Estimation of safety performance by MISHA method and the benefits of OHSAS 18001 implementation in Estonian manufacturing industry
Tallinn University of Technology, Faculty of Economics, Institute of Business Administration, Chair of Work Environment and Safety, Ehitajate 5, EE19086 Tallinn, Estonia; *Correspondence: onnela.paas@gmail.com
Abstract:
The paper concentrates on safety auditing as a tool for assessment of safety system and safety management in Estonian manufacturing enterprises. The aim of the research was to estimate the safety performance in Estonian manufacturing industry and explore the benefits of OHSAS 18001. Different available safety auditing methods are described. During 2014, 8 (OHSAS 18001-certified organisations) and 8 (non-certified organisations) Estonian enterprises from different branches of manufacturing were interviewed using MISHA method which is in accordance with the present requirements and is the most comprehensive. The results showed that non-certified organisations could be sub-divided into 2 categories: organisations which belong to a larger corporation or concern and locally established and owned companies. The latter showed the lowest scores as in these firms there are deficiencies in several OHS activity areas. Safety activities in a company depend strongly on consistency. Safety needs commitment and systematic approach. If one of the key elements of safety management system is missing, then it can be seen in the results of other framework elements. Our study demonstrates that OHSAS 18001 certificate automatically will not ensure high safety activities in the company. However, following the OHSAS 18001 standard gives a good incentive for a systematic safety activity in all levels in the company and promotes strong improvement process put in use. MISHA method can be successfully used for evaluating safety management systems in manufacturing industry, but it has to be kept in mind that some modifications may be needed due to national differences in safety activities. Key words: safety audit, safety management system, OHSAS 18001, safety performance, MISHA method.INTRODUCTION
Key words:
Various evaluation methods can be used for assessing the different aspects of the