Risk management and reporting: top OHS issues in 2010

OHS and risk managers expect to face a broad range of issues in 2010, ranging from legislative changes and ongoing regulatory requirements through to business demands and technology, according to a survey released by an Australian provider of business software products and services - ComOps.

The survey involved more than 170 OHS and risk managers, CEOs and other senior business managers, and was conducted by ComOps at the Safety In Action exhibition held in April 2010. Respondents represented companies ranging from fewer than 10 through to more than 1000 employees.

The two most important issues considered of high or critical importance by more than 80% of OHS and risk managers are: proactive risk management and the need for consistent, meaningful reporting to support business decision-making.

Fatigue management was nominated by 78%, followed by managing the impact of OHS national harmonisation laws (77%) and meeting current environmental laws and obligations (76%).

More than 80% of respondents also suggested that the provision of mobility tools such as PDAs to facilitate off-site audits, safety and risk management would be of medium to critical importance during 2010.

Commenting on the survey, Moshe Woods, Sales Director - Salvus, ComOps, said: “What is most striking about the survey is that no one single issue was considered unimportant by more than 20% of respondents. In other words, all these issues are of fundamental consequence to OHS and risk managers. They all need to be addressed. It’s just a question of the order of priority in which they will be dealt with.”