Implementation of integrated management system: Environmental and safety performance and global sustainability

ISO 14001 environmental management system assists organizations in creation of structured mechanisms for continuous improvement in environmental performance, while the OHSAS 18001 occupational health and safety management system helps organizations in industrial operations that involve various occupational risks. ISO14001 shares many common traits with OHSAS 18001 and this has paved the road for the idea of an integrated management system. The aim of this study was to determine the extent of involvement in best environment and safety practices in the recycling industry towards development of environment and safety culture. The paper evaluates how the management systems aids companies in operating continuous environment protection programs to minimize significant environmental impacts, accidents and diseases by exploring some critical elements for success including task-based risk assessment and emergency preparedness and response. This analyze is carried out supported by secondary data obtained from environmental and safety reporting. This paper discusses the experiences of the management system in the recycling industry. Effective integration between environmental and safety awareness will create companies and employees who are responsible towards environment conservation and implementation of safe work practices.