The Royal Commission on the Pike River Coal mine tragedy which led to the elaboration of the Health and Safety at Work Act (HSWA) 2015 and the creation of WorkSafe New Zealand stated:
"The board and directors are best placed to ensure that the company effectively manages health and safety [...]"
Therefore, the responsibility to have the policy to develop an Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS) resides in the senior management of the organisation.
Indeed, the Institute of Directors in New Zealand (2013) reiterates that statement as a principle of good governance of the organisation.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. The key aspects of AS/NZS 4804:2001
2.1 Principle One: Commitment and policy
2.2 Principle Two: Planning
2.3 Principle three: Implementation
2.4 Principle Four: Measurement and evaluation
2.5 Principle Five: Review and improvement
3. The benefits to the client for their OHSMS
3.1 Improved health and safety performance
3.2 Reduced cost
3.3 Improved staff relations and morale
3.4 Improved reputation
3.5 Lower insurance premiums
3.6 Easier access to finance
3.7 Increased regulatory compliance
3.8 Improved confidence
3.9 Corporate and social responsibility
4. How does an audit utilising AS/NZS 4801:2001 impact on the organisation, when aligned with AS/NZS 4804:2001?
5. Conclusion
Objectives and Topics
This paper examines how the implementation of an Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS) impacts an organization's overall performance and governance when aligning audit frameworks with established safety standards. It specifically explores the synergies between AS/NZS 4801:2001 and AS/NZS 4804:2001 to demonstrate how such systems support organizational goals and legal compliance.
- Integration of safety management systems with corporate governance.
- Benefits of OHSMS for organizational efficiency and cost reduction.
- Regulatory compliance and risk mitigation through standardized audits.
- The role of leadership in establishing a robust safety culture.
- Strategic alignment of internal processes with international best practice standards.
Excerpt from the Book
3.2 Reduced cost
Without OHSMS, correcting mistakes and problems might be very expensive for the organisation. For example, the cost of hiring temporary staff to replace injured employee and compensation claims can increase insurance premiums.
If the PCBU monitors hazards through a protocol, it reduces the likelihood of incidents and accidents from occurring and minimises the financial consequences for the organisation.
With fewer events to investigate, OHSMS also reduce the cost of investigating the accident and save time.
In the long run, OHSMS ameliorates the business efficiency of the organisation.
Finally, it improves productivity as workers feel the management takes OHS seriously by engaging them with their work (Garnicaa & Carsire Barriga, 2018).
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Discusses the necessity of leadership in OHS management following the Pike River mine tragedy and introduces the relevant standards.
2. The key aspects of AS/NZS 4804:2001: Outlines the five principles of the OHSMS model, focusing on continual improvement, policy, and evaluation.
3. The benefits to the client for their OHSMS: Details the various competitive and internal advantages, such as reduced costs, improved reputation, and regulatory adherence.
4. How does an audit utilising AS/NZS 4801:2001 impact on the organisation, when aligned with AS/NZS 4804:2001?: Explains the complementary relationship between the audit standard and the system guidelines.
5. Conclusion: Summarizes the value of aligning these standards for a safer and more efficient organizational environment.
Keywords
Occupational Health and Safety Management System, OHSMS, AS/NZS 4801:2001, AS/NZS 4804:2001, Corporate Governance, Risk Management, Safety Culture, Regulatory Compliance, WorkSafe New Zealand, PCBU, Internal Audit, Workplace Safety, Productivity, Business Efficiency, Psychological Safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this work?
This paper focuses on the organizational impact of implementing Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems (OHSMS) by adhering to AS/NZS 4801:2001 and AS/NZS 4804:2001 standards.
What are the central thematic areas discussed?
Key themes include the alignment of safety standards, the role of leadership in governance, the financial and operational benefits of OHS systems, and compliance with legal requirements.
What is the main goal or research question?
The study investigates how an audit utilizing AS/NZS 4801:2001 impacts an organization when integrated with the guiding principles of AS/NZS 4804:2001.
Which scientific methodology is utilized?
The work employs a normative and analytical review of management standards and organizational performance literature to synthesize the benefits of systematic OHS management.
What topics are covered in the main body?
The main body examines the principles of the safety model, the specific business benefits (cost, reputation, insurance, finance), and the strategic utility of internal and external audits.
Which keywords best characterize this research?
The research is best characterized by terms such as OHSMS, Corporate Governance, Safety Culture, Regulatory Compliance, and the specific Australian/New Zealand safety standards.
How does the PCBU benefit from an OHSMS?
The Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU) gains a clearer overview of safety-related activities, enabling them to mitigate hazards, reduce accident investigation costs, and improve overall operational efficiency.
Why is the integration of both AS/NZS standards recommended?
Integration is recommended because AS/NZS 4804 provides the necessary management principles, while AS/NZS 4801 offers the framework to audit those principles, making them complementary for a robust system.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Damien Hiquet (Autor:in), 2020, AS/NZS 4804:2001. The Aspects and the Principles, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1151294
