Managing Safety and Operations: The Effect of Joint Management System Practices on Safety and Operational Outcomes

J Occup Environ Med. 2016 Mar;58(3):e80-9. doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000000616.

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine whether management system practices directed at both occupational health and safety (OHS) and operations (joint management system [JMS] practices) result in better outcomes in both areas than in alternative practices.

Methods: Separate regressions were estimated for OHS and operational outcomes using data from a survey along with administrative records on injuries and illnesses.

Results: Organizations with JMS practices had better operational and safety outcomes than organizations without these practices. They had similar OHS outcomes as those with operations-weak practices, and in some cases, better outcomes than organizations with safety-weak practices. They had similar operational outcomes as those with safety-weak practices, and better outcomes than those with operations-weak practices.

Conclusions: Safety and operations appear complementary in organizations with JMS practices in that there is no penalty for either safety or operational outcomes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Manufacturing Industry / economics
  • Manufacturing Industry / organization & administration*
  • Manufacturing Industry / statistics & numerical data*
  • Occupational Health*
  • Occupational Injuries / prevention & control*
  • Operations Research
  • Safety Management / organization & administration*
  • Safety Management / statistics & numerical data*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Workers' Compensation / statistics & numerical data