H&S Management Systems
Health and Safety management systems are being introduced in larger organisations following the introduction of quality and environmental management systems.

The Health & Safety Executive introduced HSG 65 as a way of measuring and improving health and safety performance.

The internationally recognised system OHSAS 18001 has been developed to be compatible with the ISO 9001;1994 (Quality) and ISO 14001:1996 (Environmental) management systems standards.

Differences between H&S Systems and Environment Management Systems
There are two major differences between the H&S and the Environment systems.

1. OHSAS 18001 requires that employers consult with employees - as required by law.
"Employee involvement and consultation arrangements shall be documented and
interested parties informed.
Employees shall be:
- involved in the development and review of policies and procedures to manage risks;
- consulted where there are any changes that affect workplace health and safety;
- represented on health and safety matters;
- informed as to who is their employee OH&S representative(s) and specified management appointee." (4.4.3)

2.Employees are expected to be competent rather than just 'aware'.

"Personnel shall be competent to perform tasks that may impact on OH&S in the workplace. Competence shall be defined in terms of appropriate education, training and/or experience" (4.4.2)

Standards for the skills needed....

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