Integrated Management Systems – Advantages to Integrate High Quality, OHS and EMS

by

Dominic Whayne

The actual Integrated Management Systems (IMS) has become a hot theme not only among manufacturing corporations but also amongst numerous service institutions for example construction. The main reason for this trend is because of the growing quantity of management systems or standards which are implemented globally. IMS needs the amalgamation of numerous individual management systems for example AS/NZS ISO 9001, AS/NZS ISO 14001, AS/NZS 4801 and several more. Therefore, the main objective of an IMS is always to manage an organisation by way of a single harmonized management system rather than numerous management systems.

The thought of IMS became very related with the introduction and execution of ISO 14001 which envisaged integrated organizational method (or systems method) to environmental sustainability. In the same way, IMS has become a lot more important with the introduction of many standards. As much more and a lot more management systems are obtainable today, it is important for any organization to perform towards a harmonized, easy and simply implementable IMS.

It is really likely that any business implementing AS/NZS ISO 14001 (or the environmental management program), has a high quality management method (such asISO 9001) currently in location. Today, not just consumers but also regulatory authorities insist that the suppliers or service organizations (for example construction organisations) should implement AS/NZS ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems (QMS) whilst moving towards ISO 14001.

When a person closely examine the AS/NZS ISO 9001, AS/NZS ISO 14001 and AS/NZS 4801 Occupational Well being &Safety (OHS), he/she would discover that each one of these systems have many common processes and procedures. Also, its essential to note that there are no ISO standards for OHS. However, implementation OHS or adhering to OHS requirements in an organization may be easy if it has the QMS and EMS accreditation currently in spot.

Why any business seeks for IMS ?

In order to preserve or satisfy clients, several institutions mandate its suppliers or service providers (for example construction contractors) developing and implementing their own quality, OHS and environmental management systems.

To overcome trade barriers, many institutions or construction companies (operating in global markets like USA, EU, and Australasia) adapt and implement ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 accreditations. Such accreditations not just enhance the image of any organization globally as quality and environmentally conscious organization but in addition such an organization is readily accepted by consumers in the global markets.

Cost reduction by way of lower insurance payments: – Many corporations that have implemented AS/NZS ISO 14001 and AS/NZS 4801 can be eligible for reduced Insurance premium offered by insurance companies. The organisations for example construction businesses which are operating in highly risky and constantly changing work environment may be able to get appreciable benefit by way of IMS which comprised of AS/NZS ISO 9001, AS/NZS ISO 14001 and AS/NZS 4801.

It demonstrates not merely their commitment to top quality and also its adherence to processes and procedures required for the safety of the workers at the work place including the environment.

To boost the effectiveness of the QMS, EMS and OHS,

To demonstrate the sensitiveness to the environment and commitment to safety by doing the right thing at the first time, as described in ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and AS/NZS 4801.

To reduce the manufacturing and operating costs and enhance Return on Investment (ROI) through implementation of QMS, EMS and OHS

Aside from above, any business can get a higher ROI by way of IMS which uses the advantage of similarities of ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and AS/NZS 4801. Also, it can minimize ambiguities and confusion amongst employees when implementing the QMS, EMS and OHS associated standards.

Latest statistics reveal that several institutions have successfully integrated partially or fully all the management systems. For example, automotive, electronics, steel, chemical and service (construction industry) industries have proven the effectiveness of IMS via improved ROI. Basically, they were capable to decrease operating costs, time required to implement the processes, complexity (or ambiguity) of the management systems, through IMS. Similarly, such companies were able to have higher employee satisfaction and moral by way of integrated or simplified strategy to defining function instructions or job descriptions and tasks or performance standards.

There are a number of rewards could be derived via implementation of an IMS in an organization:

Since QMS, EMS and OHS has similarities, all three can be simply combined to have common organizational goals and objectives;

Can have a harmonized and simplified management program in the organization; in essence, workers or staff can be provided with one set of clear instructions rather than multiple instructions that can lead to confusion and conflicts. Therefore, much documentation and reporting on each system can be minimized.

The training of employees can be streamlined under single system rather than multiple training required under a number of systems.

Optimum use of resources resulting from maintaining a single process for all activities required under IMS. In other words, staff training, document control, management review, corrective and preventive actions need only less time and effort compared to implementing multiple management systems.

Can enhance organizational performance in terms of reduced customer complaints, product non-conformities, accident, wellness and environmental related risks; similarly, it can reduce top quality related risks or issues as well.

It helps the organization to combine high quality, environmental and OHS objectives into the overarching corporate strategy.

It emphasise the top management and the staff at all levels to consider top quality, environment and safety with equal priority.

It puts in place a broad agenda for continual improvement of top quality, environmental and OHS systems.

In summing up, one can conclude that Integrated Management Method will allow any construction organization (or any other) to combine quality (AS/NZS ISO 9001), Environment (AS/NZS ISO14001) and Wellness and Safety (AS/NZS 4801) into a single management system. It will not just make the organization effective in terms of compliance on high quality, environmental and wellness & safety but additionally be able to improve its efficiency and productivity resulting in higher ROI.

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