Integration of safety, health, environment and quality (SHEQ) management system in construction : a review

Abstract

There are several standard of management systems such as ISO 9001 for Quality Management System, ISO 14001 for Environmental Management System, and OHSAS 18001 for Safety and Health Management System. These management systems are often treated as independent functions within organizations. However, many professionals belief that it is possible to harmonise ISO 9001 QMS, ISO 14001 EMS and OHSAS 18001 OHSMS. The objectives of this study are to review the existing management standards on health and safety, environmental and quality; to study the correspondences data between these three management systems; to develop guidelines of SHEQ Integrated Management System; and to study the advantages and disadvantages of the proposed guidelines. The corresponding elements between those three management systems seem to be compatible and the possibility of integrating them is feasible. Finally, the proposed integrated Safety, Health, Environmental and Quality (SHEQ) Management System's guidelines have been developed.