Chapter 8 Occupational health and safety management systems

The commencement, progress and successful conclusion of any project happen only to the degree to which it is effectively managed. Even a poorly managed project will eventually arrive at an end point, but the price paid in terms of quality, safety and health may well render the project ineffectual and without merit. A successful project is based on good management, which in turn derives its effectiveness from a number of core principles, all of which are outlined in a variety of specifications and guides which inform the development of safety management systems.

These principles cover the structure of management; the roles and responsibilities of the company, its managers and workers to assess and control hazards, timely and relevant communication of information to all who require it; monitoring and review of the effectiveness of policies and procedures; and the anticipation and preparation of any unintended event or outcome that would jeopardise workers, the community or the company.