What better way than HSG65.

Why not go for OHSAS 18001

Hi Rose, There is not currently anything in place, there was a immediate risk off the company working off poorly erected scaffolds which I have eliminated but I am trying to realistically think where next. The fitting side of the business is where the main risk is, so am thinking to start risk assessing this straight away to prevent harm to the workers rather than writing policies etc when someone could be getting hurt

Hi Why not start by reading systems in focus, the IOSH guide to safety management systems. It gives you an over view of options and approaches. Here is a link. http://www.iosh.co.uk/bo.../guidance_and_tools.aspx Ian

Thank you for the replies. No point in gap analysis as there is literally nothing in place. I will be starting with risk assessing the operational side of the business first (working on roofs) as this to me is the immediate and highest risk. I will then look at other areas. I know there will probably be some conflicting views on this but I don't see how writing policies should come before addressing the highest risk area and controlling it. I can then look at implementing a policy and everything else that goes with a simple simple such as HSG(65) Thanks again for replies and I would like to add that further comments can be made as all feedback is welcome

szone, "literally nothing in place" sounds like a disaster about to happen, thus identify the obvious highly dangerous activities, apply urgent controls (possibly cease work). Once the threat of imminent death is removed you can begin to think about tomorrow's problems and control those risks as appropriate. Only then will you be in a position to start any strategic management, development of policies, SWPs etc. Thinking about any formal management system such as 18001 when bodies are about to pile up is futile! However, if this is an established operation I find it hard to believe that "literally nothing in place" is an accurate description.

Hi Szone, My suggestion is, 1. Get hold of a good risk matrix to quantify risk. (probability X consequence etc.) 2. Collect all the processes in the company (routine, non routine, emergency) 3. Get some volunteers and carry out risk assessment for all the activities. (this will give you inputs to, emergency response procedures, to work instructions to manage risk in routine activities, to use of work permits in non routine cases). You will be surprised how many risks turn up as critical which you didn't think before. Use hierarchy of controls to devise a risk mitigating plan. Set things in motion for controls with management, engineering, process managers etc.. 4. Then train all those who can be harmed on the respective procedures, work instructions and on the work permit system. 5. At this point as a HS professional, you have established control over all processes of the company. (the most important one expected from you). 6. Then have a look at hsg65 and ohsas18001. (hsg65 is easy to understand) so then you will see that some parts in it you have already implemented. Slowly complete the rest of it and compare what you have completed with ohsas18001. You will have to do a bit modifications and additions here and there. Once you done with that you will have a HS management system. This is more practical and will be accepted by the employees as useful. Good Luck and let us know how it went.