How can organizations measure the effectiveness of their Occupational Health and Safety
Management System, and what key performance indicators (KPIs) should be monitored? What
are the common challenges organizations face when implementing OHSMS, and how can these
challenges be effectively addressed?
An Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS) is a structured framework that
helps organizations systematically manage risks related to workplace health and safety. Its primary
goal is to prevent work-related injuries, illnesses, and deaths by identifying hazards, assessing risks,
and implementing effective controls.
It involves a cycle of continuous improvement — planning, implementing, checking, and reviewing
— to ensure that safety practices evolve in response to new risks, incidents, and workplace changes.
International standards such as ISO 45001 provide a global benchmark for developing and
maintaining an effective OHSMS.
Measuring the Effectiveness of an Occupational Health and Safety Management System
(OHSMS)
When it comes to keeping workplaces safe, it’s not enough just to have rules and systems in place —
organizations also need to know if those systems are working. It highlights measuring the
effectiveness of an Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS) becoming
important.
1. Regular Audits (Internal and External)
Organizations often rely on audits to check how well their safety systems are functioning. Internal
audits carried out by staff members ensure that procedures are being followed. External audits,
conducted by third-party experts, provide an objective review to see if the system meets recognized
standards like ISO 45001.
2. Routine Inspections and Risk Reviews
Routine workplace inspections and risk assessments help identify hazards before they cause harm.
Safety teams can evaluate whether current precautions are effective and whether new risks have
emerged.
3. Monitoring Incidents and Near-Misses
By tracking both incidents and near-misses, organizations can see patterns that might signal deeper
issues. If similar accidents keep occurring, it's a clear sign that changes are needed.
4. Employee Feedback and Participation
Employees often have first-hand knowledge of potential hazards. Encouraging them to share feedback
and participate in safety discussions can reveal problems that might not show up in audits or
inspections.
5. Training and Competency Checks
An effective safety system ensures that employees are well-trained. Tracking training attendance and
checking understanding through follow-ups can highlight gaps in safety knowledge.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to Track
• Lost Time Injuries (LTIs): Tracks the number of incidents that result in time off work.
• Frequency and Severity Rates: Measures of how often and how serious incidents are.
• Near-Miss Reports: High numbers may indicate strong reporting culture; low numbers might
show underreporting.
• Audit Scores: Comparing scores over time reveals whether safety efforts are improving.
• Training Completion Rates: Shows how prepared the workforce is.
• Corrective Action Closure Rate: Measures responsiveness to identified safety issues.
As OHSMS has not been an integral part of our work culture conventionally, implementation of
OHSMS faces challenges in the workplace from employee, management as well as from external
environment also. The following are some major challenges:
• Awareness and Engagement: Some staff may see safety as secondary to productivity.
• Reluctance to Change: The workers may have reluctance to change from conventional
practices.
• Limited Resources: Smaller companies may struggle to invest in training or equipment.
• Communication Gaps: Safety policies must be clear and accessible to everyone.
• Inconsistent Rule Enforcement: Uneven enforcement can lead to confusion.
• Cultural Barriers: In some places, workers might avoid reporting issues out of fear or habit.
These challenges can be overcome in several ways, some of which are listed below:
• Promote Safety Culture: Make safety a part of everyday conversations.
• Improve Training Methods: Use relatable examples and materials in local languages.
• Foster Open Communication: Create safe channels for feedback and reporting.
• Recognize Progress: Celebrate improvements to motivate continued effort.
• Customize the System: Tailor safety measures to the specific risks and size of the
organization.
