What is a Health and Safety Management System primarily designed for?

A Health and Safety Management System (HMS) is primarily designed to manage workplace health and safety. Its core objective is to create and maintain a structured approach to identifying, assessing, and controlling health and safety risks within the organization. By implementing an HMS, an organization establishes policies, procedures, and responsibilities that ensure systematic management of health and safety issues, thereby promoting a safer working environment for employees.

The management system supports the continuous improvement of health and safety practices, compliance with legal regulations, and proactive measures to prevent accidents and illnesses. It emphasizes the importance of training, communication, and employee involvement in fostering a safety culture, which ultimately contributes to the overall well-being of all workers.

While maximizing productivity, improving worker satisfaction, and enhancing customer service are important aspects of an organization's operations, they are secondary benefits that may arise from effective health and safety management rather than the primary purpose of the system itself. The focus of an HMS remains firmly on the prevention of workplace hazards and the protection of employees' health, making it a vital component of overall organizational management.