Developing an integrated conceptual framework for monitoring and controlling risks related to occupational health and safety

Abstract

There is a strong relationship between monitoring and controlling risks from several perspectives and developing effective measures to ensure continuous improvement by creating value in occupational health and safety. Business systems that transform into complex and sociotechnical systems have a dynamic structure and contain various serious risks that threaten employee health and safety based on the technological development. Even if the risk impact is reduced with the classical attempts of occupational safety experts to prevent losses, new risks may arise owing to missed risks. Therefore, risks must be continuously monitored and controlled with functionally complementary tools. In addition, these tools must interact with each other. Achieving effective results from their effort in coping with risks is another key factor for businesses. In this paper, an integrated conceptual framework for monitoring and controlling risks in occupational health and safety is proposed. The proposed framework consists of four parts. The hypothesis proposed in the first part focuses on learning from accidents, and that proposed in the second part is related to the proactive analysis and evaluation of risks. The hypothesis proposed in the third part deals with the correct ranking of risks, and that proposed in the fourth part focuses on the development of an early-warning system based on safety technologies. The hypotheses should interact and support each other in the integrated conceptual framework. Finally, the safety performance can be enhanced, and continuous improvement can be achieved by preventing the waste of time and resources.