The Systems Model of Health and Safety Management

Health and safety is affected by all aspects of the design and workings of an organization. 

The design and management of health and safety systems must integrate aU three domains in proportions that reflect an organization s unique characteristics. In other words, no one system is universally effective. 

Ultimately, the system should be measurable, modifiable, perceived to be positive by those it affects, and as simple as possible. And though no one system wiU work effectively in aU organizations, some basic tenets are universal (Peterson 1996)  

People are at the core of health and safety. As research and experience indicates, most safety incidents are behavior related. It has been said that safety is a continuous battle with human nature but a fight that can be won with an appropriate investment in understanding people with all their capabilities, limitations, and behaviors. As such, successful health and safety management must be centered on people (Geller 1996)—both labor and management. However, the hiunan element is very complicated and dynamic, requiring constant attention and feedback. 

Every individual is unique. Designing systems that motivate not only individuals but an entire workforce, then, is one of the most significant challenges facing companies today. The complexities of such a task become apparent given an understanding of the variances between individual personaU- 

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FIGURE 2.3 The systems model of health and safety management... 

Miner s safety performance recognition, circa 1920s 20 The systems model of health and safety management 24 The size of mobile mine equipment continues to increase 27 Simple model of outcomes dependent on culture and systems 32 Statistical control chart with incident rate variation 33 Universal Copper and Metals Mine accident frequency rate control chart 55... 

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