Systematic management of occupational health and safety

Abstract

Introduction: There is increasing interest in systematic approaches to the management of occupational health and safety (OHSM), as an organisational strategy for the ongoing prevention of work-related injury, ill health and death. Central to the OHSM strategy is effective risk management; that is, the systematic identification of hazards, assessment and control of risks, evaluation and review of risk control measures to ensure that they are effectively implemented and maintained. In turn, effective risk management requires that responsibility is designated, that those involved are competent and resourced to determine and implement the required preventive measures, that workers are actively involved, and that procedures are documented and repeatable. Thus a systematic approach to OHSM requires the implementation of core structures and processes and action by key players. Show more