The focus in this article is Safety Management Systems (SMS).
Management system objectives can relate to a number of different topics, including product or service quality, operational efficiency, environmental performance, health and safety in the workplace and many more.
Based on standards or best practices, a Safety Management System offers a series of defined processes that provide for effective risk-based decision making related.
Whilst not limited, a Safety Management System (SMS) will provide an Organisation the ability:
- To build on existing processes;
- To integrate with other management systems they may already have; and
- To demonstrate good business practice for risk management.
5 reasons for having a Safety Management System (SMS)
There are many positive reasons for having a robust Safety Management System and these include:
- To support and provide a more informed decision-making process for managing risks;
- Supporting and providing a framework for mitigating and/or reducing risk of accidents;
- Allow better resource allocation to support increase in efficiency, thereby leading to reduced costs;
- Strengthen corporate safety strategy and culture; and
- Demonstrate corporate due-diligence.
In Conclusion
Whilst there are many other positive reasons, it is also important (as one can expect) negative reasons. However, having a structured framework (e.g., internationally such as ISO 45001) will on balance yield more positive rather than negative outcomes.
