Some smaller businesses wrongly believe
that integrated management systems are only useful for big organisations. They
don’t imagine that they would have enough procedures and policies to warrant using
one.
The truth is, all ISO management systems,
including the integrated system, are ideally suited to SMEs. Designed to
maximise efficiency and minimise waste, implementing one, for example an ISO
Quality Management System, can bring huge benefits to any organisation.
Integrated Safety Management System
Having said that, it’s true that a small
business could probably manage without in previous decades. Not now, however;
with business and industry increasingly governed by legislation, steps must be
taken to ensure compliance and manage the related workload.
ISO management systems are designed to be
integrated. They share many common processes and goals, and there is often a
crossover in the subject matter, too. For example, between environmental
management and workplace safety.
ISO Quality Management System
An integrated safety management system
ensures that you provide a safe workplace, comply with related legislation,
minimise risk and protect yourself from compensation claims. The system sits at
the center of your operation, for easier implementation, and continually checks
and revises procedures for better protection.
Businesses that go down this route
generally start by implementing an ISO Quality Management System. This puts
down strong roots and sets the standards for the organisation. It builds a
culture of quality that improves product and service quality, customer
satisfaction and staff morale.
Once your ISO Quality Management System is
operational you could consider integrating other ISO management systems, such
as the new ISO 45001:2018 standard, which replaces AS/NZS 4801:2001
(Australian Standard) and OHSAS 18001:2007 (International Standard).
Combining this with quality management will
help your brand build customer loyalty, by boosting your reputation as an
ethical and socially responsible company. It will also ensure you operate
within the legislation.
Why not take the first step in the New Year
and discover what ISO can do for you?
