a step by step approach to workplace safety and health excellence

Contents
Introduction
Lets bizSAFE What is bizSAFE? bizSAFE Benefits bizSAFE Success Stories

How to Sustain your Achievements Glossary and Directory

Glossary Useful Information on Safety and Health List of Approved bizSAFE Service Providers

How to use this Toolkit Acknowledgements

Steps for Level 1 Demonstrate Top Management Commitment Workplace Safety and Health Policy Checklist for bizSAFE Level 1 Steps for Level 2 Acquire Risk Management Capability Checklist for bizSAFE Level 2 Steps for Level 3 Conduct Risk Assessment and Implement Risk Management Plan Checklist for bizSAFE Level 3 Steps for Level 4 Acquire Capabilty to Manage Workplace Safety and Health Checklist for bizSAFE Level 4 Steps for Star Level Deliver Excellence in Workplace Safety and Health Management System Checklist for bizSAFE Star Level

Introduction
Lets bizSAFE
Safety and health comes first among the core functions in a business management process. As the management team, you are obliged to ensure the safety and health of your staff. Take a look at successful companies; they have good safety and health controls. It is a sound management practice to adopt to protect your investment. The most important asset of a company is its people and ensuring their safety and health should be the topmost responsibility of the management team. It is also a legal obligation. Effective workplace safety and health management will improve a companys performance by contributing to: Better service delivery Improved productivity during operations Reduction in management time spent on fire-fighting Enhanced staff morale Increased likelihood of change initiatives being achieved More focus internally on doing the right things properly Better basis for strategy setting Achievement of competitive advantage Fewer sudden shocks and unwelcome surprises More efficient use of resources Reduced waste and misunderstanding, and better value for money Improved innovation Better management of contingencies and maintenance activities See how it makes good business sense? With enough knowledge, resources and skills, you can include safety and health into your workplace.

What is bizSAFE?
The bizSAFE programme promotes workplace safety and health through the recognition of your safety and health efforts. There are five different levels to achieve.

Acquire Capability in Managing WSH Systematically

Implement Risk Management

Acquire Risk Management Capability

Demonstrate Top Management Commitment

5 4 3 2 1

Deliver Excellence in WSH management System

Involvement

Recognition

bizSAFE benefits?
The bizSAFE programme provides several benefits: Benefits Gain business opportunities? Improve safety and health? Easy to implement? Guidance provided? Step by step approach? Voluntary? Yes

Be it enterprises, partners, mentors or service providers there are many advantages to participating in the bizSAFE programme and they are: Enterprises Mentors Recognition by bizSAFE partners Benefits from participating insurers and financial institutions Increased competitive edge against business rivals Guidance from bizSAFE mentors Advice and assistance from fellow members who have successfully integrated safety with profitability Safer and more productive suppliers Ability to better access workplace safety and health performance of business partners Safe work environment for landlords Reduced business costs and downtime Positive corporate image Being a part of a bigger bizSAFE community Play a part in corporate social responsibility Opportunity to impact WSH culture inter/intra industry Being a part of a bigger bizSAFE community Opportunity to coach business partners Reduced business costs and more up time Positive corporate image Play a part in corporate social responsibility Recognition as bizSAFE mentors Step-by-step approach to assist bizSAFE companies Create more business opportunities Being a part of a bigger bizSAFE community Positive company image
5

Partners

Service Providers

bizSAFE success stories

bizSAFE enterprises The bizSAFE programme makes business sense because our clients see how we are better than others. The programme also provides easy steps to show management commitment. Working safely is fundamental to caring for everyone, to demonstrating good management and to achieving business success. It provides a means to know how good our practices are, compared to industrial practices. Guided by a consultant, we spent just a little sum on making things better. We found that bizSAFE is a step by step programme to safety and health, and is very flexible. You can imagine how we save a lot with this meaningful investment; it would be costly if an accident happens. Mr. Neo Ah Sin R & D Manager S Team (Singapore) Just as with brewing good coffee, we need to know the right method and how to get it consistently. We found bizSAFE useful because it is a model to guide our company to improve from grade A to AA standard and has inspired us to go for the best in safety and health. Our staff morale is getting better and better. Ms Loh Lai Sim HR Manager, Snap on Tools Singapore

bizSAFE benefits the relationship between staff and management. Our staff is now well aware of the safety systems and are proud to practise it. We enjoy accreditation by WSH Council; this allows us to have better business opportunities and in turn drives us to become safer and healthier. Through the implementation and the documentation of the management system, we are in better control. Jennifer Koh, Director JGE Builders

Engagement in safety and health efforts is one of the key achievements from the programme. This means giving us access to useful information, guided approaches to safety and health matters, as well as the opportunity to share events and issues in daily work. This provides a good platform to find appropriate solutions, with everyone actively contributing ideas to work together. Mr Yap Thiam Meng Operations Manager, B.S.K. Stevedoring

bizSAFE partner bizSAFE enables us to become closer to our vendors and business associates; we excel in safety and health together. By setting the right direction and demonstrating commitment, everyone becomes an advocate of safety and health. Mr. Ng Kok Wee Fire Safety Manager, Jurong Port bizSAFE mentor

Being an active player in safety demonstrates our commitment towards safety. We believe that other consumers will be more inclined to do business with us. Our management and staff support bizSAFE. We always believe that being a safety conscious company means We care for our workers and our workers acknowledge the companys concern for their safety and health. Mr. S.Pannir Project Manager, HongRong Engineering

bizSAFE is a good investment. We have seen our business associates working on it; some of them are now reaching Level 2. We have seen good behaviour, for example our staff check their work in greater detail. Being the staff of a company granted bizSAFE mentor status, we have to take the lead and be even better. Mr. Ong Ann Pang Manager, Cameron (Singapore)

HOW TO USE THIS TOOLKIT

How to Use this Toolkit

The toolkit is designed so that you can work through the content in a step by step manner and use checklists after each bizSAFE level to ensure that tasks are done correctly. You can also use the checklists in the Self-Check Tool Booklet to assess how good your current safety and health management practices are. Read and understand Plan your work Organise your tasks and resources Ask when help is needed

Understand the Programme

Master the Steps

Keep Up to Date and Reference

LEVEL 1

STEPS FOR

10

Steps for Level 1

Demonstrate top management commitment
The demonstration of top management commitment provides motivation for companies such as small and medium enterprises to improve their workplace safety and health (WSH) capabilities. For the bizSAFE mentors the appointment is a strong endorsement of their organisations WSH performance and leadership. Through them, small and medium enterprises can observe first-hand, the benefits of good WSH practices and be influenced to improve their capabilities. As the first step in the bizSAFE journey, top management have to: Attend the bizSAFE CEO course Prepare a safety and health policy Approve the policy Show commitment to the policy Communicate the policy A good safety and health policy is essential to describe the values and approach of the company and to provide direction on safety and health management.

11

Workplace safety and health policy

Study this sample safety and health policy and prepare your own version in the next page.

WORKPLACE SAFETY AND HEALTH POLICY ABC Company is a leading consumer product factory in the metal industry. We are committed to providing staff, contractors and visitors with a healthy and safe environment. This policy applies to the company premises, activities of the company and controlled equipment. The company strives, through a process of continuous improvement, to fully integrate health and safety into all aspects of its activities. This will be achieved by: Implementing and maintaining a framework that ensures the systematic management of health and safety throughout all sites and workplaces and compliance with legal and other requirements; Setting measurable objectives and targets aimed at controlling higher risk activities and increasing awareness of health and safety. Our principal goal is to improve health and safety management and to eliminate injuries and illnesses in our workplaces. We promote a proactive health and safety management philosophy based on effective communication and consultation, the systematic identification, assessment and control of hazards and the encouragement of innovation.

company logo CDE Managing Director ABC Company June 2008

12

WORKPLACE SAFETY AND HEALTH POLICY

Managing Director Date

company logo

13

Checklist for bizSAFE Level 1

Prepare a safety and health policy Is the safety policy specific enough to describe the scope for your company? Does the Workplace Safety and Health Policy describe commitment to incident reduction? Does the company policy set clear goals and performance targets for workplace safety and health? Does the Workplace Safety and Health Policy mention the direction to improve safety performance? Is the Workplace Safety and Health Policy signed by top management and dated? Has the method to communicate the Workplace Safety and Health Policy to staff been decided?

Yes

14

LEVEL 2

STEPS FOR

15

Steps for Level 2

Acquire Risk Management Capability
Attend and pass a 2-day risk management training course conducted by an accredited training provider Understand risk assessment methodology Develop skills on risk assessment Get prepared for the risk assessment

Checklist for bizSAFE Level 2

Risk Management Skills Development Is there a process to form a risk management team? Are there hazard identification methods? Are there risk evaluation methods? Are there communication methods for control measures? Has a risk management plan been prepared? Have risk control measures been included in the risk management plan?

Yes

16

LEVEL 3

STEPS FOR

17

Steps for Level 3

Conduct risk assessment and implement the risk management plan
Form a risk assessment team Establish a work inventory Identify hazards and evaluate risks Develop controls Implement controls according to risk level Update residual risks in the risk register Arrange for risk communication Arrange for an external audit

18

Checklist for Identifying Hazards

Do these hazards exist in your workplace? Slip and fall hazards? Chemical hazards? Machinery hazards? Fall from height hazards? Electrical hazards? Falling object hazards? Lifting hazards? Fire and explosive hazards? Confined space hazards?

Yes

Write down other hazards in your workplace in the space below:

19

Checklist for bizSAFE Level 3

Risk Assessment and Risk Management Are the members of the risk assessment team from different job functions? Has a work inventory been established? Do the identified hazards cover all activities and areas of the workplace? Are the controls developed using the hierarchy of risk control approach? Are the residual risks updated? Are the risk control policy and reasons to support risk management reviewed?

Yes

20

LEVEL 4
21 21

STEPS FOR

Steps for Level 4

Acquire capability in managing workplace safety and health systematically
Identify a Workplace Safety and Health Management System (WSHMS) leader The leader has to attend and pass a 4-day WSHMS course Develop the WSHMS

Checklist for bizSAFE Level 4

Workplace Safety and Health Management System Capability Has a WSHMS leader been appointed? Did the WSHMS leader attend and pass the 4-day WSHMS Course? Was the WSHMS developed? Is there evidence showing that the WSHMS is being implemented?

Yes

22

ST

STEPS FOR

R LEVEL

23

Steps for Star Level

Deliver excellence in WSHMS Pass an independent third party audit Implement Workplace Safety and Health Management System (WSHMS), pass an independent third party audit, which meets SS506 or its equivalent.

Checklist for bizSAFE STAR Level

Implementation - Workplace Safety and Health Management System Has a WSHMS been implemented? Was there any WSHMS audit conducted by an external auditing firm? Has your organisation passed the external audit?

Yes

24

HOW TO SUSTAIN YOUR ACHIEVEMENTS

25

How to sustain your achievements

Simplify work processes Eliminate hazards Actively use risk assessment to improve conditions Monitor progress Get involvement Demonstrate and share improvements Develop a risk communication process

26

GLOSSARY AND DIRECTORY

27

Glossary and Directory

Term Contractors Definition A person engaged by another person (referred to as principal) otherwise than under a contract of service: a) to supply any labour for gain or reward; or b) to do any work for gain or reward, in connection with any trade, business, profession or undertaking carried on by the other person. Anything or any source or situation with the potential to cause harm or injury. Hazards may be classified as: Chemical, eg. acids, alkalis, solvents; Biological, eg. bacteria, fungi and viruses; Electrical, eg. frayed wires; Ergonomic, eg. repetitive work, awkward postures, prolonged standing; Mechanical, eg. damaged equipment, forklifts, cranes, overhead cranes, power press; Physical, eg. excessive noise, heat, radiation; Psychosocial, eg. overwork, poor supervision. Probability or frequency of an event occurring A person who, in connection with any trade, business, profession or undertaking carried by him, engages any other person otherwise than under a contract of service: a) to supply any labour for gain or reward; or b) to do any work for gain or reward. Likelihood that a hazard will cause a specific harm or injury to someone or something. More specifically, it is the likelihood of accidents or illhealth occurring at work and the consequences of such occurrences. Occupational safety and health risk assessment is the process of identifying hazards, evaluating the risks, and determining the appropriate options for risk control.

Hazard

Likelihood Principal

Risk

Risk Assessment

28

Term Risk Management

Definition Occupational safety and health risk management involves the assessment of risks associated with any work activity or trade, control and monitoring of such risks, as well as communicating these risks. OSHMS is part of the overall management system that facilitates the management of the safety and health risks associated with the business of the organisation. This includes organisational structure, planning activities, responsibilities, practices, procedures, processes and resources for developing, implementing, achieving, reviewing and maintaining the organisations OSH policy. (Source: SS506: OSH Management System)

Safety and Health Management Systems (OSHMS)

Safe Work Procedures Self-Employed Person

Step-by-step procedures of doing or carrying out work safely. A person who works for gain or reward otherwise than under a contract of service, whether or not employing others. Degree or extent of injury or harm caused by a hazard, or as a result of an accident. A person engaged by any contractor or subcontractor: a) To supply any labour for gain or reward; or b) To do any work for gain or reward, which the contractor or subcontractor has been engaged as contractor or subcontractor.

Severity

Subcontractor

29

Useful information on safety and health

Safety and Health

Information portals for occupational safety and health Website (MOM): http://www.mom.gov.sg/publish/momportal/en/communities/ workplace_ safety_and_health/maintaining_a_safe_workplace.html Website (WSH Council): http://www.wshc.sg

Legislations

Hardcopies of Workplace Safety and Health Regulations, Acts and Guidelines Toppan Leefung Pte Ltd. Legal Publishing 1 Kim Seng Promenade #18-01/06 Great World City East Tower Singapore 237994 Website: http://www2.toppanleefung.com/webshop/ Available for download at: Website (MOM): http://www.mom.gov.sg/publish/momportal/en/legislation/ occupational_ safety_and_health.html Email: mom_oshd@mom.gov.sg

30

Code of Practice (CP)

SPRING Singapore Information Resource Centre 2 Bukit Merah Central #04-00 S159835 Tel 6279 3920 Website: http://www.singaporestandardseshop.sg/product/home.aspx Website (WSH Council): https://www.wshc.sg/wps/portal/resourcescasestudies?openMenu=-1 Website (WSH Council): http://www.wshc.sg Website (MOM): http://www.mom.gov.sg/publish/momportal/en/communities workplace_ safety_and_health/maintaining_a_safe_workplace/ programme-based_engagement.html

Accident Case Studies/ WSH Alerts Safety Programmes

Accredited Service Providers

Website (MOM): http://www.mom.gov.sg/publish/momportal/en/communities workplace_safety_and_health/service_and_equipment.html

31

32

Acknowledgements

MA Builders Pte Ltd James G.A Ang, Managing Director San Keong Construction Pte Ltd Sam Loh, Director (posed photo) Cactus Engineering & Trading Pte Ltd Tham Cheong On, General Manager (posed photo) Dockers Marine Pte Ltd Selva Raj, Director-Operations Multiheight Scaffolding Pte Ltd Francis Ho, Managing Director

33

Reprinted in October 2010 by the Workplace Safety and Health Council All rights reserved. This publication may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, in whole or in part, without prior written permission. The information provided in this kit is accurate as at time of printing. As a guide this publication has no legal standing. The Workplace Safety and Health Council does not accept any liability or responsibility to any party for losses or damage arising from following this publication.

34

35

36