A proactive and holistic approach to occupational safety and health: The Lucent Technologies Microelectronics Group Safety Management System

摘要

This paper will introduce a novel approach to occupational safety and health management. The authors will explain how Microelectronics has installed a third party verified safety management system, SMS. This SMS is based on BS8800 and a vision that all efforts must add value to the business. The safety management system employs the best attributes of an already established third party certified ISO 14001 environmental management system with the ultimate goal of completely integrating both systems. Most current safety management programs respond to lagging indicators such as lost time rates. Unfortunately, this approach, being reactive in nature, is one that exposes the business to significant risk. This risk is based not only on the realization that considerable harm may be done to an individual involved in an accident but also that business continuity may be adversely affected. A gap in business continuity can mean significant revenue loss and corresponding customer dissatisfaction whose value may go well beyond the cost of personal injury and equipment damage associated with the initial incident. The safety management system developed at Microelectronics addresses these problems. Incorporated in the system is the policy that a significant aspect is not "safe" until all possible hazards associated with it are managed. The SMS employs the use of a novel evaluation that allows operators and non-safety professionals to identify all hazards associated with an aspect. Then, working from the results of the initial analysis, a set of "logic trees" (which have been developed as part of the system) are used to qualify and quantify the hazards as well as aid in setting objectives and targets. The foundation of the Total Quality Management based SMS approach is to drive ownership to operators and supervisors first. These are the people at risk and those who have control of the aspect.