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Document ID (ISN)112077
CIS number 11-0643
ISSN - Serial title 0925-7535 - Safety Science
Year 2011
Convention or series no.
Author(s) Hohnen P., Hasle P.
Title Making work environment auditable - A "critical case" study of certified occupational health and safety management systems in Denmark
Bibliographic information 2011, Vol.49, p.1022-1029. 25 ref.
Internet access Making_work_environment_auditable.pdf [in English]
Abstract This article discusses the impact of certification on occupational health and safety management (OHSM) systems. Most research in the field has focused on how well such systems comply with voluntary standards such as OHSAS 18001 or with national and international legislation. However, even in cases of compliance, the certified systems have problems dealing with a range of contemporary complex work environment issues. Furthermore, certification also transforms the kinds of topics addressed and the procedures and activities applied in the system. Using the development of certified OHSM system in a manufacturing company in Denmark as a critical case, it is shown how certified OHSM systems unintentionally yet actively create an environment of "measurable and auditable facts" shaped not only in response to legal and market demands for a safe work environment, but also as a consequence of the external demands for a visible and accountable work environment standard.
Descriptors (primary) hazard evaluation; plant safety and health organization; occupational safety and health management systems
Descriptors (secondary) Denmark; safety audits; manufacturing industries; comment on standard; case study
Document type D - Periodical articles
Subject(s) Generalities
Broad subject area(s) General safety, health and conditions of work
Browse category(ies) Risk evaluation
Exposure evaluation