A Systematic Approach of Strategies to Control and Monitor Ohs Risks.

A Systematic Approach of Strategies to Control and Monitor OHS Risks.

Occupational health and safety (OHS) in the workplace requires an effective systematic approach with strategies to control and monitor OHS risks and which is consistent with relevant OHS legislative requirements (Safe Work Australia, 2008, p. 8)

To implement effective occupational health and safety management, managers, supervising personnel and employees require a range of systematic OHS strategies based on clearly defined practices, procedures and systems.

The University of New England (Six steps to Occupational Health and Safety, 1996, p. 3) advocates the use of a six point systematic approach to OHS

1. Develop an OHS policy and related programs

2. Set up a consultation mechanism with stakeholders and key personnel

3. Integrate OHS into the overall safety management system

4. Establish a hazard identification and workplace assessment process

5. Develop and implement risk control

6. Promote, maintain and improve these strategies

Strategies to control and monitor OHS risks are important but they are not stand alone mechanisms. They must be an integrated part of a systematic, overall approach to OHS.

By developing the aforementioned six point systematic approach to OHS the workplace will be able to implement targeted strategies to control and monitor OHS risks by:

• addressing OHS legislation, regulations and codes of practice

• establishing, implementing and monitoring a documented OHS system

• fulfilling the duty of care towards those in the workplace

• identifying hazards, and assessing and preventing, minimising and controlling risks and

• contributing to participative and consultative procedures for the management of OHS.

For this organisation the first step in the systematic approach to OHS is to develop a comprehensive OHS policy and related programs. In this way the policy will set out the commitment of...