The Importance Of Integrated Health And Safety In A Business
The way that health and safety is implemented in any business has a significant impact on how successfully it’s managed.
According to a comprehensive report by the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, integration of health and safety throughout an organisation “is one of the main success factors to ensure improvements in workers’ health and safety.”
“Without a systematic assessment of the risks and a genuine integration of OSH (occupational safety and health) into the general management of an organisation, it is not possible to develop a preventative approach” to worker safety.”
This report outlines some of the many advantages of successful H&S integration, including:
● Improved alignment of H&S objectives with broader business objectives
● Integration of H&S into existing business systems
● Creation of a robust framework to help develop an H&S program
● Development of a universal set of policies, procedures, and goals that can be communicated more effectively
● Establishment of a continuous improvement framework
● Providing a baseline for performance measurement.
When health and safety is fully integrated throughout a business, the flow-on benefits can result in:
● Decreased accident rates
● Increased productivity and market performance
● Lower costs for compensation and sick leave
● An improved safety culture
● Improved employee perception of the working environment
● Boosted employee satisfaction
● Reduced absenteeism and lower turnover rates
● Increased worker buy-in and engagement in H&S initiatives
A Systematic Approach To Lone Worker Health And Safety
Traditionally, H&S management programs are based around legal requirements and responding to accidents. But these days, forward-thinking businesses take on a more holistic approach.
This means involving every person, group, or activity that directly or indirectly impacts health and safety. That includes leaders and managers, work systems and processes, communication policies, learning and development, and the culture of an organisation.
“An integrated approach is a comprehensive management systems approach to worker safety, health, and well-being that’s shaped by employee input and participation.
The difference with this approach – and its greatest strength – is a sharp focus on using policies and practices to influence working conditions, which are often the drivers of safety, health, and well-being issues.” [source]
What Is An Integrated Health And Safety Approach?
Based on recommendations from the Harvard School of Public Health: Center for Work, Health, and Wellbeing, an integrated health and safety approach is based on the following key characteristics:
● Leadership commitment – management clearly prioritises and values H&S for the entire organisation.
● Stakeholder engagement and participation – all stakeholders are involved in efforts to improve worker H&S.
● Policies, programs and practices – with a focus on improving working conditions.
● Comprehensive and collaborative strategies – a variety of groups work together on health and safety solutions.
● Adherence – organisational adherence to regulations around health and well being.
● Data-driven change – regular evaluation and continuous improvement.
Tips For Improving Your Organisation’s H&S Management
Here are a few simple ways to improve the management of your organisation’s H&S:
Make it a priority
Ensure the organisation is as committed to health and safety as it is to any other important business function. This requires adequate resources, so start by getting support from leadership.
Managers have the power to commit time and money, greenlight initiatives, and create supportive environments for a positive health and safety culture.
Involve all stakeholders
Stakeholder engagement is an essential part of any successful health and safety strategy. An integrated approach ensures a range of insights and expertise to create comprehensive solutions.
Encourage employees to participate in a meaningful way wherever possible.
Empower your employees
Empower all employees to do their jobs safely with the right training and equipment. Include comprehensive safety orientations for new employees or those starting new roles, specific hazard training, and upskilling when required.
Review and adjust
H&S is not a one and done kind of thing. Your plans and processes will evolve over time, so your H&S procedures should evolve along with them. Continually review your health and safety systems to ensure they remain effective.
Create a culture of safety
A positive safety culture can’t be forced upon your workers. Rather, it will organically grow as a result of your overall efforts to prioritise health and safety.
“A management system which does not motivate all employees and change the OSH culture will have little impact on improving the H&S standard in the enterprise, and its effectiveness and improvement potential will be questionable” (European Agency for Safety and Health at Work).
If you are ready to integrate Health and Safety into everything your organisation does, then we are ready to help you do it. Here at Direct Safety, we specialise in creating safer spaces for all workers by utilising great processes and the right safety devices. Get in touch with us today.