Lecture on Occupational Safety and Health Management System 10 (End)

Thread Content

Basic methods and steps for establishing an OSHMS (Part 2) (3) Pilot operation of the system. The operation of an OSHMS essentially involves implementing the OSHMS documents, achieving the OSHMS objectives, and maintaining its continuous effectiveness while striving for ongoing improvement. The effective operation of a system relies on its organizational structure to carry out organizational coordination, implement supervision, conduct evaluations, provide feedback, and is achieved through system audits and management reviews. The implementation of the OSH management manual and documents, as well as the execution of OSH plans, are essentially the operation of an OSHMS. Once the OSH management manual is issued by the top management and the OSH management procedure documents are approved for implementation by the relevant supervisors, training should be organized at all levels immediately so that managers at every level can study and implement them. As senior managers, it is essential to thoroughly understand the principles, concepts, functions, and control methods of OSHMS ； Middle managers should primarily be familiar with the tasks related to the various elements of their department’s system ； Regular employees should focus on mastering the operating standards, regulations, and procedures related to their respective positions as outlined in the supporting documents of the manual. The operation of an OSH management system involves many departments within the employer. The employer should adhere to the requirements of the system design, adjust its internal structure in accordance with the principles of rigor, coordination, efficiency, simplicity, and unity, appoint managers who are competent for their roles, and clarify the reporting relationships and coordination methods among various departments, thereby ensuring effective operation of the system. When issues are identified with the OSH functions of various departments during system operation, corrective actions should be taken promptly. During the operation of an OSHMS, deviations from the specified standards often occur in various activities; therefore, it is essential to pay attention to supervision, identify such deviations promptly, and provide feedback so that corrective actions can be taken. Implementing OSH supervision is a necessary means to ensure the proper operation of the system. The function of the OSH information feedback system is to ensure that OSH supervision is carried out effectively, thereby maintaining the continuous and proper operation of the system. Through the feedback and processing of abnormal information via this system, dynamic control over the system’s operation can be achieved. It can be seen that information management is closely linked to OSH supervision and organizational coordination; only by achieving an effective integration of these three elements can the system function properly. (4) Internal audit and management review of the system: The internal audit of an OSHMS is conducted to check and confirm whether all elements of the system are being implemented effectively as planned. It represents a systematic and independent examination and evaluation of whether the system is achieving its specified objectives, and it serves as a means of self-assurance for the OSHMS. Internal audits generally conduct a comprehensive review of all elements of the system. For systems that have already undergone external audits, internal audits can also focus on certain elements, with other elements being audited in the next audit. Generally, all elements need to be reviewed in full within one year. The OSHMS management review is a comprehensive evaluation conducted by the top management of the organization to determine whether the current state of the system effectively meets the requirements of the OSH policy, and whether the new objectives set in light of environmental changes are appropriate. It is carried out on the basis of system audits, but a management review is not required after every internal system audit; rather, it is decided based on objective needs whether to examine all or some of the elements of the system. Management review is carried out according to the annual plan, usually at least once a year. Management review is generally chaired by the general manager, with the heads of various departments and relevant personnel (such as internal auditors) in attendance. The OSH management representative shall prepare written documentation on the current status of the OSHMS, its trends, and the issues to be addressed through research. The review meeting makes clear decisions regarding relevant proposals or issues, such as the results of internal system audits, the implementation of policies and objectives, the compliance and effectiveness of the system, the commitment to continuous improvement, and matters of concern related to corrective and preventive actions among relevant parties.