O-252 Developing a Global Occupational Health and Safety Management System Model for Japanese Companies and Its Effectiveness

Objectives To develop and validate a global occupational health and safety management system (OHSMS) model for Japanese companies and report on its effectiveness. Methods In cooperation with a Japanese company, we established a research team and gathered information on occupational health and safety (OHS) practices in nine countries where the target company operated manufacturing sites. We then developed a model hypothesis via research team meeting. The model hypothesis was introduced to local factories in Indonesia and Thailand as trial sites. The role of the headquarters, the implementation process, and improvements in OHS practices at each site were evaluated. Based on the results, a global OHSMS model was formalized and implemented globally. In several countries, the effectiveness of this model was verified through performance audits. Results The model consisted of both headquarters and field roles. These roles functioned well and OHS in the field was improved. For the headquarters function, two issues were identified: establishment of a reporting system to headquarters and support for upgrading the level of professional personnel. By improving the model hypothesis to address these issues, the model was formalized for global implementation. Several countries that implemented the model showed various improvements related to OHS. Discussion- Conclusions The global OHSMS model is based on a methodology relevant to each region, the use of specialized human resources, common goals, and metrics based on minimum requirements of the headquarters. The effectiveness of this model was confirmed as a favorable change in several countries where this model was implemented.