Operating a single management system such as ISO 9001, ISO 14001 or OHSAS 18001 (soon to be replaced by ISO 45001) can be a complex task. However, if you decide to implement a 2nd or 3rd system, integrating the processes and associated documentation makes sense.
Integrating your management systems and associated processes brings the following benefits:
- Reduced time in implementing and operating your systems
- Requirements can be met with 1 set of policies and procedures
- Reduced paperwork
- Reduced audit and certification costs
- Elimination of duplication
- Better use of organisational resources
- Improved administration, communication, and planning processes
Business Safety can integrate existing safety and health, environmental and quality (SHEQ) management systems or can develop new systems which will merge seamlessly with any which are already operational within your organisation.
The integration process is aided by the revised versions of ISO 9001 and ISO 14001, as well as the soon to be published ISO 45001 which will replace OHSAS 18001 as the international standard for occupational health and safety standard.
We have been providing Integrated Management Systems since 2009 for companies in all sectors including Construction, Cleanroom and Containment, Transport, Electrical Contracting and Energy Management (DSU).
Developing your Integrated Management System
Our consultants will implement and oversee a nine-step plan to allow you maximise the return on your custom Integrated Management System:
- Define and map your processes.
All businesses operate processes, for example manufacturing products from raw materials, or converting customer inquiries into sales. In addition, there are other processes which are common to your SHEQ management systems such as Documentation Control, Incident Investigation, Corrective Action, Human Resources and Internal Audit. - Create your policy.
This is a high-level statement of intent, describing the organisation’s aims regarding the quality of products and/or services. You may choose to have 1 integrated policy which covers the requirements of each of the standards being implemented. Alternatively, some organisations choose to keep the safety, environmental and quality policies separate. Naturally, we recommend amalgamating the policies where possible. - Establish your quality objectives.
This helps the organisation to improve its existing Management Systems and their performance either in terms of effectiveness or efficiency. It also assists with meeting the requirements of the policies, including commitments to continual improvement of the Safety, Environmental and Quality Management Systems. - Develop your documents and records.
ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 45001:2015 depart from the previous versions in that they do not specifically require any particular documented procedures. However, most businesses have established means of carrying out defined tasks, and it is beneficial to document these for reference purposes. Nothing about the aforesaid negates legal duties placed on employers in terms of needing health and safety information such as the Safety Statement, Emergency Procedures and Risk Assessments. - Define your service-delivery processes.
Management Systems are not just focussed on quality or compliance, but also on the means to achieving requirements. Planning for the delivery of goods and services is an essential part of SHEQ management systems, from risk assessments and production planning to emergency preparedness and business continuity. - Determine your training needs.
Staff need appropriate training for performing their day-to-day functions. They also need to be instructed on the requirements of systems being developed, as well as their duties and responsibilities. Training will need to be developed to help staff with operating and maintaining the system. - Implement your Integrated Management System.
Once the system is complete, new processes, procedures, and recording methods can be implemented. Our consultants can provide ongoing assistance with the roll-out of your new system. - Measure and monitor your performance.
This is an important part of a any management system in order to establish how well it is performing. We will help identify the correct Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) through leading indicators (indicators of trends before events happen) and lagging indicators (negative events which prove breakdowns in the system) to provide you with important information on its effectiveness and efficiencies. - Take action that improves your performance.
When the system has been operational for a period of time, you need to review information gained from various parts of the system, e.g. corrective actions, KPIs, management reviews, etc. Using the information collected, you can decide what parts of the system can be improved, and develop a plan accordingly.
Our consultant works closely with you and your staff at all times and guarantees to integrate existing systems or to devise a new Integrated Management System that will deliver immediate and ongoing returns for your business.
Benefits of an Integrated Management System
Operating an Integrated Management System devised and implemented in conjunction with Business Safety include:
- Improved ability to meet Government tender requirements
- Work with experts who have 100% success rate
- Reduced implementation times
- Increased customer confidence and satisfaction
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