WORKPLACE HEALTH AND SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

Importance of a Workplace Health and Safety Management System in Construction

Over the past decade nearly 390 Australian workers have been killed working on construction sites. To effectively reduce this number, construction companies need to implement more effective risk-based WHS Management Systems.

What is Workplace Health and Safety Plan?

Construction sites are unlike any other workspace. They are highly dynamic, with risk levels changing all the time. For this reason a risk-based WHS Management System that prioritises high risk activities is necessary to help contractors maintain the focus where it is most needed.

Why Create a Workplace Health and Safety Management System?

Whether you plan to develop a new WHS Management System or upgrade your existing policies, WHS systems can reduce incidents and boost employee morale. Here are the reasons why you need to have workplace health and safety systems:

1. It significantly improves health and safety performance.

Adopting a Workplace Health and Safety Management System will streamline all the processes, minimising potential risks. As the organisation develops a singular approach to safety, employees will have a better understanding of the protocols – be it reporting an incident, responding to an issue, or addressing future problems.
With proper systems in place, you and your staff won’t feel overwhelmed and confused when a difficult situation arises. Every WHS-related concern will be lobbied through a clear protocol which can definitely improve your organisation.

2. It boosts staff relations and morale.

When your staff feels confident with your management, they will feel more satisfied with their work. You have to make them feel that they’re also a priority. While you may seem to think that they pay little attention to different workplace health and safety protocols, they actually do. As a company implements and invests in a WHS Management System, most employees will appreciate the genuine interest of the upper Management for their health and safety.

3. It increases business efficiency.

Many people are wondering how WHS Management Systems directly translate to more efficient business operations. Well, it doesn’t. However, it indirectly influences everything. It reduces the costs of operations and ensures a safe environment for everyone.
By reducing the risk, you’ll have to deal with lesser accidents and injuries, which means you won’t have to suffer from the physical damages and expenses. Overall, developing a WHS Management System is one of the best ways to drive efficiency for any organisation.

4. It offers quicker and more seamless access to different financial institutions.

Dealing with banks and other financial institutions is quite difficult, especially in today’s business climate. Banks demand different collaterals and requirements before they deal with any reputable organisation. And to prove that you’re indeed a reputable organisation, you must have the right processes and systems in place.
Having a WHS Management System communicates a strong message that an organisation is well-managed and willing to go above and beyond not only for its personal interest, but for its people as well. For this reason, most financial institutions trust companies and organisations with the WHS Management System.

5. It exceeds regulatory standards. 

Regulations are ever-changing and have become more demanding. If you don’t have a system in place, you run the risk of unwittingly committing a violation, whether it be due to a clerical error or negligence.
To avoid this from happening, you need to inform your staff about the legal ramifications of a certain action, which can be tedious work. That is why it is better to have a streamlined process, such as having a workplace health and safety system, to ensure that you are always compliant with all the regulations.

6. It promotes better corporate social responsibility.

Building a safer working environment for everyone can really improve every brand’s appeal. With a clear management system, you show that you value your people – both your employees and your clients. This helps build your public image.
Over 57 per cent of businesses surveyed claim responsibility to ensure that they don’t rely on unfair labour practices such as forced or underpaid labour. An OHS management policy shows that you value the physical, social and mental well-being of your employees, helping you build your public image.

Bottomline: Workplace Health and Safety Management System, Always a Priority!

Every organisation can significantly benefit from a Workplace Health and Safety Management System. Whether you are planning to create one or upgrading your current systems, focusing on employee health and safety can positively impact your operations, from lowering your business expenses to creating a better brand.
So, if you’re keen to learn more about OHS or ISO certification in Queensland, embrace the best solutions with us. Here at ISO Brisbane, we kickstart your journey to better OHS management systems!
For more details and information, please call us at 0428 660 383 or send us an email at info@isobrisbane.com.au.