ABSTRACT
The health and safety of employees at a workplace is the ultimate responsibility of the management of the organization. Even though it is generally accepted that all share a role in safety, the ultimate accountability lies heavier with all levels of the leadership. With this in mind a health and safety management system (SMS) can only be successful if initiated, led, and supported by line management.
Over the years it has generally been accepted that a manager’s main functions are:
All these functions entail the management of employees; materials, machinery, and processes, and they also apply to health and safety management. These management functions also refer to the activities of a manager appertaining to the health and safety of his or her resources, namely, people, material, equipment, and the work environment.
If the four basic functions of management are integrated into a manager’s normal functions, it could provide for better management, leadership, and involvement in the SMS and its elements.
