Whiley OHS6132 Assessment 1
Assignment Cover Sheet
Edith Cowan University
OHS6132 Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems
Assessment 1
OHSMS Essay
Due : 29 August 2014
Student : Ross Whiley
Student No. : 10378230
Course : Graduate Cert. of Occupational and Environmental Safety and Health
Course Code : S72
Contents
Introduction 3
The legitimacy of Anguillo’s claim 4
Behaviour Based Safety 5
OHSMS Elements 6
Management Commitment 6
Communication 8
OHSMS Anomalies 9
The OHSMS 9
Conclusion 10
References 11
Introduction
Angiullo in Hopkins ’book ‘Learning from High Reliability Organisations’ (2009, p.147) stated that “Any well designed safety program or system is only as effective as the day-to-day ability of everyone in the organisation to rigorously follow procedures correctly and safely every time.”
This essay is structured to evaluate the legitimacy of the above comment by Anguillo, examine the elements of an Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS) to address these cultural/behavioural issues and finally to argue that a well designed OHSMS will address day-to-day ability of organisations and its personnel to fulfil its objectives in today’s workplace.
It is my intention to amalgamate research material with practical life experiences to provide an overview of the concepts and arguments set forth. With an increase of fatalities in recent years (Safework Australia, 2014), the cost of workplace injuries amounting on average 6% of profit (Woods, 2010), and recent ‘industrial manslaughter’ legislation as several indicators, the need for a well performed, managed and participative OHSMS within any organisation needs to take the highest priority.
The legitimacy of Anguillo’s claim
Is Anguillo’s claim legitimate? The simple answer is ‘yes’, ‘no’ and ‘maybe’. The variables and individualistic nature of organisations, their culture, structural framework and commitment formulates the correct answer.
Edith Cowan University
OHS6132 Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems
Assessment 1
OHSMS Essay
Due : 29 August 2014
Student : Ross Whiley
Student No. : 10378230
Course : Graduate Cert. of Occupational and Environmental Safety and Health
Course Code : S72
Contents
Introduction 3
The legitimacy of Anguillo’s claim 4
Behaviour Based Safety 5
OHSMS Elements 6
Management Commitment 6
Communication 8
OHSMS Anomalies 9
The OHSMS 9
Conclusion 10
References 11
Introduction
Angiullo in Hopkins ’book ‘Learning from High Reliability Organisations’ (2009, p.147) stated that “Any well designed safety program or system is only as effective as the day-to-day ability of everyone in the organisation to rigorously follow procedures correctly and safely every time.”
This essay is structured to evaluate the legitimacy of the above comment by Anguillo, examine the elements of an Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS) to address these cultural/behavioural issues and finally to argue that a well designed OHSMS will address day-to-day ability of organisations and its personnel to fulfil its objectives in today’s workplace.
It is my intention to amalgamate research material with practical life experiences to provide an overview of the concepts and arguments set forth. With an increase of fatalities in recent years (Safework Australia, 2014), the cost of workplace injuries amounting on average 6% of profit (Woods, 2010), and recent ‘industrial manslaughter’ legislation as several indicators, the need for a well performed, managed and participative OHSMS within any organisation needs to take the highest priority.
The legitimacy of Anguillo’s claim
Is Anguillo’s claim legitimate? The simple answer is ‘yes’, ‘no’ and ‘maybe’. The variables and individualistic nature of organisations, their culture, structural framework and commitment formulates the correct answer.
References: Clancy, J. (2003). Behaviour Based Safety, Acase study illistrating a successful approach. Retrieved August 28, 2014, from Queensland Resources Council: http://www.qrc.org.au/conference/_dbase_upl/03_spk011_Clancy.pdf Cowie, W Fortress Learning. (2014). What is OHS? Retrieved August 13, 2014, from http://tae.fortresslearning.com.au/?page_id=1001 Galloway, S Hardy, T. L. (2010). The Safety System Skeptic. Bloomington: Authorhouse. Mahar, D. S. (n.d.). Influences on Work Health Notes. Retrieved August 13, 2014, from http://home.wlv.ac.uk/~in6070/1115w2.htm Mathis, T Mathis, T. (2009, October). Unions and Behaviour Based Safety: The 7 Deadly Sins. Retrieved August 29, 2014, from EHS Today: http://proactsafety.com/articles/unions-and-behavior-based-safety-the-7-deadly-sins Robotham, G Rochester Institute of Technology. (2014, August 28). Risks and Benefits of a Safety Management System. Retrieved from Rochester Institute of Technology: https://www.rit.edu/~w-outrea/training/Intro/RisksBenefits.pdf Safety Institute of Australia Smith, S. (2007, October 1). Behaviour Based Safety: Myth or Magic. Retrieved August 28, 2014, from EHS Today: http://ehstoday.com/safety/ehs_imp_75429 United States Securities and Exchange Commision Webber, n. (n.d.). Risks and Benefits of a Safety Management System. Retrieved August 28, 2014, from https://www.rit.edu/~w-outrea/training/Intro/RisksBenefits.pdf Wheelwright, K Whitefield, D. (2010, September 7). How to sell Safety. Retrieved August 28, 2014, from SIA: http://www.sia.org.au/browse.aspx?ContentID=issue40_2010-09-07_news1 Woods, D