What are the
components of a Safety Management System (SMS)?
Safety
Management Systems have structure (organization) and are composed of inputs,
processes, and outputs.
The "5-P's"
of a Safety Management System
1. Safety Plans
A
safety plan is a written statement of how goals and objectives, as stated in
the mission/vision statements, are going to be accomplished. Written plans in
general describe the strategies and tactics that will be employed. There are
three categories of planning:
- Strategic planning addresses long-term goals and objectives (fiscal & legal objectives)
- Operational Planning addresses short-term goals and objectives e.g. waste management (social objectives)
- Contingency planning addresses anticipated, but unwanted changes e.g. emergency drill
2. Safety Programs
Planned series of events. SMS program is to be a "comprehensive, employer-provided, site-specific system to protect worker safety and health." This includes the in-house safety training, facilitator’s trainings, outside trainings.
Planned series of events. SMS program is to be a "comprehensive, employer-provided, site-specific system to protect worker safety and health." This includes the in-house safety training, facilitator’s trainings, outside trainings.
3. Safety Procedures
A
Procedure is a series of steps to accomplish a specific task, job, or project.
A series of related tasks or procedures becomes a process. Procedures may also
be thought of as tactics because they describe how specific goals and
objectives are going to be accomplished. Standard safe operating procedures
(SOP's) are a general, stable, written body of safety procedures that guide the
organization e.g completing task, identifying hazard
4. Safety Processes
A
Process is a actually a number of procedures, each working together to achieve
a result. Think of a process as a series of interrelated work tasks or jobs,
initiated by one or more requirements that achieves a specific result for the
customer. Usually the completion of one task flows into or initiates the
beginning of the next.
5. Safety Policies
A
safety policy may be mandatory (a rule) or voluntary (a guideline). It is a
predetermined (usually written) statement that provides direction in decision
making. It reflects top management goals and objectives related to the safety
function within the company. An effective safety policy is both educational and
directive. It informs everyone about expected safety behaviors and standards
and why they are important. It also assigns responsibility to perform certain
duties or oversee people and programs.
A copy of safety policy was given out to all staff in attendance.
