Integrated Management Systems - Benefits to Integrate quality, OHS and Environmental Management Systems

The Integrated Management Systems (IMS) has become a hot topic not only among manufacturing organizations but also among many service organizations such as construction. The main reason for this trend is due to the increasing number of management systems or standards that are implemented globally. IMS requires the amalgamation of several individual management systems such as AS/NZS ISO 9001, AS/NZS ISO 14001, AS/NZS 4801 and many more. Thus, the main purpose of an IMS is to manage an organisation through a single harmonized management system instead of several management systems.

The idea of IMS became very relevant with the introduction and implementation of ISO 14001 which envisaged integrated organizational approach (or systems approach) to environmental sustainability. Similarly, IMS has become more important with the introduction of numerous standards. As more and more management systems are available today, it is essential for any organization to work towards a harmonized, simple and easily implementable IMS. It is very likely that any organization implementing AS/NZS ISO 14001 (or the environmental management system), has a quality management system (such asISO 9001) already in place. Today, not only customers but also regulatory authorities insist that the suppliers or service organizations (such as construction organisations) should implement AS/NZS ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems (QMS) while moving towards ISO 14001.

When someone closely examine the AS/NZS ISO 9001, AS/NZS ISO 14001 and AS/NZS 4801 {Occupational Health &Safety (OHS)}, he/she would find that all these systems have many common processes and procedures. Also, its important to note that there are no ISO standards for OHS. However, implementation OHS or adhering to OHS requirements in an organization may be easy if it has the QMS and EMS accreditation already in place. Why any organization strives for IMS ? In order to retain or satisfy customers, many organizations mandate its suppliers or service providers (such as construction contractors) developing and implementing their own quality, OHS and environmental management systems.

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To overcome trade barriers, many organizations or construction companies (operating in global markets such as USA, EU, and Australasia) adapt and implement ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 accreditations. Such accreditations not only enhance the image of any organization globally as quality and environmentally conscious organization but also such an organization is readily accepted by customers in the global markets. Cost reduction through lower insurance payments: - Many organizations that have implemented AS/NZS ISO 14001 and AS/NZS 4801 can be eligible for reduced Insurance premium offered by insurance companies. The organisations such as construction businesses which are operating in highly risky and constantly changing work environment may be able to get appreciable benefit through IMS which comprised of AS/NZS ISO 9001, AS/NZS ISO 14001 and AS/NZS 4801. It demonstrates not only their commitment to quality and also its adherence to processes and procedures required for the safety of the workers at the work place including the environment. To improve the effectiveness of the QMS, EMS and OHS, To demonstrate the sensitiveness to the environment and commitment to safety by doing the right thing at the first time, as described in ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and AS/NZS 4801. To reduce the manufacturing and operating costs and enhance Return on Investment (ROI) through implementation of QMS, EMS and OHS

Besides above, any organization can get a higher ROI through IMS which utilizes the advantage of similarities of ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and AS/NZS 4801. Similarly, it can reduce ambiguities and confusion among employees when implementing the QMS, EMS and OHS associated standards. Recent statistics indicate that many organizations have successfully integrated partially or fully all the management systems. For example, automotive, electronics, steel, chemical and service (construction industry) industries have demonstrated the effectiveness of IMS through improved ROI. In essence, they were able to cut down operating costs, time required to implement the processes, complexity (or ambiguity) of the management systems, through IMS. Similarly, such organizations were able to have higher employee satisfaction and moral through integrated or simplified approach to defining work instructions or job descriptions and tasks or performance standards.

There are several benefits could be derived through implementation of an IMS in an organization: Since QMS, EMS and OHS has similarities, all three can be easily combined to have common organizational goals and objectives; Can have a harmonized and simplified management system in the organization; in essence, workers or staff can be provided with one set of clear instructions instead of multiple

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instructions that can lead to confusion and conflicts. Thus, much documentation and reporting on each system can be minimized. The training of employees can be streamlined under single system rather than multiple training required under several systems. Optimum use of resources resulting from maintaining a single process for all activities required under IMS. In other words, staff training, document control, management review, corrective and preventive actions need only less time and effort compared to implementing multiple management systems. Can enhance organizational performance in terms of reduced customer complaints, product non-conformities, accident, health and environmental related risks; similarly, it can reduce quality related risks or issues as well. It helps the organization to combine quality, environmental and OHS objectives into the overarching corporate strategy. It emphasise the top management and the staff at all levels to consider quality, environment and safety with equal priority. It puts in place a broad agenda for continual improvement of quality, environmental and OHS systems.

In summing up, one can conclude that Integrated Management System will allow any construction organization (or any other) to combine quality (AS/NZS ISO 9001), Environment (AS/NZS ISO14001) and Health and Safety (AS/NZS 4801) into a single management system. It will not only make the organization effective in terms of compliance on quality, environmental and health & safety but also be able to improve its efficiency and productivity resulting in higher ROI.

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