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Integrated management system sets example

Linking occupational health and safety with environmental management is another step towards the goal of a fully integrated management system. Such a step has been taken at Tweed Shire Council with the development of a new operational management system.

It was the recent 2004 winner at the National Awards for Local Government in Management Improvement category.

The New South Wales council is now setting a leading example in its commitment to the environment. Sustainability Officer, Daniel Walton, said by establishing and maintaining a clean and ecologically sustainable environment, Council was helping its community now, and in the future.

“To achieve this goal, we have integrated an Environmental Management System (EMS) into our existing Occupational Health and Safety Management System,” he said. “Complying with the principles of ISO 14001, the purpose of the EMS is to improve the environmental outcomes of Council’s operations.

“We want to lead by example to the community through applying good environmental practices. Rather than create two separate management systems, one for staff safety and the other for environmental safety, Council chose to integrate an EMS into the Occupational Health and Safety Management System.This means that we can document and monitor procedures and practices. We can then ensure that proper training is in place for staff to implement the practices.”

Under the integrated management system benefits include improved workplace efficiency, targeted staff training, better record keeping and workplace auditing.

For more details contact Daniel Walton on (02) 6670 2440.

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