Is OHS blanketing Process Risk Management

An interesting article in the April 2001 edition of Risk Magazine highlights how siloing of the various areas of risk management may lead to serious incidents.

The article states that the Deep Horizon rig had undergone a site inspection that concentrated on OHS and thus failed to "notice the warning signs (of process safety)."

Further "...the senior health and safety manager for drilling operations in the Gulf of Mexico said that occupational safety was their prerogative, while process safety was a matter for engineering authorities."

It would appear that never the twain shall meet. The incident does highlight the need for some form of communication and sharing of information between various risk areas to ensure an effective risk management system.

At the very least its worthwhile reviewing your systems to make sure they are not isolating themselves. The isolation may occur slowly without it been noticed until to late. There is no reason to say it couldn't happen in smaller business either especially if they are experiencing a growth phase or even if they are reorganising as a result of business turn down.

If you have consultative committees or groups for various areas of  risks  when was the last time they invited each other to a meeting?

New Legislation Cost Impact Survey

Below is an extract from the Safe Work Australia site in regard to the new national OHS legislation slated for introduction in 2012. 

It is strongly recommended that businesses participate in the survey. The results may impact on assistance that may be provided to support organisations update their OHS systems.

On behalf of Safe Work Australia, Access Economics has developed a web-based survey which will be used to assess additional work health and safety costs caused by existing differences in work health and safety legislation.

We are seeking individuals and organisations to complete the survey, as part of the public comment process. This will enable a stronger understanding of the current economic impact of having different work health and safety legislation across Australia.

The survey with close on 4 April 2011, along with the public comment period for the draft model Work Health and Safety Regulations and model Codes of Practice.

To access the survey directly please use the following link
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/OHSregs

Why this blog

The Work Risk Solutions blog exists to:

• Share occupational risk management strategies that have proved their worth amongst our clients. 
• Lead forums for discussion and adapting strategies to assist others in managing work related risks.
• Promote discussion  on new legislation, standards and the outcomes and potential impact of relevant court cases.

The blog is not restricted to Occupational Health & Safety. Many of the strategies have had OHS as a starting point but expanded to include other areas such as quality, environmental, financial and public image. Others started in other areas and ended up included OHS.

We invite robust discussion from all sectors of business and the work place.