OSH Management Systems

There are different models of occuptional safety & health (OSH) management system available. When it comes to deciding which one to follow, one important factor is: What is the objective?

If the objective is Legal Compliance, there is a model presented by Ministry of Manpower, which is included in the WSH (General Provisions) Regulations 2006. As to date, this is compulsory for the following:

(a) factories engaged in the processing or manufacturing of petroleum, petroleum products, petrochemicals or petrochemical products;
(b) factories engaged in the manufacture of semiconductor wafers; and
(c) factories engaged in the manufacture of fabricated metal products, machinery or equipment and in which 100 or more persons are employed.

This model of the OSH mnagement system has the following elements:
1. Safety policy, including the allocation and delegation of responsibility for safety.
2. Safe work practices.
3. Safety training.
4. Group meetings.
5. Incident investigation and analysis.
6. In-house safety rules and regulations.
7. Safety promotion.
8. System for the evaluation, selection and control of contractors.
9. Safety inspections.
10. Maintenance regime.
11. Risk assessment.
12. Control of movement and use of hazardous chemicals.
13. Occupational health programmes.
14. Emergency preparedness.

Then, there is another model, based on OHSAS 18000 OSH Management System. This is applicable for companies who would like to implement an OSH Management System voluntarily (and sometimes specifically required by some customers). It is similar in structure to ISO 14000: Environmental Management System.

OHSAS 18001 - Occupational Health & Safety Management System

• Voluntary efforts on OH&S management applying PDCA
• Risk identification & control (Process management)
• Internal Safety Audits

Objectives of OHSMS

• Ensure continuity of activities by periodic audits by third parties
• System improvement based on professional recommendations
• Inspire reputation of the company as a safe company

Elements of OHSMS
General

• OHS Policy

Planning

• Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment and Risk Control
• Legal and Other Requirements
• OHS Objectives and Targets
• Management programme

Implementation & Operation

• Structure and Responsibility
• Training, Awareness and Competence
• Consultation and Communication
• Documentation Document and data Control
• Operation Control
• Emergency Preparedness and Response

Checking & Corrective Action

• Performance Measurement and Monitoring
• Records and Records management
• OHS Management Audit

Management Review

• OHS Management Review