Managing safety and operations: the effect of joint management system practices on safety and operational outcomes

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine whether management system practices directed at both occupational health and safety (OHS) and operations (joint management system [JMS] practices) result in better outcomes in both areas than in alternative practices. METHODS: Separate regressions were estimated for OHS and operational outcomes using data from a survey along with administrative records on injuries and illnesses. RESULTS: Organizations with JMS practices had better operational and safety outcomes than organizations without these practices. They had similar OHS outcomes as those with operations-weak practices, and in some cases, better outcomes than organizations with safety-weak practices. They had similar operational outcomes as those with safety-weak practices, and better outcomes than those with operations-weak practices. CONCLUSIONS: Safety and operations appear complementary in organizations with JMS practices in that there is no penalty for either safety or operational outcomes