Bespoke & Lean Health & Safety Systems
Through our working partnerships with small to large organisations and their health and safety management systems, we have some created a series of bespoke, well managed and useful systems. Be that via a Health and Safety manual or via procedures, tools and guidance.
However, we often find generic, overly complicated documents which usually have the same issues. They typically fit into three recurring themes…
Not Bespoke To The Business
The documents do not fit how the business operates i.e.
- Naming roles that do not exist in the business
- Detailing processes that are not relevant or able to be followed in the business
- Including hazards that are not relevant to the business
Long Documents
The longer the document the higher the potential there is for the reader to:
- Switch off from that the doucment is telling them
- Stop or not read the document in full
- Become overly confused by the document
There is also an increased possibility that:
- The key messages are lost within the rest of the documentation
- Contradictions are found between key documents due to a lack of clarity within the business
Documents Created Solely For Audits
We often see documents that have been written just to meet the needs of an audit but then are not implemented into the wider business – or contradict the processes that are already in place.
All of the above leads to having a Health & Safety system that is not fit for purpose and of no value to the business. Additionally, similar systems could also put people at risk of injury and the business at risk of prosecution through not being easy to follow or implement.
Recommendations
If the above examples sound familiar to you then we would recommend you review your Health and Safety management system to ensure it is:
Relevant to your business
- Review your documents to ensure they fit the needs of your business
- Test that the requirements within the documents can be implemented by the required persons within the business.
- Undergo an internal audit to ensure the requirements of your documentation are being undertaken as required. If they aren’t, understand why and make the appropriate changes.
Controls and Processes Add Value
- Test your processes and controls, do you still need them?
- Do they (still) add value?
- Do the requirements double up with other processes?
- Do they contradict with any other documents?
Are They Clear To The Reader?
- Check that any and all documentation is written in a way that is usable and easily understood by the intended audience rather than justa subject matter expert.
Contact us for more information or to arrange a no-obligation discussion on how Pro Safety Management’s H&S Consultancy can support your business.
About Pro Safety Management
We are a Specialist Telecoms Health and Safety Consultancy with over 40+ years experience. Serving some of the global leading telecommunication companies, we provide specialist and strategic health and safety management ensuring operational standards at the highest level.
Do you want better compliance?
Hey, I’m Alex Burbidge. I’m determined to make a business health and safety compliant. My only question is, will it be yours?
