Chapter 7 Occupational health and safety management systems

The competent company is one that recognises and maintains the distinction between the governance of the company and the daily management requirements to meet the strategic objectives of the company/project. An effective management programme commences with the establishment of the strategic objectives followed by the allocation of sufficient human, financial, material and time resources to meet those objectives.

The appointment of competent persons at all levels in the project, empowered with the appropriate authority to make critical decisions within their area of competence and sphere of influence, is a key element in building the management structures. Channels of communication between individuals, teams and departments, and the provision of appropriate and sufficient information is a necessary prerequisite for effective decision making to ensure quality and safety in the achievement of project objectives. An effective management programme will integrate quality, safety, environment, resources, etc. into a unified structure where the key decision makers act in unison to meet the project objectives.