What is OHS System? Occupational Health and Safety Management System
The Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS) is one of the most widely used advanced systems today to create a safe and healthy work environment. In this article, let's delve into what the OHS System is and explore the key elements for the success of OHSMS in businesses.
What is OHS?
OHS is an acronym for "Occupational Health and Safety," referring to ensuring a work environment that is safe and not harmful to employees' health. It is also known as "Workplace Safety," or "Occupational Safety and Health" when translated into Vietnamese. OHS encompasses measures to ensure both the physical and mental well-being of employees. To ensure OHS, preventive measures, risk reduction, and compliance with health and safety regulations during work processes need to be considered.
OHS là gì ?
Why Implement the OHS System?
Implementing the Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS) is essential as it brings numerous significant benefits to both organizations and workers. Below are some key benefits explaining why the OHS system is necessary:
Protecting the Health and Safety of Workers
This is undoubtedly the first benefit that organizations can easily recognize. The OHS system ensures that the work environment is safe and not harmful to the health of workers. This system helps reduce the risk of occupational accidents and health issues.
Compliance with Legal Requirements
Currently, the majority of countries and territories worldwide enact regulations and laws regarding occupational safety that organizations must comply with. Implementing OHSMS helps organizations ensure compliance with these regulations and avoid penalties or legal responsibilities for violations.
Minimizing Risks and Related Costs
Applying the OHSMS helps organizations identify and manage occupational health and safety risks. When the risk of accidents and illnesses decreases, organizations can minimize costs related to labor incidents, such as compensations and healthcare for injured employees. Additionally, if workplace accidents occur, organizations may have to cover other associated costs, such as fines for violating labor safety laws, costs for handling public relations due to the company's affected image, etc.
3. Increase productivity and work efficiency
A safe and healthy working environment will help increase productivity and concentration at work. When workers feel more secure, they can work better. This can create a positive and fun work culture.
Implementing OHS Enhances Productivity and Work Efficiency
Providing a safe working environment not only ensures employee well-being but also makes it easier for businesses to attract new talent and retain existing personnel. Having a team of skilled, professional, and loyal employees is a robust internal resource that drives the business's future development.
Improves Organization's Reputation and Image
Workplace accidents or violations of occupational safety regulations can seriously damage an organization's reputation. Implementing the OHS system can help protect the brand and reputation of the organization in the eyes of the public and regulatory bodies.
Attracts Customers and Partners
Organizations with well-established OHS systems often enjoy a higher reputation in the community and the market. This can help attract customers and business partners who value social responsibility and sustainable development.
→ The above are just some key reasons explaining why businesses need to implement the OHS system. Organizations may discover even more benefits during the process of building the OHSMS.
Elements of OHSMS in Business
The Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS) is a crucial component of a safe and healthy work environment within a business. OHSMS helps organizations establish and maintain processes and standards to ensure the safety and health of employees during work. Below are some key elements of OHSMS:
Organizational Structure
Leadership Commitment: Commitment and support from top-level leadership are essential to ensure that the OHSMS is effectively implemented. Leadership needs to provide a clear statement about the importance of occupational health and safety and allocate resources to build the system.
OHS Department: Businesses need to establish a department or a dedicated working group responsible for occupational health and safety to manage and implement OHSMS.
Responsibilities and Authority: In addition to the dedicated department, other departments and personnel also contribute significantly to the success of OHSMS. Therefore, specific roles, responsibilities, and authority need to be assigned, suitable for the functions of each department and the capabilities of each individual.
2. Policies
OHS Policy: Businesses should have a clear and widely disseminated OHS policy throughout the organization, demonstrating the organization's commitment to occupational health and safety.
Rules and Regulations: Safety and occupational health rules and regulations need to be established and adhered to. This includes identifying specific safety and health regulations applicable to each type of work and location.
Training and Education: OHS policies should also include requirements for training and education for employees on safety and occupational health.
Procedures
Identifying Hazards and Risks: Businesses need to identify and assess hazards and risks related to safety and occupational health in their work environment.
Implementing Control Measures: After identifying risks, it is necessary to establish control measures to minimize or eliminate them.
Incident Reporting: Businesses should have procedures for recording, reporting, and investigating incidents related to safety and occupational health.
Monitoring System
Inspection and Evaluation: To ensure the effectiveness of OHSMS, businesses need a regular inspection and evaluation process to assess compliance with safety rules and standards.
Feedback and Improvement: Based on inspection and evaluation results, businesses need to continuously provide feedback and improve their OHSMS to enhance safety and occupational health performance.
How to Establish an Effective OHS System?
Implementing an Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS) is crucial for any organization looking to enhance safety, ensure health, and promote the well-being of its workforce. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to establish an effective OHS System:
Step 1: Commitment from Top Management
The first step in implementing an OHS System is to secure commitment from top leadership. The organization's leaders must understand the value of OHSMS and be willing to provide the necessary resources and support to build the system.
Step 2: Establish Occupational Health and Safety Policies
Develop workplace safety policies that reflect the organization's commitment to creating a safe and healthy work environment. The policies should address safety goals and objectives pursued by the organization. After reaching a consensus on the content, OHS policies need to be communicated to all employees.
Step 3: Identify Hazards and Conduct Risk Assessment
Conduct a thorough identification of hazards and risk assessment in the workplace. This will help the organization understand what may pose harm to its employees and how.
Step 4: Implement Safety Procedures and Control Measures
Based on the results of risk assessment, implement safety procedures and control measures to minimize, limit, and prevent those risks. These measures may include safety rules, standard operating procedures, and the use of personal protective equipment.
Step 5: Training and Education
Educate employees on safety procedures, hazard identification, and emergency response protocols. Regularly update and refresh this training program.
These steps contribute to building a robust OHSMS that fosters a safe and healthy working environment for the organization's workforce.
Để thực hiện OHS cần có sự đào tạo và giáo dục liên tục
Step 6: Communication
Ensure effective communication channels to disseminate safety information throughout the organization. Encourage employees to report hazards and unsafe working conditions for timely resolution.
Step 7: Monitoring and Measurement
Regularly monitor and measure the effectiveness of the Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS). This can be done through checks, assessments, and investigating incident causes (if any).
Step 8: Preparedness and Emergency Response
Have a clear plan for what needs to be done in case of an emergency. This should include evacuation procedures, first aid, fire prevention, etc.
Step 9: Continuous Improvement
Regularly review and update the OHSMS to ensure the system continues to operate effectively. Implement necessary changes based on lessons learned from incidents, changes in operations, or technological advancements.
Step 10: Document Records and Recordkeeping
Processes need to be documented with complete information, and records meticulously maintained for all the steps. This will provide evidence of the organization's OHSMS implementation and help identify trends and areas for improvement in the future.
→ Implementing the OHSMS is a continuous improvement process. It is not a one-time activity but a fundamental part of the organization's operations, so it needs to be ingrained in the organizational culture.
Occupational Health and Safety Management System ISO 45001
ISO 45001 is the most widely used standard today for establishing a standardized Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS). ISO 45001 guides organizations in establishing principles, policies, procedures, and processes to create a safe working environment, ensuring the health and safety of the workforce, thereby enhancing work performance and reducing the risk of occupational accidents.
ISO 45001 was introduced on March 12, 2018, replacing the OHSAS 18001 standard. Consequently, businesses currently applying OHSAS 18001 are required to transition to ISO 45001. The transition period from OHSAS 18001 to ISO 45001 is three (3) years. Organizations can still be certified under OHSAS 18001 or undergo surveillance based on the old standard until March 12, 2021. After this period, all businesses certified under OHSAS need to comply with the ISO 45001 Standard.
KNA CERT's ISO 45001 Certification Services
KNA provides ISO 45001 certification services for organizations and businesses in every industry and sector. Certificates issued by our services are globally recognized by the International Accreditation Forum (IAF).
KNA commits to service quality with:
- Scientific and Professional Work Processes
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- All-Inclusive Fee Structure – No Hidden Costs
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- If your business is looking to establish an Occupational Health and Safety Management System that meets the standards, please contact KNA CERT at the Hotline: 0968.038.122 or Email: salesmanager@knacert.com for the best support!
