OSHMS element priorities

When establishing an occupational safety and health management system (OSHMS), there are certain mandatory elements, as stipulated by the OSH Act of Trinidad and Tobago (2004) as amended. However, based on wider exposure to safety management, a concern arises that these mandatory elements do not add up to a comprehensive and complete OSHMS. From a review of international legislation, standards, codes, and guidelines, key OSHMS elements may be grouped as follows: (1) mandatory (based on local legislation), and (2) essential (based on international standards). What hierarchical structure emerges from this prioritisation exercise?

Where is T&T on the OSH landscape?

Today I am starting my first blog, on an issue that is close to my heart: Occupational Health and Safety in Trinidad and Tobago, or OSH T&T for short.

Some of my OSH T&T concerns are:

• Where is our country in terms of OSH? Are there reliable statistics on this issue?
• What is the status of our manufacturing companies with regard to establishing OSH management systems (OSHMS)?
• Because many companies may not have in-house OSH expertise and may not be able to afford OSH consultancy guidance, how should they address their mandate to develop OSHMS that comply with the country's OSH legislation?
• What additional elements are important to establishing a strong OSHMS, beyond the minimum level outlined through the country's OSH legislation?
• Are there step-by-step phases that may be implemented to establish or improve a company's OSHMS?