How to Develop Integrated Management System Policy

by

David SmithThe IMS (EQHSMS) Policy is based in part on the findings and conclusions of the initial IMS (EQHSMS) review. A number of important factors need to be considered. These essential to ensure that the policy relates not only to the enterprises individual needs and ideas, but is also in line with recognized IMS (EQHSMS) good practice and any relevant industry-specific guidelines. If the enterprise is interested in working towards certification of its IMS (EQHSMS) management system (now or in the future) then it may also be important to ensure that the policy will conform to the requirements of such a standard.Once a policy has been developed and published, the enterprise’s IMS (EQHSMS) performance will be judged against it. It is therefore worthwhile spending time to ensure that the policy provides and exact statement of the enterprise’s objectives and can be used as a basis for the development of targets and the IMS (EQHSMS) program.Other important sources of information for input into the IMS (EQHSMS) Policy development process include the following:”The result of the Initial IMS (EQHSMS) review”The enterprise’s value and beliefs, such as its (desired) relationship with its employees, the local community and the general public.”The enterprise’s business strategy and strategic plan elements relating to the enterprise’s (IMS (EQHSMS)) direction, opportunities and risks, medium and long term planning including internal and external limits, and opportunities in capabilities and resources.”Any existing statement on IMS (EQHSMS) aspects; mission statements, old policies, previous statements of commitment in internal/external reports.”Other policies in existence: such as occupational health, safety, quality”The views of stakeholders (shareholders, staff) and other interested parties”Written standards: available recognized standards for IMS (EQHSMS) management system which include prescribed elements for IMS (EQHSMS) Policy statements “General statements of IMS (EQHSMS) principles: e.g. from government, public bodies, industry associations, which are relevant to the individual enterprise”Other codes to which the enterprise subscribes”Examples of IMS (EQHSMS) Policy statements: from similar companies or enterprises”Clear definition of the geographical and organizational boundaries of the policy: which countries/regions and which sites, departments or activities are to covered by the policy”Any specific local or regional conditions.Content of the Policy:An IMS (EQHSMS) Policy should clearly delineate the IMS (EQHSMS) areas to be addressed by the enterprise of Organisation and should be relevant to its activities, products and /or services. The policy may address very broad aspects of the enterprise’s activities (such as waste reduction), depending on the nature of those activities. Many IMS (EQHSMS) policies also include aspects of occupational health and safety, Quality including statements regarding the working IMS (EQHSMS).Some ideas for the content and wording of statements of commitment in an IMS (EQHSMS) Policy are given below. However, these should not be copied as such and should always be placed in context. The policy must be appropriate to the individual enterprise. It may be as brief as one sentence or as long as 10 pages.General Principles:”Define extent of IMS (EQHSMS) responsibility (customers, suppliers, staff etc.)”Ensure minimum of compliance with legislation “Provide for development of corporate standards in the absence of legislation.”Establish system to ensure full control of IMS (EQHSMS) situation (impact and risks)”Make commitment to continual improvement in IMS (EQHSMS) performance (step by step); this is also a requirement in IMS (EQHSMS) -standard, such as ISO 14001, ISO 9001, OHSAS 18001.”Make commitment to prevention of pollution if compliance with ISO 14001, ISO 9001, OHSAS 18001 is intended”Develop IMS (EQHSMS) performance evaluation procedures and indicators”Embody life cycle thinking “Work towards the achievement of sustainable development “Commit to development and implementation of an IMS (EQHSMS) system “Provide adequate resources for IMS (EQHSMS) managementStrategy and Planning:”Consider IMS (EQHSMS) issues in investment policy and practice “Minimize the IMS (EQHSMS) impacts of new developments through the use of IMS (EQHSMS)management procedures and IMS (EQHSMS) impact assessment in strategic planning, and project definition and implementation “Influence suppliers in order to ensure that they contribute to the realization of the policy.Specific Policy Goal:”Support for the use of best available technology and management practices.”Promotion of appropriate IMS (EQHSMS) legislation and requirements”Waste reduction / minimization”Reduction in consumption of resources (materials, water, energy)”Prevention of pollution “Reduction or elimination of (specific) emissions to the IMS (EQHSMS)”Commitment to recovery and recycling, as opposed to disposal where feasible”Reduction in the use of hazardous substances and use of alternatives where possible “Reduction in packagingCompliance:”Co-operation with regulatory authorities”Compliance with IMS (EQHSMS) regulations in all areas of operations”Compliance with local or corporate IMS (EQHSMS) standards whichever are the most stringent “Compliance with the principles set down by the industry association or the ICC Business Charter for Sustainable

Author Bio:

David Smith is ISO consultant. He is an expert on Integrated Management and on the ISO 9001, ISO 14001 standards in particular. He has published a number of articles on the base of IMS (EQHSMS) Certification. He was founding throughout experience in developing IMS that EQHSMS Policy

is key requirements for Integrated Management System Documentation.

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