Monday, 17 April 2017

Achieving Integrated Safety Management System Certification

If you are considering Integrated Safety Management System Certification, there are a few factors you need to take into consideration.

Despite what some online companies claim, it's not as simple as downloading and installing software. If it was, wouldn't every business already have it?

It's true that all International Standards or ISO management systems are based on the same principles and processes, but the skill is to adapt that system to your particular organisation. And that's where integrated management system training comes in.

Personalising Tools And Guidelines


Working with consultants, you can 'install' the tools and guidelines, and the systems required to monitor them, and then personalise them.

So, with Integrated Safety Management System Certification, the system needs to reflect your current safety procedures and perceived risks. And because it requires 100% commitment, you will also need to share your goals with stakeholders.



Taking Responsibility

Workplace accidents happen all the time, but so many could be avoided, with the right procedures in place. All employees should be able to set off for work in the morning, knowing they will get home safely each night.

As a business owner, you have that responsibility. You also have massive legal obligations, which Integrated Safety Management System Certification will help you meet.

Certification is relevant to any sized organisation, in any industry. Indeed, any small business wishing to become a supplier or contractor to a major organisation, will need it.

Save Time And Money


Integrated management system training will save you time and money, by avoiding duplication, lowering insurance premiums and increasing productivity.

Gaining certification is no small feat so it's best to get consultants onboard from day 1. To ensure you get the right people, there are a few points you should check.
  • How long have they been operating?
  • Are they experienced across all major industries?
  • Are they qualified Lead Auditors?
  • Are they Exemplar Global certified?
  • Do they tailor-make management systems for their clients?
  • Do they provide all documentation?

Monday, 9 January 2017

Safety Consultants In Brisbane Get Businesses On Track

If you're struggling to keep up with the increasing red tape regarding workplace safety, there may be an easy solution that could help. And that's integrated safety management system certification.

Sounds like a bit of a mouthful, I know, but it's really a simple solution that could help protect you and your employees, and help you comply with regulations.

More Efficient Control


As you may already know, an integrated management system works by bringing together key areas of your organisation, for more efficient control. It is proven to reduce documentation and duplication, and save money and time.

Integrated safety management system certification does all that, and more, as it places a strong focus on workplace health and safety. And rightly so.

Pain and Heartbreak

Serious workplace accidents, and deaths, are costing Australian businesses millions of dollars, not to mention the pain and heartbreak they cause. In short, it's just not worth the risk of doing nothing.

Business owners have a legal and moral responsibility to protect their employees and the consequences of not doing so are very serious. But it is a lot of work.

Understanding the Legislation

It involves understanding the legislation to start with, along with producing policies and procedures, and checking they are being followed. If there was one easy way of doing all this, you'd take it, right?

Then it's time you spoke to safety consultants in Brisbane and got your integrated safety management system certification underway.

Get The Team Onboard

It provides the framework you need to develop your system, identify and monitor risks, and make positive change. And it does all this whilst also managing other crucial issues, such as quality assurance.

Safety consultants in Brisbane can help you engage management and communicate with employees, so that everyone is on the same page. And it will put safety first and foremost in everybody's mind.

The safety of your workers and other stakeholders isn't just your responsibility; it's the responsibility of everyone in your organisation, so let them play their part.

Monday, 5 December 2016

Implementing ISO 14001 Through A Management Systems Consultant

While the term 'Environmental Management System' - or EMS - is fairly self explanatory, most organisations need a little help in understanding what is required to implement an EMS and seek accreditation.

The most globally recognised EMS is ISO 14001 Environmental Management System, which was revised as recently as 2015, to make it more user-friendly, and more applicable to current environmental issues and legislation.

Increased Range of Issues

ISO 14001:2015 covers a far wider range of environmental issues, including waste management, resource use and efficiency, air pollution, water and sewage, soil contamination, and climate change mitigation and adaptation.

While making the ISO far more relevant, it also increases the need to enlist the help of a management systems consultant, so that your organisation's EMS can be tailor-made to fit your business and targets.

Prioritise Your Targets

ISO 14001 Environmental Management System offers an excellent framework and guidelines, to help you prioritise your environmental targets, monitor your progress and adapt the EMS as required.

As with any ISO management system, ISO 14001 requires you first to make a commitment, which is reflected in your policies and business practices. You must then plan and implement the EMS - a one-off event; then evaluate and review - an ongoing event.


Continual Improvement is Key

ISO 14001 Environmental Management System is based on continual improvement, not only to minimise your environmental impact, but also to achieve the most benefit for your organisation and your bottom line.

In order to be successful, your EMS must be supported by everyone within your organisation, so communication is a key factor. The payback is that everyone benefits from its implementation. Achieving ISO 14001 Environmental Management System certification increases customer confidence - and generally results in growing your customer base. It is also shown to boost staff moral, which leads to a more productive workforce.

When you understand how ISO 14001:2015 can reduce your costs, and boost your profits, it's easy to see why implementation is such a smart move.

Thursday, 3 November 2016

Make A Smoother Transition With Safety Consultants In Brisbane

While there's an old saying, 'Build it and they will come', that is not always the case when you implement new management systems in the workplace! Remember, many people hate change and guiding employees through such changes needs to be done properly.

When change occurs, many employees fear it is the start of something bigger - for example, a takeover, redundancies. At the very least they may believe that their employer is unhappy with their performance.

As for making changes to workplace safety, that's sure to set off a chain of Chinese Whisper!

Safety Consultants in Brisbane

All this is manageable, however, when you turn to safety consultants in Brisbane for professional help.

Many businesses are now choosing integrated safety management systems to protect their employees and customers, knowing it will not only help them meet all legal obligations, but will also save time and money in managing the system.

The mistake is to land this change on your employees during the weekly staff meeting and just expect it all to just happen. Far better to work with a consultancy experienced in Integrated Safety Management Systems training and certification.

Tailor-made Safety Management System

Standard Consulting in Brisbane is one such company, and they have been helping businesses throughout Australia achieve success for many years.

The key is to get the consultants involved from the start, so they can help explain the changes to your team, and work with you to develop and implement a tailor-made safety management system.

As the same team will also provide training, this will help provide consistency and support for your employees during the entire process. By engaging your staff at this stage, and keeping them informed throughout, you will find them every bit as excited as you when the organisation successfully achieves certification.

They will also understand that the changes have been made to make their workplace a safer and more enjoyable place to be.

Thursday, 22 September 2016

Isn't It Time You Changed To An Integrated Management System ISO

With two of the most widely used International Standards recently revised, it's a great time to consider how an Integrated Management System ISO (IMS) might help improve your organisation.

Before exploring how best to implement an Integrated Management System ISO, let's look at the many benefits it can bring, including major savings in time and money. Basically, you are now dealing with one set of procedures, one set of documentation, and one audit, instead of several.

An Integrated Management System ISO will help clarify priorities, and set in place clear roles and responsibilities, with a greater emphasis on leadership.

ISOs Revised in 2015

There are several compatible Standards that can be brought together, including ISO 9001 Quality Assurance and ISO 14001 Environmental Management. Both of these were revised and updated in 2015, making them even more relevant to how we do business today.
Implementing an IMS involves several steps and, if you are keen to achieve Integrated Management System certification, it is advisable to work with a professional consultancy to reach your goals.

The first step is to sit down with your consultant and discuss the basics, such as your main business, your targets and goals, your workforce, and your time frame. You also need to consider what systems you currently have in place, what's working and what isn't.

Effective Leadership is the Key

The aim here is to keep what's currently working well, and integrate it into your new system. Your consultant can then tailor-make and help implement your Integrated Management System ISO, and organise integrated management system training.

The latter is crucial for success. It starts at the top, as effective leadership is a key component in integrated management systems. It will then filter down through the workforce, probably with the suggestion that at least one staff member is put through internal audit training.

In today's challenging business world, we must surely embrace any system that makes running an organisation easier, more productive and more cost effective.

Wednesday, 24 August 2016

Benefits Of ISO 14001 Environmental Management System

In such a competitive marketplace, the priority on most businesses' list is to secure their share of customers. And for some, it stops there. But is that enough?

Surely the aim should not only be to grow your customer base, and the  secure return business, but also to make that customer an ambassador for your business.

This can be achieved in several ways; outstanding customer service and superior products are a great start, but there's still more you can do. You have to make the customer believe in your brand. And that can be done by becoming a socially and environmentally responsible organisation.

Consumer Research

The Queensland government tells us that 'ecofriendly makes business sense', and research reveals that most consumers will pay more, or go out their way, to buy from environmentally conscious organisations.

According to the Queensland government, "promoting your environmentally friendly methods can set your business apart from your competitors and attract new customers who want to buy products and services from an environmentally friendly business".

And probably the best way to become such a business, is to adopt an ISO 14001 environmental management system.



Reduce Your Impact

Globally recognised, ISO 14001 puts the environment right at the heart of your organisation, helping to minimise your business's impact on the environment - and the climate - by reducing your use of natural resources; minimising waste and setting environmental targets.

As well as 'doing the right thing', there are huge benefits to be had, including cost savings, improved staff motivation, improved reputation, better compliance with legislation, and greater customer satisfaction.

For expert help implementing an environmental management system in Queensland, it's best to talk to the experts. While off the shelf solutions are offered online, the one-size-fits-all approach is not recommended - especially if you wish to gain ISO 14001 certification.

Accreditation entitles you to use the ISO 14001 benchmark on all your packaging and marketing materials, showing unequivocally that you have achieved that environmental status.

Thursday, 4 August 2016

Discover Why An ISO Safety Management System Is A Good Investment

It feels as if everything has a price these days, doesn't it? And in an increasingly competitive market, the first question a business will ask is, What will it cost me? And what will I get for my money?

In the same way investors look for a Return On Investment when they purchase property or land, so too do employers, when they invest in their staff.

For example, if a business owner is thinking of investing in training for his employees, he has to weigh up what he'll get in return. Increased production? Motivated staff? More skilled workers? That's understandable really.

Legal And Moral Obligation

But what doesn't seem right is when business owners weigh up the ROI on providing workplace safety! That point should be top of the agenda - especially as they have a legal obligation.

I would have thought the ROI on an ISO safety management system was, first and foremost, peace of mind! The knowledge that everyone within the workplace is protected, and the risk of facing prosecution is minimised.

However, for those who require it, it is also possible to calculate the financial gain of having a system in place. The economic cost of work-related injury to the Australian economy for the Year 2012-13, was $61.8 billion (Safe Work Australia).

Cost Of Accidents

During the period 2009-10 to 2011-12, the average cost of a serious claim in - as an example - the construction industry, was $10,200. But on top of that, there's the average 6 weeks or so that the employee will be off work recovering. So there's an additional cost in either downtime, or temporary staff, or both.

Then there's the cost of any prosecution or fine, which can run into millions of dollars.

Implement Safety Management System

Alternatively, an employer can make a call to an Integrated Safety Management system services consultant, such as Standard Consulting in Brisbane.

The consultant can put in place a recognised, accredited Safety Management System, for a fraction of the cost of a workplace accident.

Sounds like a no-brainer to me!