Many companies are now integrating their QHSE management systems due to the large number of benefits for doing this. This kind of integrated system often requires a significant change in the business and so the management needs to be involved throughout the entire process. Of course, integrating your QHSE systems can improve communication between various departments and reduce conflict and so it is worth the effort in the long run.
In this blog, we are going to tell you a bit more about integrating your QHSE management systems and provide some tips for making this go as smoothly as possible.
What Makes Up A Management System?
When you look at your management systems, you will notice that there are many different elements that make them up. Some of the most important elements across the various systems include audits, document control, systems and policies, training and competency, hazards, risks and improvements.
All of these important elements need to be managed effectively as they involve many different stakeholders. These elements are often separated into silos which could be labelled as Environmental Management Systems or Health and Safety Management Systems. So, why not combine these and bring them together into one integrated QHSE management system?
Advantages Of An Integrated System
There are many advantages to using an integrated management system including the fact that many of the elements are present across the various silos. When you create an integrated system, you can reduce duplication and improve communication across your company. Having lots of different management systems can cause a lot of confusion and things can often not be communicated effectively.
Another advantage of integrating your QHSE management systems is that you can reduce conflicting objectives in your own company. This kind of system can actually have a positive impact on your training and development, as well as organisational knowledge and so this is something to consider.
A final advantage of an integrated HQHSE system is that you can create consistency across your management systems and make sure that everything is running smoothly in the various departments that utilise the systems.
Combining Your Systems
When it comes to integrating your management systems, there are some things that you can do to make sure that things work well. The first thing that you should do is get the management buy-in as without this you are not going to get very far. Try to communicate the advantages of this kind of system effectively to your management and hopefully everyone will agree that this is the best way forward.
You will need to create a plan to bring all of these different elements together in order to get the approval that you need to move forward with the QHSE integration. Try to create a small cross-functional team that can work together to make sure that everything goes to plan.
As we have noted before, there are many elements of the various management systems that cross over into other categories. When you are integrating your system, you should try to combine any similar processes together. This will make things much easier to manage and you will be able to improve how your business operates and greatly improve on QHSE communication.
Conclusion
If you run a business that has many departments that cross over then you might want to think about combining your management systems. This will not only create consistency across your systems, but it will improve your competence and organisational knowledge.
Make sure to follow these tips and work hard to get the management buy-in to improve your system as a whole and create a more integrated set-up. You can get in touch if you need some assistance with this.