Introduction to Health and Safety at Work

1.16 
The framework for health and 
safety management
Most of the key elements required for effective health 
and safety management are very similar to those required 
for good quality, fi nance and general business manage-
ment. Commercially successful organizations usually 
have good health and safety management systems in 
place. The principles of good and effective management 
provide a sound basis for the improvement of health and 
safety performance (see Figure 1.12).
HSE, in HSG 65, have identifi ed fi ve key elements 
involved in a successful health and safety management 
system. The following Chapters will describe and discuss 
this framework in detail. The fi ve elements are:
1. 
Policy
– a clear health and safety policy contributes 
to business effi ciency and continuous improvement 
Figure 1.11
Insured and uninsured costs.
£
1
£
1
£
8
-3
6
£
8
-3
6
Accident I ceb
er g
Accident I ceb
er g
In sured costs
In sured costs
Injury, ill-health
damage
U
n insured costs
U
n insured costs
Product and material damage
Legal costs
Emergency supplies
Cleaning up site
Production delays
Temporaray labour
Lost orders
Investigation time
Fines
Loss of expertise etc.

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Introduction to Health and Safety at Work
20
throughout the operation. The demonstration of 
senior management involvement provides evidence 
to all stakeholders that responsibilities to people 
and the environment are taken seriously. The policy 
should state the intentions of the organization in 
terms of clear aims, objectives and targets.
2. 
Organizing
– A well defi ned health and safety 
organization offering a shared understanding of 
the organization’s values and beliefs, at all levels 
of the organization is an essential component of 
a positive health and safety culture. An effective 
organization will be noted for good staff involvement 
and participation; high quality communications; the 
promotion of competency; and the empowerment 
and commitment of all employees to make informed 
contributions.
3.