reviews should focus on the overall performance of the Health and safety management system with regard to: Suitability (is the system appropriate to the organizations size and risk profile?); Adequacy (is the system fully addressing the organization’s health and safety policy and objectives?); and Effectiveness (is it accomplishing the desired results?).