The safety management system is a comprehensive and proactive strategy that ensures that safety is integrated into the daily activities of the workplace. The safety management system ensures that safety is a fundamental part of any company’s culture.
In the world of work today, more emphasis is being placed on safety. Workers are meant to come to work and go home the same way they came, without any harm or injury to their bodies. The workers well being is paramount not just to the management but to everyone that has business with the organization. In all this, a safety management system is highly needed to ensure a safe place, a safe worker, and safe work activities.
In this article, we will discuss the things you need to know about SMS and the benefits of having an SMS in an organization.
What is a safety management system SMS?
The safety management system is an organized, systematic approach by the management of an organization to manage safety risks within their organization. With SMS in place, an organization can comfortably identify, assess, and prevent incidents even before they occur. An effective SMS enables the organization to manage, monitor, and continuously improve its safety practices.
Key Contents of the Safety Management System.
In every safety management system, various items make them up. Those items can also be regarded as the pillars of SMS. They include the safety policy, safety risk management, Safety assurance, and safety promotion.
1.Safety policy.
Safety policy is one aspect of the Foundation of SMS. The document shows the management’s commitment to safety. It is mostly signed by the senior management in an organization. Safety policy defines the roles, responsibilities, and expectations for safety at various levels in an organization. A safety policy establishes leadership commitment, defines safety objectives and goals, and helps guide the decision-making process relating to safety. The safety policy has to be communicated effectively to all employees, and in most cases, it is reviewed and updated to meet up with the current realities in an organization.
2.Identifying hazards and controls( safety risk management).
Safety risk management involves identifying hazards in the workplace, assessing the Hazards, and putting in the required controls to mitigate the hazards. This is a proactive approach that ensures that accidents are prevented from happening in the workplace and ensures a safe work environment. There are various steps in safety risk management, which include hazard identification, risk assessment, and risk control. All the steps are vital in the management of hazards in the workplace and the promotion of a safe working environment.
3.Safety assurance.
Under safety assurance, we have various activities such as safety audits and inspections, incident reporting and investigation, and performance metrics. Safety assurance is mainly to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the safety management system. Through monitoring and evaluation, things that are not adequate are seen and observed and are made adequate by providing for them.
4.Safety promotion.
This is the final pillar in the safety management system. It Focuses mainly on promoting a positive safety culture in an organization. Safety culture is the way the management and the workers behave in matters concerning safety. In order to promote safety in the organization, the management can get involved in the following activities such as training and education, communication, recognition and rewards. When there is a strong safety culture in an organization, it will lead to better compliance.
The benefits of a safety management system.
There are a whole lot of benefits attached to having a safety management system in the organization. Those benefits include
1.Improved employee morale at work.
Employees are safe at work, and because they are safe, they will definitely feel more satisfied, and this will lead to higher productivity and worker retention.
2.Compliance with safety regulations.
Having an SMS will make an organization compliant with the safety regulations. The company will be able to meet up with their legal safety requirements. This will help to reduce the risks of fines and penalties.
3.Reduced incidents and accidents at work.
Incidents, accidents, and injuries are reduced as a result of having a safety management system in place. A safety management system helps prevent accidents and, in turn, leads to a safer workplace.
ALSO READ:
- How to calculate man hours in (hse) safety
- Toolbox talk on personal hygiene at work
- 6 principles of auditing every management system auditor should apply when carrying out auditing.
4.Enhanced reputation of the organization.
The reputation of the organization will be enhanced as a result of the implementation of the SMS in that organization. A strong safety record enhances an organization’s reputation. With this, more customers and clients and even potential customers will be attracted to that organization.
Conclusion
A safety management system is about creating a safe work environment where every worker, visitor, and even client will feel safe at every given time. It’s not just about compliance but to create a more productive work environment. When safety is given the utmost attention, every aspect of an organization’s business will benefit everyone as organizations continue to evolve and grow. Having a commitment to safety with SMS in place will definitely be a strong investment that will have long-term success.
Onyeka Emma is a QHSE Professional with more than 10 years of experience in occupational health and safety, which spans many industries such as construction, beverage, oil and gas, etc. He has many health and safety certifications, including NEBOSH IGC, ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, and ISO 45001:2018 Lead auditor certificate. A member of IOSH, ISPON, and Nigeria Red Cross Society. He is interested in business, entrepreneurship, Speaking, and motivating people to do better for themselves. He enjoys leisure with a good motivational book.
