Defining Total Safety Systems

Introduction:

Total Safety Systems in the context of TQM are not just support activities but value adding ones. Safety touches every aspect of organisational systems, it is not just guarding of machinery or protection of workers. Total Safety Systems introduce the concept of Zero Risk which is so essential for the perusal of Zero Defect, right first time strategies.

Total Safety Systems:

Procedures, guidelines and plans which would ensure the safe interaction of socio-technical systems towards the achievement of organisational competitive objectives come under total safety systems. The main objective of Total Safety Systems is to establish a culture based on Zero Risk through continuous improvement activity.

• Total Safety Systems in the context of TQM are not just support activities but value adding ones.
• By ensuring that there are no risks to employees and process equipment, optimum performance can be achieved.
• They represent the technical and social elements of organisational systems and as such include safety of workplace design, safety of technical processes and safety of employees.

Elements of a Total Safety System:

What is most important in TSS however is their dynamic nature in eliminating risks before accidents happen. This is different from the traditional approach towards safety where there was sole reliance on reactive plans.