In developing a health and safety management system, after the occupational health and safety policy statement and communication plans have been developed and initial team training completed, what is the next step?

In developing a health and safety management system, after the occupational health and safety policy statement and communication plans have been developed and initial team training completed, what is the next step?

• A. Conduct a hazard assessment
• B. Identify legal and other requirements
• C. Establish performance metrics
• D. Implement the management system

Answer: (B)

Identifying legal and other requirements sets the regulatory and obligation framework that the safety management system must satisfy. Once the policy, communication plan, and initial training are in place, you need to know what laws, regulations, and standards apply to your organization so you can design controls, assign responsibilities, and determine what records and audits are needed. This step ensures the rest of the planning and implementation is aligned with what the organization is legally required to do. Hazard assessment would come after you’ve established the regulatory context and planning, and establishing performance metrics or implementing the system follow once risks are identified and controls are defined.

Identifying legal and other requirements sets the regulatory and obligation framework that the safety management system must satisfy. Once the policy, communication plan, and initial training are in place, you need to know what laws, regulations, and standards apply to your organization so you can design controls, assign responsibilities, and determine what records and audits are needed. This step ensures the rest of the planning and implementation is aligned with what the organization is legally required to do.

Hazard assessment would come after you’ve established the regulatory context and planning, and establishing performance metrics or implementing the system follow once risks are identified and controls are defined.