OSHMS Manual 2.01 of 9 : Planning for Safety

OSHMS Manual
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2.01 Introduction

Many businesses – large and small – have no problem grasping the need to establish reasonable financial plans. There is little conflict in establishing plans to overseer such financial steps as ‘cash-flow’, ‘credit control’, ‘budgeting’ and the like. All this makes sense to the business operative, and – especially in larger operations – strong accreditations are demanded of the management: an example being the the MBA – Master of Business Administration – a prized accreditation nowadays, and usually in conjunction with strong accounting abilities.

Business has no problems in recognising the potential downfall of an organisation through poor financial management. The possible financial pitfalls in the path of a business operation are expected to be identified and plans put in place before the problems arise, or, if the foreseen problems do arise, contingency plans are applied to minimise the negative effect on the business.

To the objective observer, however, it becomes obvious one area of potential loss is never far from the surface in the day-to-day functioning of a business: occupational health, safety and welfare issues.

These occupational health, safety and welfare (OSH) issues are very real, with the potential for large corporate fines (up to RM 50,000)* and jail (up to 5 years)*… and yet it is possible for an executive to attain the status of an ‘MBA’ and not once touch on OSH as a subject of study! This means many business-houses are operating with corporate guidelines and day-to-day operational procedures that do not include plans for safety controls and contingencies. Some research questions were put to the key safety personnel in twenty of the largest business operators in the United States. One of the questions basically asked them: “If you had the chance for further study, what subject would you choose?” They all placed ‘financial management’ as that subject. The point being that safety professionals can see the dangerous weaknesses in the overall business plan, but lack the skills to sway opinion which is heavily blinkered by financial perspectives (and these usually short-term).

* NOTE THE HIGHER PENALTY FINES RELATE TO THE INTRODUCTION OF PART 1a TO THE Malaysia OSH ACT 1994, WHICH COVERS PROSECUTION OPTIONS FOLLOWING A DEATH ARISING FROM THE WORKPLACE.

next : Part 2.02 - Safety Management Plan