A generic model for integration of Quality, Environment and Safety Management Systems. Issue 2 (2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Is Part Of: TQM journal. Volume 26:Issue 2(2014)
• Page Start: 143
• Page End: 159
• Publication Date: 2014
• Subjects: Sustainability -- Environment -- Safety -- Continuous improvement -- Quality -- Integrated Management Systems (IMS) -- Management System Standards (MSS); Total quality management -- Periodicals; 658.562
• DOI: 10.1108/TQM-08-2012-0055
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1754-2731

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to propose a generic model of Integrated Management System of Quality, Environment and Safety (IMS‐QES) that can be adapted and progressively to assimilate various Management Systems, of which highlights: ISO 9001 for Quality; ISO 14001 for Environment; OHSAS 18001 for Occupational Health and Safety.Design/methodology/approach – The model was designed in the real environment of a Portuguese Organization and 160 employees were surveyed. The rate response was equal to 86 percent. The conceived model was implemented in a first phase for the integration of Quality, Environment and Safety Management Systems.Findings – Among the main findings of the survey the paper highlights: the elimination of conflicts between individual systems with resources optimization; creation of added value to the business by eliminating several types of wastes; the integrated management of sustainability components in a global market; the improvement of partnerships with suppliers of goods and services; reducing the number of internal and external audits.Originality/value – This case study is one of the first Portuguese empirical researches about IMS‐QES and the paper believes that it can be useful in the creation of a Portuguese guideline for integration, namely the Quality Management Systems; Environmental Management Systems and Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems among others.