Evolution from Safety Management System (SMS) to HSE MS: Incorporating Health Aspects into the HSE Management System

There is increasing recognition within the E&P industry that the protection and promotion of the health of people at work is more than taking care of individual health. It is an organisational issue which can be managed using the same principles as for safety and environment. The synergy's with safety and environmental management provide the link with the management system. However line managers need to understand the critical Health issues : what are they ? are they relevant? how do we manage them ? what are the standards ? what are the management tools to be used ? how do we monitor performance ? what is the role of the line ? what is the role of the health advisers ? what training and competencies are needed for health management ? what are the benefits ? These questions have to be clarified before acceptance can be achieved for full integration of Health aspects into the HSE Management System. Health Risk Assessment was developed as a tool for systematic identification and assessment of health hazards and risks. It specifies the need for and type of controls and recovery measures, which can subsequently be incorporated in the HSE Management System and HSE Cases. Our experience to date indicates that Health can successfully be integrated in HSE Management Systems and HSE Cases by using the same principles as developed for Safety Management Systems and Safety Cases. There are still many problems which need to be addressed but the methodology used appears to be sound and will eventually enhance line management understanding of the health management aspects relevant to the E&P Industry.