Keep Expenses Down With An OH&S Management System

With the ISO 45001 Standards, WHS means Working Hard, Securely

For many companies out there, ‘business as usual’ means doing things the way they have always been done; the operations has always utilised this machinery so it is going to keep using it, the business has always had this office set-up so it is going to stay this way, this procedure has always been in place so it is going to stay in place, and so on. While this may, at surface level, appear to keep things running, once you start assessing the processes and procedures you may discover that they are inefficient, expensive, and not as safe as they could be. For business’ in this scenario, they need to find a way to both strengthen their operations and minimise their expenses, and fortunately, there is a simple solution.

A successful business principle states that it is worthwhile to invest in a small cost now to save significant expenses down the line, and this has never been truer than when it comes to streamlining operations, minimising expenses, and developing a safer, more secure, workplace through the implementation of an Occupational Health and Safety Management System. An effective management system sees companies streamline their operations through utilising a risk assessment approach, in which potential threats, hazards and inefficiencies to the operations are identified, so that more efficient counter measures can be implemented. This not only keeps the operations safe and enhances staff morale, it also works at minimising outgoing expenditure by developing safer, more efficient, strategies to run the business.

The International Organization for Standardization’s ISO 45001:2018 OH&S Standards help business’ develop an effective OH&S Management System, which works with them to help achieve all their work health and safety goals in a clear, structured manner. This is done by employing a forward-thinking approach, in which potential risk areas are identified before they can impact operations, and then safety measures are implemented to mitigate the possible effects on operations. These standards provide a unified, cohesive approach to OH&S management, by working to not only develop a safe, industry compliant, workplace, but by doing so in a manner that is mutually beneficial to both management and staff, as it develops a supportive, secure workplace. In turn, this works at keeping outgoing expenses down, by reducing downtime, minimising workplace injuries, and developing the most efficient, streamlined work practices.

ISO 45001 reduces costs by minimising downtime and increasing productivity

The ISO 45001 standards are replacing the old work health and safety guidelines, the OHSAS 18001 and AS/NZS 4801 standards, and are now the go-to guide for all business’ looking to strengthen their existing OH&S practices, identify potential weak spots and safeguard against them, and develop a cohesive work environment in which all staff feel supported and valued. Business’ already certified to one of the existing standards, that are looking to retain their industry compliance, have until September 2021 to migrate over to the ISO 45001 Standards. However, for business’ looking to get an edge in a tough marketplace, it would be to their advantage to migrate at their earliest convenience, as these standards provide cost-effective, employee-focused, solutions, including:

• A reduction of overall operational costs: Through the implementation of the ISO 45001 Standards, business’ are able to minimise the costs incurred from OH&S issues. This includes a reduction in the number of overall incidents, and, through the development of a clear, structured process for what to do in the event of an unexpected incident, ensuring that potential harm is minimised, and that no time is wasted working out the logistics of incident management.
• A reduction in insurance premiums: The implementation of these standards demonstrates a commitment to going above and beyond when it comes to operational and individual safety, and as a result, is looked on favourably by insurers. By implementing these standards, insurers are more likely to reduce the costs of premiums, as the business has demonstrated a commitment to workplace safety, and shown evidence of what steps it is taking to keep its staff safe.
• Gaining more business from clients and customers: In a challenging marketplace, business’ can work at getting the competitive edge by demonstrating that they are concerned about their social responsibilities, and are taking steps to ensure that everyone they work with is safe, secure, and supported at all times. This not only upholds their reputation, it can result in an increase in profits, as potential clients and customers are more likely to want to deal with a company that has demonstrated its regulatory compliance, and proven that it is on top of its social responsibilities.
• Improved retention rates through minimising absenteeism: Workplace injuries can negatively impact a business’ ability to operate in many ways. To begin with, they can result in the staff member not being able to do their job for some time, but they can also negatively effect overall employee morale, and the business’ reputation as a safe employer. By implementing these standards, employers are working at developing safe, supportive workplaces, and these are the kinds of environments that staff want to work in, which increases retention rates, and lowers absenteeism. All of this helps develop a safer, more productive, profitable company culture.

Work Health and Safety means Working Hard, Securely      

With an effective OH&S Management System providing myriad regulatory, financial, and cultural benefits to organisations, it would befit companies to work at migrating to the ISO 45001 Standards as soon as they can. The initial costs incurred through the implementation of these standards pale in comparison to the financial savings that business’ stand to gain from it, as well as the peace of mind that comes from regulatory compliance, and the development of a safe, supportive work culture.  The implementation of these standards across their operations not only shows staff and management that you have their interests at heart, it demonstrates to the wider community that your business is a socially responsible one that is secure to deal with.

If you would like to know more about the range of benefits your organisations could potentially accrue through the utilisation of these standards, then please give Anitech’s safety systems consultants a call today on 1300 802 163. Tell them about your business, its size, scope, industry type, and any issues unique to its operations, and they will be able to explain how the standards could be applied to it to ensure your business takes full advantage of the potential safety, financial, and other workplace benefits. What could be dearer to a company than that?

Please click here to read an interview with an OH&S specialist, who provides first-hand insight into some other benefits companies can gain through implementing these standards.