Safety Management Systems – The Basics

Regardless of the industry, the geographical location or the number of employees you have, there will be some legislation that outlines your responsibilities in terms of workplace safety management. The big question is “well, what does a safety system look like?”

The list below will give you a basic guide to the areas you will need to look at when setting up your system – from the company Safety Policy which details the company commitment or intent, down to the front-line work instructions. All workplaces will have their own unique risks so it is important to get outside help if you need it.

• Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) Policy Statement
• OH&S Responsibilities Statement
• OH&S Communication and Consultation
• Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment Procedure
• Incident/Accident Report and Investigation Procedure
• First Aid Facilities and Management Procedure
• Rehabilitation, Return to Work and Injury Management
• Emergency Management and Evacuation
• OH&S Training Policy
• OH&S Inspections and Workplace Reviews
• Safe Work Procedures/ Job Safety Analysis
• Housekeeping
• Manual Handling
• Notices and Signs
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Management
• Electrical Safety
• Hand tools
• Hazardous Substances
• Skin Protection
• Working At Heights
• Hot Works Procedures
• Confined Space Safety
• Drugs and Alcohol
• Bullying and Harassment
• Contractors and Visitors
• Smoke free Workplace Policy
• Safety Performance Management
• Plant Safety
• Safety Inductions
• Safety in Purchasing Procedure
• Document Control & Distribution
• Isolation and Tagging Procedure
• Legislation and Information Management
• Office Ergonomics and Safety
• Hygiene
• Fire Prevention

As part of your Hazard Management Procedure and Your Job Safety Analysis you will identify specific risks to your workplace and work processes.