NEBOSH IGC Element 2 Cheat Sheet: How health and safety management systems work and what they look like

2.1 Key components of a management system

A health and safety management system is the set of connected arrangements an organisation uses to control its risks.
- ('text', 'A health and safety management system is the set of connected arrangements an organisation uses to control its risks.')
Both ISO 45001 and ILO-OSH 2001 describe the Plan, Do, Check, Act cycle, which then starts again:
1. Plan: decide what you need to do (policy, risk assessment, objectives).
2. Do: organise, train, communicate and apply controls.
3. Check: see how it is working (monitor, investigate, audit).
4. Act: act on the results (review, improve).
A formal or certified system (for example one certified to ISO 45001) is audited by an outside body.
- ('text', 'A formal or certified system (for example one certified to ISO 45001) is audited by an outside body.')
An informal system, which has no certificate, can be cheaper and more flexible, but it may be inconsistent, depend on a few individuals, and be harder to prove to customers or regulators.
- ('text', 'An informal system, which has no certificate, can be cheaper and more flexible, but it may be inconsistent, depend on a few individuals, and be harder to prove to customers or regulators.')

Terms: PDCA

Tip: When a question asks for benefits and limitations, give both sides.

The occupational health and safety policy (ISO 45001 clause 5.2) is the organisation's written statement of intent.
- ('text', "The occupational health and safety policy (ISO 45001 clause 5.2) is the organisation's written statement of intent.")
Typical content: a commitment to provide safe and healthy conditions, to meet legal requirements, to eliminate hazards and reduce risks, to consult workers, and to continually improve.
- ('text', 'Typical content: a commitment to provide safe and healthy conditions, to meet legal requirements, to eliminate hazards and reduce risks, to consult workers, and to continually improve.')
All workers at every level have responsibilities, and the policy should make them clear.
- ('text', 'All workers at every level have responsibilities, and the policy should make them clear.')
To make the policy work in practice, set objectives and targets that are quantifiable, using SMART principles (specific, measurable, achievable, reasonable, time-bound).
- ('text', 'To make the policy work in practice, set objectives and targets that are quantifiable, using SMART principles (specific, measurable, achievable, reasonable, time-bound).')
A policy must be kept current.
- ('text', 'A policy must be kept current.')

Terms: SMART

Tip: Remember that the policy is a document, but the arrangements are what people actually do.