Lachlan has recently joined Applied Environment & Safety, adding his passion for environmental sustainability to the team. He enjoys researching environmental issues and collaborating with teams to develop innovative environmental solutions.
A lifelong fascination with the natural world inspired Lachlan to pursue a career in environment management. Lachlan completed a Bachelor of Science (Wildlife and Conservation Biology) with a Distinction in 2018 and has commenced a Master of Environment at the University of Melbourne.
Lachlan has diverse interests in research related to climate change adaptation, sustainable land management, conservation and regeneration. Through taking courses at Universities in Australia, Austria and Denmark, he was able to explore a broad spectrum of academic research in environmental sciences, which has provided him with an interdisciplinary and global understanding of these fields. Experiencing alternative systems to environmental management spurred his interest in the field, driving him to undertake further coursework and a career in environmental management.
Over the past 5 years he has consolidated his practical knowledge through various field roles in environmental management, monitoring and regeneration. Working in the civil construction industry and NFP sector has allowed him to work closely with various stakeholders from the State and Federal Government to community groups. Taking an active role in small teams, he facilitated projects from inception and design to implementation.
Lachlan has been assisting Applied Environment & Safety with environmental planning for the decommissioning of the Eyre Peninsula Transmission Line project, which commences early in the new year.
In his spare time, Lachlan is a keen supporter of community environmental projects, notably waterways regeneration. Lachlan is also a keen trail runner and spends his weekends creating ceramics, his food garden and woodworking.
Key Components of a Site Environmental Management Plan (SEMP)
A Site Environmental Management Plan (SEMP) is a site-specific document identifying the environmental aspects of an activity; the potential impacts of the activity on these environmental aspect; and ways in which these impacts can be reduced through management strategies and site practices.
In simple terms, the main focus of a SEMP is the development of a plan that is specific to an activity and outlines:
– The activity to be undertaken
– Relevant environmental aspects
– Potential impacts of the activity on these aspects
– How these impacts will be managed through implementation and monitoring
Description of Activity
The SEMP should describe the activity to be undertaken. This should define the nature and scope of the activity and include the location, phases of work and timing/scheduling. The level of detail of the activity description should be sufficient to provide an understanding of each process and allow determination of the environmental potential impacts.
The SEMP should include a description of any relevant approval conditions and internal or client management requirements. The plan should distinguish between construction and operational activities, if relevant.
A site plan or drawing should also be included with the following:
– Location of work areas and access
– Environmental aspects such as waterways, native vegetation, residential housing etc
– Locations of environmental protection measures
Environmental Aspects
The SEMP should identify the environmental aspects located within or surrounding the activity area. The types of environmental aspects that need to be considered may include the following:
– Erosion and sedimentation
– Water management including stormwater
– Dust and air quality management
– Noise and vibration
– Waste minimisation and management
– Hazardous materials storage and use
– Flora and fauna including weeds
– Indigenous and non-indigenous heritage
– Rehabilitation
Potential Impacts on Environmental Aspects
It is important to understand the link between the activities and environmental aspects. An assessment should be undertaken to identify potential environmental impacts of the activity including the nature and extent of the impacts; short-term and long-term effects; and any uncertainties regarding the predicted impacts. This assessment requires two steps as detailed below.
Step 1: Identify the environmental aspects
The types of environmental aspects are listed above. There may be generic risks that relate to all of your activities, such as waste and chemical management, and then also site-specific aspects, such as surrounding vegetation, erosion and sediment and nearby houses.
Step 2: Undertake a risk assessment
Based on the environmental aspects, document the likelihood and consequence of impacts from the activity:
Likelihood
What is the likelihood that the aspect will impact the environment?
Certain = Will occur at a frequency greater than every week if preventative measures are not applied.
Likely = Will occur more than once or twice but less than weekly if preventative measures are not applied.
Unlikely = This might occur once or twice during the project if preventative measures are not applied.
Rare = Unlikely to occur during a project even if controls are missing.
Potential Impact
How severe will the potential impact be?
Catastrophic = Significant damage or impact on the environment or community
Major = Major adverse environmental or social impacts
Moderate = Moderate undesirable environmental or social impacts
Minor = No or minimal adverse environmental or social impacts
The level of risk to an environmental aspect will determine the type and amount of mitigation and management measures that will be required. Where a significant risk to the environment has been identified, environmental protection measures must be introduced to reduce the risk to an acceptable level. Aspects with a medium or low risk should also have practicable management measures implemented if these can further reduce risk. The types of management measures are detailed in the next Section.
Managing Environmental Impacts
The types of measures that may be implemented for controlling potential impacts on environmental aspects may include:
– Water diversion structures
– Soil stabilisation measures
– Sediment retention structures
– Vehicle, machinery and equipment cleaning mechanisms
– Waste separation and containment
– Bunding and other spill prevention
– Flora and fauna protection mechanisms
– Archaeological/heritage protection mechanisms
Monitoring the Effectiveness of Environmental Controls
The SEMP should specify how the effectiveness of environmental controls will be monitored. It should include the methodology, frequency and duration of monitoring activities. It should include trigger values or conditions under which corrective actions will be taken. The plan should also specify if, and when, follow-up action is required and how monitoring records will be maintained.
An example of environmental monitoring is the implementation of a Weekly Environmental Inspection to check environmental controls throughout the activity. The trigger point would be non-compliance with any of the requirements in the Weekly Environmental Inspection Checklist. This would then require an assessment of the effectiveness of the controls and the potential implementation of additional or revised controls.
Further Information on Environmental Management Plans
Applied Environment & Safety has vast experience in the development and implementation of Site Environmental Management Plans. We supported our client in the development and implementation of site-specific management plans.
PCA Ground Engineering was engaged by the local Council to undertake a road embankment stabilisation project at Sunrise Beach, Noosa, Queensland. The works were vital to maintaining the long-term serviceability of the road and drainage infrastructure at this location.
We developed the Environmental Management Plan; Sediment and Erosion Control Plan; and Rehabilitation Plan. The environmental aspects of the project included:
– Erosion and sediment control
– Biosecurity management
– Waste management
– Rehabilitation
We believe in using our expertise and knowledge improve project outcomes for our clients. We use our extensive construction knowledge to identify environmental risks and provide practical solutions.
Environmental plans and controls were effectively implemented during this project. We believe in working closely with our clients to build supportive relationships. By working together, we ensured environmental risks were mitigated during this project.
Building on our introduction to management systems, we have provided you with a simple and easy-to-follow Environmental Management System Checklist to determine your compliance against ISO 14001. We have also included a direct downloadable PDF version of the checklist to simplify your assessment process.
Context
THE ORGANISATION
Have we determined internal and external issues that will impact on our environmental management system?
INTERESTED PARTIES
Have we determined what internal and external interested parties are relevant to the environmental management system and what are their requirements?
SCOPE
Have we determined the boundaries of the environmental management system and documented the scope?
Leadership
LEADERSHIP AND COMMITMENT
Can we demonstrate top management is providing leadership and commitment to the environmental management system?
ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY
Do we have a documented environmental policy that is communicated and available?
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Are roles and responsibilities for environmental management documented?
Planning
RISKS AND OPPORTUNITIES
Have we determined the environmental risks and opportunities related to our organisation?
Do we have plans to address them? Have we maintained records?
ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS
Have we determined our environmental aspects and impacts, including any significant aspects and our criteria for determining this?
Do we have plans to address them? Have we maintained records?
COMPLIANCE OBLIGATIONS
Have we determined our compliance obligations and how they apply to us? Do we have plans to address them?
Have we maintained records?
ENVIRONMENTAL OBJECTIVES
Have we established environmental objectives?
Do we monitor, measure and communicate them?
Do we have plans to address them?
Have we maintained records?
Support
RESOURCES
Have we determined and ensured the necessary resources for the environmental management system?
COMPETENCE
Do we ensure the training and competence of personnel?
Do we maintain records?
AWARENESS
Have we ensured that personnel are aware of our policy, significant aspects and processes relevant to them?
COMMUNICATION
Have we determined processes for internal and external communication relevant to environmental management including staff, contractors, visitors, regulators and interested parties?
Have we maintained records?
CONTROL OF DOCUMENTS
Do we ensure documents and records are controlled?
Operations
OPERATIONAL PLANNING AND CONTROL
Have we established and maintained procedures to meet the requirements of the environmental management system?
Do we maintain control and influence over outsourced processes?
Consistent with a life cycle perspective do we consider environmental requirements in design processes and ensure impacts associated with transportation, use and end-of life treatment are controlled?
Do we maintain records?
EMERGENCY
Have we documented processes for emergency?
Are they tested and do we evaluate effectiveness? Do we maintain records?
Improvement
NONCONFORMITY AND CORRECTIVE ACTION
Do we have processes for reporting, investigating and taking action to manage incidents and corrective action?
Do we maintain records?
CONTINUAL IMPROVEMENT
Do we continually improve the environmental management system?
Applied Environment & Safety has been assisting local clients with ecological assessments for their proposed developments against the Noosa Plan 2020: Biodiversity, Waterways and Wetlands Overlay Code.
What is included in an ecological assessment?
In summary, assessment of the proposed development against Biodiversity Significance requirements under the Noosa Plan including:
– Biodiversity values which also includes Matters of State Environmental Significance (MSES) and Wildlife Habitat (endangered or vulnerable)
– Koala Habitat assessment against Koala Priority Areas and Core Koala Habitat Area.
As well as wetlands and waterways assessment in relation to riparian areas.
We assist our clients through the ecological assessment process in 6 steps:
1. Undertake an onsite inspection of the proposed development and discussions about the works including clearing methodology.
2. Inspection of disturbance area including vegetation to be cleared.
3. Development of Ecological Assessment Report with details from supporting reports such as Arborist Report.
4. Development of management measures and offsets to minimise and mitigate the impacts from the proposed development.
5. Submission to Noosa Council.
6. Follow up with Council on the lodgement of the Ecological Assessment Report and provide responses to any questions including updating the Plan as required.
For this type of development application, planning and design considerations are first developed to minimise potential environmental impacts. This may include minimising the disturbance area, avoiding areas with high biodiversity values, use of existing cleared areas, and locating new infrastructure near existing infrastructure.
Then management measures are implemented to minimise impacts during vegetation clearing. This may include clearly delineating vegetation to be removed and those not to be impacted onsite; pre-clearing inspections; and engaging a qualified arborist to carry out clearing works.
Applied Environment & Safety has diverse experience in construction works and environmental impact assessment. This allows us to identify potential impacts and develop practical mitigation and management measures.
Local Client Testimonial
Jeff Sly
“I highly recommend, Applied Environment & Safety, The service I received, was above and beyond, what I expected when I requested their expertise in this field. Melanie, and her team, provided a comprehensive Environmental report for the approval process to progress, we had numerous issues to satisfy council requirements. Melanie worked through the issues meticulously, until approval was granted.“
Does your project need an ecological assessment? Contact our team – we would be happy to help!
Applied Environment & Safety are proud to be awarded 3-Star Partnership with the CCIQ ecoBiz program again this year. For eight years, we have been active participants in the ecoBiz program and a recognised Star Partner. The ecoBiz program is focussed on sustainable business practices to reduce energy and water use, and minimise waste. Our business sustainability initiatives have been recognised through this program.
CCIQ ecoBiz is a free program, funded by the Queensland Government, that helps businesses save money through reducing energy, water and waste. ecoBiz has been a very successful program working with thousands of Queensland businesses.
Given that our business operates predominantly either from our home office or client locations, our ecoBiz assessment was completed on a qualitative assessment of energy, water and waste savings.
Our achievements for 2021-2022 in regards to energy, water and waste are:
Energy
Recertified as a Carbon Neutral business via Climate Active in July 2022
Less travel for work with new local clients and providing remote support
Set five year energy reduction targets – see below
Water
Ongoing member of their local catchment group
Became volunteer for Noosa River Catchment group undertaking monthly water sampling
Waste
Approx. 30,000 cans and bottles recycled through container recycling program by our company and client initiatives
Ongoing use of reusable containers while travelling
We have been awarded 3-Star ecoBiz partnership through our energy, water and waste initiatives. Our assessment was based on our business practices and behaviours which demonstrate implementation of business sustainability, and minimisation of our environmental footprint.
Our sustainable business initiatives for 2021-2022 are:
Energy
Track additional travel related energy use such as hire cars and use of clients cars to offset in next Carbon Neutral assessment
Join and participate in Zero Emissions Noosa
Determine options for supporting other carbon neutral businesses
Water
Ongoing member of local catchment group and volunteer for monthly water sampling
Up to $1,000 donation to support a water or catchment community group
Waste
Additional measures to reduce waste while travelling for work such as less takeaway
Research waste minimisation and management initiatives outside of Australia and promote through News Posts on website
We will keep you updated on the progress of these initiatives.
Tracking of our carbon offsets, container recycling and donations are reported on our website HERE.
Applied Environment & Safety is proud to again be awarded 3-Star Partnership with the Business Chamber Queensland ecoBiz program. For almost ten years, we have been active participants in the ecoBiz program and recognised as Star Partners.
The ecoBiz Star Partner program is focussed on sustainable business practices to reduce energy and water use, and minimise waste. ecoBiz is a free program, funded by the Queensland Government, that helps businesses save money through reducing energy, water and waste. ecoBiz has been a very successful program working with thousands of Queensland businesses.
Our business sustainability initiatives have been recognised through this program.
Our ecoBiz Star Partner achievements for 2023-2024 regarding energy, water and waste are:
Energy
Recertified as a Carbon Neutral business through Climate Active in May 2024
Less travel for work with new local clients and providing remote support
Calculated 20% reduction in energy use with 6,294.08 kWhs of electricity fed back into the grid from home solar
Water
Ongoing member of local catchment group
Ongoing volunteer for Noosa River Catchment group undertaking monthly water sampling
Waste
Ongoing support for container recycling program by our company and client initiatives
Ongoing use of reusable containers while travelling
Additional measures to reduce waste while travelling for work, such as less takeaways
You can read more about business sustainability at Applied Environment & Safety HERE.
Tracking of our carbon offsets, container recycling and donations are reported on our website HERE.
We are setting new energy, water and waste initiatives for the next financial year. We will keep you updated on the progress of these initiatives.
Applied Environment & Safety is proud to again be awarded 3-Star Partner with the Business Chamber of Queensland ecoBiz program. For ten years, we have been active participants in the ecoBiz program and recognised as Star Partners.
ecoBiz Star Partner program is focussed on sustainable business practices to reduce energy and water use, and minimise waste. ecoBiz is a free program, funded by the Queensland Government, that helps businesses save money through reducing energy, water and waste. ecoBiz has been a very successful program working with thousands of Queensland businesses.
Our business sustainability initiatives have been recognised through this program.
Our ecoBiz Star Partner achievements for 2024-2025 regarding energy, water and waste are:
Energy
Recertified as a Carbon Neutral business through Climate Active in May 2025
Less travel for work with new local clients and providing remote support
Calculated reduction in energy use with electricity fed back into the grid from home solar
Water
Low flow taps and dual flush toilets installed
Ongoing member of local catchment group
Ongoing volunteer for Noosa River Catchment group undertaking monthly water sampling
Waste
Recycling of eWaste, pens, batteries etc
No printing; all digital
Ongoing support for container recycling program by our company and client initiatives
You can read more about business sustainability at Applied Environment & Safety HERE.
Tracking of our carbon offsets, container recycling and donations are reported on our website HERE.
We are setting new energy, water and waste initiatives for the next financial year. We will keep you updated on the progress of these initiatives.
Iina has recently joined Applied Environment & Safety adding her strong research skills and passion for sustainability to the team. She enjoys researching environmental issues and collaborating with teams to create innovative environmental solutions.
Iina completed a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture in 2001 and has continued her studies including an Advanced Diploma of Sustainable Building Design as well as commenced a Masters of Regional Planning by Research at the University of the Sunshine Coast.
Iina has diverse interests in research related to climate change adaptation, landscapes and social adaptation. She has explored how this may relate to the reintegration of traditional ecological knowledge and urban agriculture into peri-urban regions as well as consideration of social and environmental issues associated with small lot housing estates. She is also interested in the way older Australians maintain their housing resilience and self-care.
Over the past few months, Iina has been assisting Applied Environment & Safety with a diverse set of environmental and business planning projects. She has completed environment and safety audits to aid onsite personnel to manage their requirements in a streamlined way; completed compliance reviews leading to the drafting of new policies and procedures; supported clients with the provision of information about environmental licencing and regulatory requirements; and conducted ecological assessment project work.
In her spare time, she is a keen supporter of citizen science environmental projects. She believes that this is worth developing with younger generations to inspire social change for the good for the environment.
Earlier in the month, Applied Environment & Safety was invited to present as a showcase local business at the Biz to Net Zero business breakfast in Noosa, a net zero industry and innovation program.
The event was coordinated by CCIQ ecoBiz Leader’s Forum, Noosa Shire Council, and local business associations. More than 100 local business people keen to learn about how to achieve carbon neutrality in their business or to start the journey, attended this event.
The purpose of this event was to engage the local business community in practical carbon reduction and offset solutions to support them through the economic transition to a zero-carbon future, as a proactive response to climate change. The event was aimed to provide clarity around the benefits to business of reducing emissions, investing in offsets and promoting themselves as carbon neutral in the context of net zero.
Also a focus of the event was celebrating ecoBiz Partners by recognising and awarding them with Partnership Certificates. Applied Environment & Safety was awarded 3-Star Partnership again this year. We have been active participants in the ecoBiz program and a recognised Star Partner for over five years. Through this program, we have been implementing sustainable business practices based on reducing energy and water use, and waste minimisation.
Melanie Dixon, Director of Applied Environment & Safety, was a guest speaker at the event. Melanie spoke about when starting her business over eight years ago it was important to her that the company led by example. So she reached out to ecoBiz and together we have been implementing sustainable business practices since 2015. Then in 2020, we started the process to become carbon neutral.
So What is Next?
Applied Environment & Safety have just set our carbon emissions reduction strategy for the next five years which includes changing to electric vehicles and supporting other carbon neutral businesses. See below.
We are working on building our local client base as well as encouraging our clients to allow us to provide remote support. These both assist in reducing our travel and associated energy use. We are also looking for further opportunities to support our local community and environment through volunteering. Melanie has just become a WaterWatch volunteer, participating in monthly water sampling, as part of Noosa Integrated Catchment Association.
We really believe that every person and every business can make a difference. You don’t need to be a big organisation, or spend a lot of money, there are sustainable options, sustainable choices for everyone and every business.
If you need some advice about your carbon neural journey feel free to contact us with your questions and queries.
Environmental Management for Road Construction and Civil Earthworks
Road construction and civil earthworks, including demolition, bulk earthworks and maintenance works, are likely to have environmental impacts. These environmental impacts may include clearing of native vegetation; discharge of sediment or water into nearby stormwater drains or waterways; emissions of noise, dust, or odours that cause nuisance or potential health impacts; the escape of litter; or excavation or importation of unsuitable fill materials.
All of these potential impacts should be considered prior to construction and an effective plan developed to manage impacts on the environment, and other nearby sensitive receivers.
What are the Environmental Requirements?
Environmental laws and regulations relevant to your road or civil construction project will be depend on the type of works, the location and potential sensitive receivers. In Australia, federal, state and local governments jointly administer environmental protection laws.
During planning for your road construction or civil earthworks project, a legislative review should be undertaken to determine:
1. Implications of the proposed project in relation to Commonwealth, State and local laws
2. Non-statutory approvals requirements such as the Queensland Government Koala Conservation Policy as well as self-assessable guidelines and codes
3. Other obligations required for compliance with legislation such as standards
4. The potential for environmental offsets triggered by the project.
Approval for a construction or civil works project issued by the relevant authority, such as local council or state government, can have conditions relating to the minimisation of environmental harm and local nuisance. A common condition is the requirement to prepare a Construction Environmental Management Plan or CEMP.
What is a Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP)?
A CEMP describes how construction activities will be managed to avoid or minimise environmental impacts. As well as how environmental management requirements will be implemented. A CEMP should be prepared when there is a risk that construction activities could cause environmental harm or environmental nuisance.
What is the Purpose of a CEMP?
A CEMP describes how the construction activities will be managed to avoid or mitigate environmental or nuisance impacts, and how those environmental management requirements will be implemented.
What is the Content of a CEMP?
A CEMP needs to contain sufficient information to demonstrate that the potential impacts on the environment and surrounding community have been identified, and suitable measures to mitigate those impacts will be applied prior to and during construction.
A CEMP should include the following general information about the project:
– Description of the location and receiving environment including sensitive receivers
– Description of the construction works to be undertaken
– Identification and analysis of potential environmental impacts
– Identification and description of the management measures to be implemented to mitigate linked source−receptor−exposure pathways
– Identification of a person or persons with responsibility for implementing the control measures
The CEMP could also include information on any higher-level environmental management systems, work procedures, document control, corrective action and review procedures. For more information refer to our Environmental Management Plan article. Or, download our key components of an Environmental Management Plan here.
To prevent or minimise environmental impact, it is important to understand the link between construction activities and the potential for these activities to impact on the environment.
Construction Activities and Environmental Impacts
The types of environmental aspects that need to be considered may include:
– Flora and fauna
– Erosion and sedimentation
– Water quality including groundwater
– Air quality
– Indigenous and non-indigenous heritage
– Noise and vibration
– Waste
– Hazardous materials
– Rehabilitation
Examples of the potential environmental impacts from construction activities on these environmental aspects are summarised in the table below.
Environmental management measures to be implemented during construction will depend on the nature of the site activities, and the sensitivity of the project area and surrounding land or water environment. For example, excavations resulting in steep slopes are likely to lead to soil erosion and water quality problems downstream and will require the installation of erosion protection measures.
Why Your Civil or Road Construction Project Needs to Comply
Environmental compliance means conforming with relevant environmental laws, regulations, standards and other requirements. The importance of being compliant with your environmental requirements isn’t just about being green, it is essential to ensuring the success of your construction project by limiting your exposure to regulatory and public scrutiny; ensuring compliance with contractual and best practice requirements; as well as identifying opportunities for improvement.
An environmental audit can be used to investigate the compliance of your project and/or the extent of your environmental liability. An environmental audit evaluates the compliance of management systems and plans with regulations, internal policies or other compliance drivers. Assurance through auditing verification and reporting programs can be used to identify gaps and limitations as well as allocate ownership and accountability to the process of implementing environmental compliance for your project.
Applied Environment & Safety provided environmental support to Hazell Bros during their road construction project. This 8.1 million project involved intersection upgrades and safety widening works on the Bruce Highway located between Gympie and Maryborough in southeast Queensland.
Our role in this local project included environmental audits and inspections during construction. At the commencement of construction, an audit was undertaken to ensure compliance with the requirements in the CEMP. Then monthly inspections were undertaken to ensure ongoing compliance. This included inspection of sediment and erosion controls, waste and water management, and hazardous substance storage and use. Short reports were developed following the inspections for submission to the Department of Transport and Main Roads.
We believe in using our expertise and knowledge to add value and improve project outcomes for our clients. We used our extensive construction knowledge to identify environmental risks and provide practical solutions. Contact us.
A management system provides structured policies and processes designed to help companies manage their impacts and improve their performance. A management system defines how a company will identify, assess, monitor and maintain their interactions with their workers and the working environment.
Management systems are made up of a series of interconnected elements that drive continual improvement. In order to deliver continual improvement consistently across a company, management processes are typically based on a four-phase cycle: Plan, Do, Check, Act.
1. Plan for an activity
2. Do the activity
3. Check effectiveness of controls
4 Act on implementing the process with the effective controls
Management Systems Plan Do Check Act – PDCA Diagram
For further information on the Plan, Do, Check, Act cycle see our Management Systems article.
What is a Health & Safety Management System (HSMS)?
A Health & Safety Management System (HSMS) provides a systematic approach to managing health and safety. A HSMS helps an organisation to establish, implement, and maintain policies and processes to eliminate hazards, minimise risks including system deficiencies, and address nonconformities.
The purpose of a HSMS is to set out, in a structured and organised way, the particular aspects of your operations that influence the health and safety outcomes of your workers and other people at your worksites.
HSMS Structure
The size and the complexity of your company will influence how your HSMS is developed; that is the format of the system and level of information that is included. For small companies undertaking lower risk operations to health and safety, the structure of the HSMS may be organised into one document. For large organisations with multiple sites and various operations and/or high-risk activities then various policies, standards, procedures and plans may be required to ensure an effective management system.
The HSMS will document the following:
Safety policy: this will outline the company’s intentions in relation to how health and safety outcomes will be managed
Management structure: this ensures that the people who have particular responsibilities for safety are clearly identified
Safe work procedures: these procedures describe how risks arising from particular hazards will be controlled
Processes for providing information and training and appropriate inductions for workers
Other procedural issues such as reporting of incidents, record keeping and maintenance of the safety management system
Emergency procedures
ISO 45001:2018 Occupational Health and Safety Management System
There are internationally recognised standards for management systems including ISO 45001:2018 Occupational Health and Safety. This Standard helps organisations to establish, implement, and maintain processes to eliminate hazards, minimise risks and address nonconformities. It provides guidance on how to use management processes to prevent work-related injuries and ill health, as well as how to proactively improve workplace health and safety performance.
Importance of Health and Safety Management Systems
The establishment and implementation of a HSMS is key to identifying your health and safety risks and requirements to ensure effective controls are implemented. A management system is an effective method of documenting processes and ensuring consistency in implementation as well as identifying opportunities for improvement.
The benefits of an effective HSMS include:
Improved risk management and protection of workers
Ensuring compliance with regulatory and compliance obligations
Improve employee reporting, communication, and overall safety culture
Centralisation of documentation and monitoring for continuous improvement
Developing a certified Health and Safety Management System
We can assist you with the development of a certified HSMS. Our steps for the development of a certified HSMS are:
1. Health and safety review
2. System development
3. System implementation
4. Internal audit
5. Certification audit
These steps are detailed below.
Health and Safety Review
Before we start, we will provide you with background information about the standard, AS/NZS ISO 45001:2018 , that the system is being developed in accordance with.
During the review your consultant will:
Explain the requirements of the Standard
Work with you to identify and assess of all hazards and relevant risks
Demonstrate the use of a Risk Assessment Model to assess and prioritise risks
Work with you to establish health and safety objectives and targets
System Development
Your HSMS, including all procedures and documentation required for certification will be developed by an experienced consultant. If you already have health and safety documents and processes, these will be integrated into the management system.
You will review the system and provide us with feedback. If necessary, we will change the system based on your feedback.
Implementation
Your consultant will provide you with clear guidance on how to implement the system into your business. We will help you understand the everyday requirements of your HSMS and its applicability and alignment with your health and safety objectives and targets.
We will provide assistance with any issue, query or request you may have to assist you with implementing the system in your business.
Internal Audit
Before certification, an internal audit of the system is required. The internal audit will be conducted by your Applied Environment & Safety consultant to ensure the successful implementation of the management system. A detailed audit report with recommendations will be provided.
Certification Audit
We will help you to select a certification body appropriate to your needs and liaise with them regarding the timing of the certification audit to ensure that you are prepared and that your timescales are met.
The management system will be certified for conformance with the Standard by a third-party certifying body. Your Applied Environment & Safety consultant will be available, generally by phone, during Stage 1 of the certification audit.
Do you need assistance?
We have vast experience in the review, development and implementation of health and safety management systems.
Our experience includes:
Management system compliance review
Review and development of management systems to Standards and other regulatory requirements
Management system documents development including policies, standards, and safe operating procedures development
Auditing of management system for compliance and opportunities for improvement
Contact us if you need further support or have detailed question for our team of experts.
How to Conduct an Effective Internal Audit (ISO 14001) + FREE Template
Conducting internal audits of your EMS is important to evaluate the effectiveness and implementation of the management system. Using an ISO 14001 Internal Audit Checklist can help identify improvement opportunities and ensure compliance with environmental management standards. To make the process easier, download our FREE ISO 14001 Internal Audit Checklist and follow this guide to improve your environmental performance. This article provides an overview of ISO 14001, the environmental management system framework, and the importance of conducting internal audits.
What is ISO 14001?
ISO 14001 is an internationally-recognised framework that provides organisations with the requirements of an environmental management system. An environmental management system (EMS) aligned with the ISO 14001 Standard allows an organisation to identify their environmental risks, and implement processes to ensure continual improvement.
An effectively implemented EMS allows an organisation to minimise its impact on the environment, and optimise environmental opportunities through a systematic framework. This is achieved through mapping out organisational strategic objectives and aligning them with goals and outcomes that are environmentally sustainable.
In essence, ISO 14001 provides a framework that determines how your organisation is currently impacting the environment, identifying areas of improvement and potential risks along the way.
Why is ISO 14001 Important?
There are many reasons why an organisation should take a strategic approach to improve its environmental performance.
Users of the standard have reported that ISO 14001 helps:
– Demonstrate compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements
– Achieve strategic business aims by incorporating environmental issues into business management
– Increase leadership involvement and engagement of employees
– Provide a competitive and financial advantage through improved efficiencies and reduced costs
– Improve company reputation and confidence of stakeholders through strategic communication
– Encourage improved environmental performance of suppliers by integrating them into the organisation’s business systems
Implementation of ISO 14001
Below are some key considerations for the implementation of an EMS aligned to ISO 14001.
Context of the Organisation:
Consideration of the external and internal issues that can affect the intended outcomes of the system need to be included in your EMS. The needs and expectations of interested parties should also be considered in regard to environmental management.
Emphasis on Leadership and Commitment:
It is widely recognised that a successful management system requires commitment and support from top management. Emphasis on leadership by top management is required in the Standard. This includes the integration of environmental management into the organisation’s core strategies, processes and priorities.
Risk Approach to Management:
The Standard requires the identification, determination and inclusion of aspects that can have a significant environmental impact as part of a risk based management approach. This includes the requirement for organisations to specify the criteria used to determine risk.
Life Cycle Perspective:
Thinking of each stage of a product or service as part of a lifecycle perspective is required under the Standard. This includes considering the organisation’s control or influence during procurement through to end-of-life treatments.
Audits For Compliance
An audit is a systematic, independent and documented process for determining whether your management systems and processes effectively address specific risks and are being implemented in accordance with internal and external requirements.
The objective of an ISO 14001 audit is to assess operations to identify strengths and weaknesses, determine effectiveness and compliance, and measure progress. This will be in relation to:
– Compliance with statutory and ISO standard requirements
– Staff awareness of risks and controls
– Implementation of policies, standards and procedures
– Maintaining accreditation or other external stakeholder requirements
An ISO 14001 internal audit checklist can be used as an effective tool for checking the implementation of your EMS. Self-auditing can help to define a high-level overview of your organisation’s performance, and determine the effectiveness of the management system. It can also help to identify problem areas and successfully apply principles of continuous improvement.
Self-auditing is best used as a tool to discover the potential opportunities for innovation and continuous improvement. This is not a replacement for a third party certified body audit and will not necessarily result in ISO certification. Further details on ISO certification is provided in the next section.
We have provided you with a simple and easy-to-follow ISO 14001 internal audit template to determine your compliance against ISO 14001. Fill in your details below to download the template.
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We have vast experience in the review, development and implementation of management systems and ISO 14001 auditing. Our experience includes:
– Auditing of management system compliance and opportunities for improvement
– Development of policies and standards
– Environmental or Safety Management System review and gap analysis
– Development of environmental management procedures and safe operating procedures
– Management system document development
– Implementation of management system processes
To find out more about our experience with ISO 14001 and management systems, view our Projects here or Contact us if you need support or have a detailed question for one of our team of experts.
