Safety Management System Essay

Introduction

For increasing the safety awareness and maintaining safe working environment, many enterprises concerns for safety management. Different countries will have different safety management system. Each safety management system also has its characteristics. For comparing two systems, we can find their advantages and disadvantages.

Local Legislation vs National System

Hong Kong legislative 14-element is a local legislation. For achieving high standards of safety and health at work, Hong Kong Government has introduced this safety management system consisting of 14 elements. It provides a framework within which self-regulation was to be achieved through a company system of safety management. (Occupational Safety and Health Branch Labour

Health surveillance is one example. It detects adverse health effects at an early stage, thereby enabling further harm to be prevented (Occupational Safety and Health Branch Labour Department 2002:87). Even OHSAS 18001:2007 emphases the importance of workers’ safety, there is no content about workers protection programs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Hong Kong legislative 14-element and OHSAS 18001:2007 which serve as framework for the carrying out of safety management system establishing are functional. They provide abundant reference to organizations and enterprises for improving their safety management system. But they do not carry the force of law. Even though employers or contractor do not follow, even violate above systems, they may not be imposed penalty certainly. This is the most conspicuous disadvantage of these safety management systems.

Reference:

1. Occupational Safety and Health Branch Labour Department (2002).Code of Practice on Safety Management. Hong Kong: Labour Department

2. The OHSAS Project Group (2007). Occupational health and safety management systems – Requirements. United Kingdom: The OHSAS Project