Integrated Safety Management (ISM) & risk management a complimentary pairing

Incorporation of the risk assessment philosophy of Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace, NFPA 70E 2015 into the already proven Integrated Safety Management (ISM) model provides an enhanced, inclusive, and continuous safety process. NFPA 70E 2015 risk assessment procedures are a complimentary addition to ISM. NFPA 70E Provides guidance regarding a qualitative approach for risk assessment, including risk estimation and evaluation [1]. The process is beneficial in developing the protective measures necessary to improve safety and reduce injury to workers health. Integrating this process with ISM core functions and guiding principles is a systematic, common sense approach to performing work safely [2]. Both ISM NFPA 70E risk assessment processes function to: 1) Enhance the ability to identify hazards 2) Minimize potential injury or damage to health 3) Estimate the level, likelihood, and severity for occurrence of injury 4) Determine if protective risk control measures are required. The NFPA 70E risk assessment process provides guidance paralleling the ISM core function and together, they establish a safe work environment and vigorous safety culture. Combining ISM and the risk assessment from NFPA 70E provides a tool that increases consistency with work planning and execution, and improves the overall safety culture within our industry. An informed safety culture is served by implementation of all core functions and guiding principles of ISM, and the cohesive integration of the NFPA 70E risk assessment. Together, they increase the ability to successfully perform work activities taking into account all factors that affect risk including enhancements to the ISM by NFPA 70E's consideration for: 1) The condition of the worker 2) The condition of the environment 3) The condition of the equipment.