Let’s look at Occupational Risk Management standards in an ascending order to gain clarity regarding the context and strategy of our business…
Legal Standards
Depending on the Industry sector, the minimum legal standards for organisations in terms of Occupational Health and Safety are:
- The Occupational Health and Safety Act No. 85 of 1993 and Regulations (OHSact)
- The Mine Health and Safety Act No. 29 of 1996 (MHSact)
Basic environmental legal compliance entail:
- ‘Authorisations’ enforced by local authorities and inspectorates
- The National Environmental Management Act 107 of 1998 (NEMA)
- Several environmental acts that are enforced in conjunction with the NEMA
Aside from supplementary statutory requirements such as the National Road Traffic Act and Regulations or the National Building Regulations, it is vital to understand and comply to the following specifications:
- The applicable inspectorate
- Government departments and organs of state
- Manufacturers / Suppliers
- Industry Codes of Practice
- Relevant local and national councils
Many Health, Safety, Environmental and Quality (HSEQ) professionals, however, overlook the facilitation of compliance to specific requirements from the relevant local authorities and professional registration bodies. Subject Matter Experts who are familiar with the respective industry codes of practice and protocols can make an invaluable contribution to HSEQ legal compliance.
The benefits are not only the prevention of harm to employees, society and the environment, but includes the accuracy of the corresponding insurance mechanisms and ultimately the reduction of unnecessary risk costs.
Enterprise / Company Standards
The option of an Enterprise-wide HSEQ Management System is best suited to organisations comprising of several business units, usually across provincial and / or national borders. The success of this level of conformance is dependent on the level of sophistication achieved in self-regulation.
It vital to establish a Sustainable Strategy with the short- and long-term goals in mind of both the shareholders and stakeholders. Tailored standards, policies and procedures should be developed to ensure a mandated terms of reference. These standards, along with corporate objectives are cascaded throughout all the relevant levels and functions, including all of the supply chain and operations.
The most popular guidelines used for the establishment of objectives and targets are (SMART):
- Specific
- Measurable
- Adequate
- Realistic
- Time-sensitive
Consistency, unity and continuous improvement are some of the very evident benefits arising from an Enterprise-Wide framework. It will align the entire organisation, including all internal and external stakeholders, to the customised business-model.
National / International
Integrated HSEQ Risk Management systems that are based on standards such as:
- ISO 45001
- ISO 9001
- ISO 14001
- TS 16949
- FSSC 22000, etc.
A crystal clear organisational strategy should be integrated into all the relevant business processes to ensure a fluent implementation and continual improvement. The challenges and implications of an imbalanced strategy are well known by risk managers across all industries.
These implication could include:
- Budget constraints
- ‘Silo effect’ in disciplines
- Unclear roles and responsibilities
- Persistent and expensive non-conformances
- Reputation damage and etc.
The ‘root cause’ of this imbalanced risk strategy is the inaccurate alignment of interests within the organisation. The technocratic approach is still very prevalent in many industries, as opposed to the flip-side of the coin, being the sustainable approach. It shouldn’t be a surprise considering the long, ongoing battle between profit and integrity.
For example, the quality management system conforms to an international standard, because it is market driven. The occupational health, safety and environmental legal compliance, on the other hand, is barely achieved and this is evident in the budget. Thus the efforts to achieve the organisational objectives are futile.
The solution consists of two key ingredients: Risk integration and optimisation. In practical terms, a risk strategy that integrates all the relevant disciplines within a consistent framework. A good example would be to make use of the BSI’s ‘Annex SL’ standard protocol for the relevant disciplines. Consequently, this ‘Integrated Management System’ should be optimised and aligned with the organisation’s immediate and long-term objectives.
Interform provides the competitive advantage in attaining and preserving certification from external certification bodies by providing consulting and advisory services from subject matter experts.
World’s Best Practice / Corporate Governance
“A well-governed company takes a longer-term view that integrates environmental and social responsibilities in analyzing risks, discovering opportunities and allocating capital in the best interests of share-owners. There can be no better way to restore public confidence in both businesses and markets and build a prosperous future.”
Georg Kell | Executive Director, UN Global Compact
Drivers for World’s Best Practices and Corporate Governance:
- Stock Market Listings (JSE; Dow Jones)
- Voluntary initiatives (FTSE4Good Sustainability Index; GRI)
- Global recognition & Corporate Citizenship (IFC requirements)
- Member State obligations
- Shareholders / Stakeholders Directives
- Government Grants & Allowances
- Other economic mechanisms (Levies; Tax relief; Trade schemes)
Occupational Risk Management Approach (examples for organisations):
- King IV compliance
- Corporate Social Responsibility & Ethical Probity (ISO 26000; SA8000)
- Water / Ecological / Carbon Footprint Management
- Product Stewardship
- Sustainable Development and triple bottom line reporting
- Energy Management Systems (ISO 5001)
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