Many organizations try to integrate these standards of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS 18001) and ISO 45001 Health & Safety Management System (EMS) in their existing management systems. However, some companies fail in this process due to a lack of understanding of the company’s ISO 9001 quality management system and a lack of management review of the overall Health, Safety, Environment, and Quality (HSEQ) process at the Governance level.
Therefore, this article discusses how the quality management system (QMS) can supplement the health and safety management process in order to enhance the organization structure.
Why ISO 9001 Quality Management is Needed for Health and Safety?
Quality management system in healthcare involves a systematic approach to improving patient care and outcomes. It includes processes like monitoring, evaluating, and improving the quality of healthcare services. One of the key components of quality management is teamwork. Healthcare professionals work together to identify areas for improvement and implement changes that enhance patient care.
This continuous cycle helps healthcare organizations make data-driven decisions to enhance care. Technology plays an important role in quality management. Electronic health records and other digital tools help streamline processes and ensure accurate documentation. Here are 6 elements which make quality management essential for the health and safety sector-
- Contribute to High Reliability- The organizational team and individual conditions influence reliable service delivery to achieve safe, high-quality care.
- Manage Clinical Incidents and Risk- To identify, Communicate and manage clinical incidents and risks.
- Manage Individual Factors that Influence Performance at Work- How individual thoughts, emotions and physical feelings influence effective performance at work, and how to adapt when necessary to deliver safe reliable care.
- Uphold a Safety Culture- To support staff, patients, families, and carers in feeling safe to engage in learning and acknowledge when an incident has occurred.
- Utilise Improvement Methodologies- Understanding and using appropriate imp Improvement, research and applied science methodologies to achieve change for healthcare improvement.
- Utilize System Thinking- This includes being able to see the individual parts of the healthcare organisation, how they operate and interact, and their patterns of behaviour over time, and to use that information to contribute to change for safety and quality.
How Quality Management Systems Support Health and Safety Goals
Quality management is a crucial aspect of healthcare delivery that aims to ensure the provision of safe, effective, patient-centered, timely, efficient and equitable care. It involves various strategies and processes to continuously monitor, evaluate, and improve the quality of healthcare services provided by an organization to its staff.
Organizations have risk management programs to identify and mitigate potential risks to patients and staff. This includes analyzing incidents, conducting root-cause analyses and implementing preventive measures. Quality management emphasizes patient-centred care, which involves engaging patients in their care decisions, respecting their preferences, and ensuring effective communication between patients and healthcare providers.
Organizations should invest in staff training and education to ensure that healthcare professionals are up to date with the latest medical knowledge and best practices. Information technology and data management. Quality management relies on robust data collection and analysis. Organizations use health information systems and electronic health records, EHRs, to gather and track data related to patient care and outcomes.
Effective communication and collaboration among different healthcare teams are essential for delivering high-quality care. Organizations promote interdisciplinary teamwork and open communication channels. Patient feedback and satisfaction surveys.
In short, quality management in healthcare is essential for providing safe, effective, and patient-centered care. By continuously improving processes, healthcare organizations can achieve better outcomes for their work staff.
Benefits of Having ISO 45001 in Your Organization
ISO 45001 is an international standard for occupational health and safety management systems and achieving certification brings numerous advantages to organizations committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of their employees. One of the primary benefits is improved workplace safety.
- ISO 45001 certification signifies your dedication to providing a safe and healthy work environment, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries. ISO 45001 helps ensure legal compliance.
- Adhering to occupational health and safety regulations reduces the risk of legal issues, fines, and penalties, contributing to a safer and more stable workplace.
- Reduced incidents are one of the key benefits. ISO 45001 can lead to a decrease in workplace accidents, illnesses, and incidents resulting in fewer disruptions and higher productivity. Cost savings is another key advantage.
- By preventing accidents and reducing absentees, ISO 45001 can lead to lower healthcare and compensation costs, positively impacting a firm’s bottom line. ISO 45001 enhances organizational reputation. Demonstrating a commitment to employee safety can enhance your brand image and attract safety-conscious clients, customers, and partners.
- Competitive advantage is a crucial benefit. ISO 45001 certification sets you apart from competitors and can be a decisive factor for clients and customers choosing a safe and responsible partner. ISO 45001 fosters employee morale.
- When employees feel safe and valued, they are more motivated, engaged and loyal to the organization. Continuous improvement is at the core of ISO 45001. The standard encourages organizations to continually assess and enhance their occupational health and safety practices, ensuring ongoing safety improvements.
- Lastly, ISO 45001 provides global recognition. It’s acknowledged worldwide, making it easier to do business internationally and demonstrating your commitment to employee well-being. In conclusion, obtaining ISO 45001 2018 certification offers a multitude of benefits, from improved workplace safety to cost savings and enhanced reputation.
It’s a commitment to the well-being of your employees that can lead to both safer workplaces and business success.
How does ISO 9001 perform?
ISO 9001 is the standard for quality used by millions of companies. It was designed to provide organizations with the tools they need to win more business, reduce costs and improve productivity. ISO 9001 certification provides customers with assurance that they will receive consistent quality products and services.
ISO 9001 contains a set of quality principles which include customer focus, leadership engagement of people, process approach, continual improvements, evidence-based decision making and relationship management. Under 9001 there are numerous processes and procedures a company will be expected to follow. ISO 9001 is perfect for any organization large or small looking to improve quality and consistently meet customer requirements.
Bottom Line
Occupational Health and Safety management system audit and certification verifies that the company meets the necessary requirements of ISO 45001 standard and can add valuable input to the processes of each business. Certification according to ISO 45001 is generally voluntary, but its international acceptance within all types of industry results in additional credence and improved public image.
In some cases, ISO 45001 certification may be set as a requirement. Many companies set it as a prerequisite for supplier approval. Suppliers who are ISO certified minimize the risk of work-related injuries and increase confidence. Moreover, in many industrial tenders, certification is a legal contractual requirement.
All the requirements of ISO 45001 are generic and can be used by any organization, regardless of size and field of activity. Hence, it’s important to ensure the necessary safety management system policies and procedures are in place that get implemented effectively, and which will improve employee relations and morale.
