10 Integrated Management System (IMS) Documents

Operating with separate teams and using different safety management systems for each respective area is a scenario observed far too often within organisations. This hindrance causes fragmentation and detachment, leading to many problems, such as inadequate communication, unclear objective, and duplication of effort.

Consequently, organisations must have an Integrated Management System (IMS) to improve their operations. A business with teams using an IMS, utilising the same documents, and following unified processes will optimise its operations and make the most of its time and resources.

What Is an Integrated Management System (IMS)?

An Integrated Management System (IMS) is a framework that allows organisations to integrate and align various management systems and processes into a single, unified system. Implementing an IMS framework is to transform how many organisations manage their quality, environment, and safety systems.

Instead of operating in silos, disparate teams can now work together to ensure greater regulatory compliance and meet the stipulated standards such as:

• AS/NZS ISO 9001:2016 - Quality Management Systems
• AS/NZS ISO 14001:2016 - Environmental Management Systems
• AS/NZS ISO 45001:2018 - Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems

Benefits of Implementing Integrated Management Safety Framework

By eliminating redundant processes, an IMS framework allows organisations to streamline their management systems toward creating a:

1. Comprehensive system of structured activities. An IMS framework can provide the tools necessary to develop and manage processes. This includes:

• Setting objectives
• Assigning responsibilities
• Creating documentation
• Monitoring performance
• Implementing corrective measures

For example, a company with an IMS framework will have one document (such as a manual) that outlines the activities of all teams that guide them in ensuring compliance with regulations. Additionally, an IMS framework can measure the overall system's effectiveness and track progress in meeting its goals.

2. Better risk prevention strategies

Implementing an integrated management system can help create better risk prevention strategies by providing a framework for systematically identifying, assessing, and controlling risks associated with the organisation's operations. This includes:

• Identifying potential sources of risk
• Assessing their severity
• Developing and implementing control measures to minimise the likelihood of these risks occurring
• Monitoring their performance

When organisations identify and manage potential risks from their operations, it enables them to address issues before they escalate into bigger problems proactively. Additionally, an IMS can help you ensure that any changes are implemented safely and effectively.

3. Reduce operational costs

Unsurprisingly, an integrated management system framework is becoming increasingly popular among organisations seeking reliable control over their operations. By having a single system that manages the various components of their operations, organisations can save costs by:

• Limiting the need for multiple documents
• Reducing the number of resources needed to control and manage processes
• Minimising duplication of effort

The cost savings associated with an IMS framework can be tremendous. For example, organisations can save up to 20% in training and development costs and 10-40% in operational expenses.

Primary Management Systems Standards in Australia

1. AS/NZS ISO 9001:2016: Quality Management Systems (QMS)

Quality assurance is the cornerstone of any successful organisation, and implementing a quality management system is critical to ensuring that processes are effective and efficient. One popular way to implement quality control is by adopting the AS/NZS ISO 9001 standard. This international standard sets out the requirements for a quality management system and is widely adopted in Australia and worldwide.

It establishes a framework for improving an organisation's effectiveness, efficiency and customer satisfaction through better management practices and continual improvement. This helps ensure that processes are effective in meeting customer expectations and providing consistent outputs regularly.

It also helps businesses manage risk more effectively by identifying areas where improvements can be made, increasing productivity and reducing costs. The end result is increased customer satisfaction with products or services provided, as well as improved profitability due to greater efficiency.

2. AS/NZS ISO 14001:2016: Environmental Management Systems

Environmental sustainability is increasingly becoming a priority for organisations. To help organisations effectively manage their environmental responsibilities, AS/NZS ISO 14001 is an internationally recognised standard that encompasses the requirements for an effective Environmental Management System (EMS).

Organisations implementing this international standard have many advantages, such as an improved reputation amongst customers, shareholders, employees, and the wider community, which leads to increased trust in the organisation's abilities. Additionally, it can lead to better relationships with regulatory bodies since they know that you are taking steps towards improving your environmental performance.

Finally, implementing this standard also increases efficiency since there are clear guidelines on best practice procedures that must be followed by all staff members. This helps organisations save time, money, and resources while still staying compliant with regulations.

3. AS/NZS ISO 45001:2018 - Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems

AS/NZS ISO 45001 is an international standard adopted by Australian and New Zealand organisations as an OHSMS standard. This framework provides a comprehensive plan for managing and improving OHS performance within any organisation.

It sets out requirements for establishing a robust occupational health & safety management system (OHSMS), including hazard identification, risk assessment and control, worker involvement in decision-making processes, training of workers on OHSMS implementation, continual improvement of the OHSMS and more. The standard aims to help organisations improve their working conditions to protect their employees' health & safety while still meeting their business objectives.

How to Get Started With Integrated Management Systems

Organisations must ensure that they have all the necessary documents to reap the full benefits of an IMS framework. These documents should be tailored to their specific needs and provide clear guidance on implementing the IMS effectively.

SafetyDocs by SafetyCulture provides the perfect solution for companies looking to create an integrated management system. Our safety management library offers easy-to-follow guidance for implementing safety systems and templates for documents such as quality procedures, environmental systems and risk assessments.

With SafetyDocs, organisations can ensure greater regulatory compliance, reduce operational costs and benefit from the improved performance that an IMS provides.

IMS Documents From SafetyDocs

If you're looking for a comprehensive IMS document package, SafetyDocs has you covered. We have available IMS documents for various industries, including manufacturing and construction. In addition, our packages provide organisations with the necessary safety policies, procedures and guidelines.

Here are ten IMS documents from SafetyDocs that are you can use for your business:

Integrated Management System

We develop our Integrated Management Systems standards in alignment with AS/NZS ISO 45001:2018, AS/NZS ISO 14001:2016, and AS/NZS ISO 9001:2016. The manual provides internal policies and procedures and sets out the requirements for demonstrating compliance.

Integrated Management System for Construction

This manual aids in delivering a structured approach to managing OHS/WHS, environmental, and quality systems. The modern framework is tailored to meet general construction requirements, such as houses and residential/non-residential buildings, roads, bridges and nonbuilding construction. All trade services, including electricians, painters, and earthworks professionals, can also utilise this IMS.

Integrated Management System for Business Services

Our IMS for business services provides a comprehensive framework for operating efficiently and safely across multiple industries. It covers industries such as scientific research, computer services, marketing & business management, legal & accounting services, technical services, and other business services. It also assists organisations in understanding their obligations and responsibilities under various regulations and standards.

Integrated Management System for Earthworks

Our IMS for Earthworks covers a range of industries, from scientific research to legal and accounting services. It includes a comprehensive Earthworks Management System Manual, a Chain of Responsibility (CoR) Management Plan, Recording Forms, and Document Control documents. Furthermore, businesses are given valuable instructions on customising the documents with their brand identity.

Integrated Management System for Landscaping

This IMS for landscaping manual is invaluable for any business in the landscaping, gardening or tree work/arborist industry. It includes various crucial policies and procedures related to occupational health and safety, environmental considerations and quality assurance processes. Furthermore, it features sections addressing emergency response planning and important ecological topics such as waste management, sediment management, and more.

Integrated Management System for Manufacturing

This IMS serves as a comprehensive framework for businesses involved in commercial manufacturing. This includes industries producing basic chemicals, polymer and rubber materials, food and beverage production, fabricating metal, and creating machinery and equipment. In addition, this manual system addresses workplace health and safety, environmental considerations, and quality assurance.

Integrated Management System for Electricians-HVAC-Solar

Our IMS for electricians, HVAC and solar trades offers the ideal framework for businesses in the electrical industry. This includes sections covering specific compliance regulations and standards and information about energy efficiency initiatives. Each element of the IMS offers an easy-to-follow flow from the development of procedures to their implementation. Furthermore, the IMS helps consistency in a business's performance standards, making it easier to identify areas for improvement.

Integrated Management System for Plumbing

Our IMS for plumbing services covers safety, health, and environmental concerns associated with commercial plumbing. The manual guides how to meet the requirements of relevant standards and regulations. Furthermore, this manual covers common construction hazards and additional policies and procedures for biological risks, plumbing and electrical hazards.

Integrated Management System for Cleaning

Our IMS for cleaning provides a framework to establish an effective management system for a cleaning business. The comprehensive manual covers common hazards such as working at heights, manual handling, and electrical hazards and includes policies & procedures to manage health, safety, environmental aspects, and quality processes.

Integrated Management System for Roofing

Our IMS for roofing services provides detailed information on safety, health, and environmental concerns associated with roofing. It also includes sections covering common risk management processes, such as working at heights and manual handling. In addition, the manual helps businesses implement strategies to effectively manage their operations in line with relevant regulations and standards.

Develop Your Integrated Management Systems Today

All of our IMS are designed to help businesses manage their operations efficiently and effectively. Each manual includes customisable forms, templates and checklists for easy system implementation. In addition, we aim to improve organisational communication and workplace safety by providing comprehensive and easy-to-use safety documentation.

No matter the size of your organisation, you'll have all the tools and resources to maintain the highest safety standards with SafetyDocs. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you develop your Integrated Management System documents. 

Our team of experts is dedicated to providing accurate and informative content. Craig Cruickshank, our senior HSEQ advisor at SafetyDocs by SafetyCulture has reviewed this blog post to ensure the highest level of quality.

Learn more about Craig's work on LinkedIn for more industry insights.

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Please note that the above information is provided as a comment only and should not be relied on as professional, legal or financial advice.