Explore Irwin's End-to-End HSMS Consulting Services

Irwin's Safety has a robust Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) consulting department, offering both remote and on-site support to customers who need assistance in implementing aspects of their Health and Safety Management Systems (HSMS). We believe that enhancing or developing an effective HSMS follows a fundamental process, and Irwin's Safety is there to support our customers at any point in that process. The fundamental process we adhere to includes the following:

Gap Analysis

Many of our customers know they need help but are unsure of the specific areas that require attention. This is where a Gap Analysis becomes crucial. The purpose of a Gap Analysis is to assess the current state of the HSMS and identify what needs to be done to achieve regulatory compliance and reach the desired state of the HSMS. Once the goals are established, we execute the analysis through three key phases:

• Documentation collection
• Observation of work activities
• Employee interviews

Once all the data is consolidated, we generate a report that outlines the key gaps needing attention to move the HSMS from its current state to its required state. The report includes recommendations and implementation options available to the customer to address each item.

Program Implementation

Following the Gap Analysis, Irwin's Safety is ready to assist our customers in addressing the identified gaps. Alternatively, some customers bring us in at this stage without first conducting a Gap Analysis. In most cases, our support at this stage is in response to a Gap Analysis, Needs Assessment, or Audit that has already been conducted by the customer or a third party. Other times, our customers are aware of specific deficiencies and proactively seek our assistance in correcting them.

Regardless of how we are engaged, our approach to Program Implementation is consistent. Whether it's the development or enhancement of a Respiratory Protection Program, a Violence in the Workplace Program, a Hazardous Materials Handling Program, or any other program, we follow a fundamental process:

• Ongoing management and/or auditing of the program as required
• Sourcing additional resources needed for effective program implementation (equipment, third-party services, etc.)
• Training of management, supervision, and front-line workers on their responsibilities within the program
• Document roll-out for customer approval
• Document peer review
• Document development and technical writing
• Aligning the program with the customer's Document Management & Control process
• Development of program concepts
• Development or analysis of existing Risk Assessments
• Researching regulations, industry standards, and best practices related to the subject
• Establishing timelines and KPIs

Ongoing Support

A common weakness in any HSMS is inadequate maintenance. Some organizations mistakenly believe that once a program is established, their safety culture is secure. However, without proper maintenance, the HSMS can break down. The most common reasons for failing to allocate the necessary resources are unqualified candidates and budget constraints. Irwin's Safety's ongoing support model is designed to ensure that our customers have access to a network of qualified subject matter experts, quality control processes, and management oversight on a consultative basis at a fraction of the cost of full-time Health and Safety resources. Our ongoing HSMS support responsibilities include any or all of the following:

• Sourcing and procurement of safety resources and third-party training as needed
• On-site Safety Advisory, Coordination, and Coaching support
• Incident investigation support
• Worksite inspections
• Maintenance of COR compliance, ISO, and other industry-recognized accreditations
• Establishment and/or coaching of the organization's Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee
• Management of supplier risk management software (ISN, Complyworks, Avetta, etc.)
• Management of safety equipment inventory and inspection records
• Management of Learning Management System (LMS) software
• Management of digital safety documentation and e-compliance software
• Training, onboarding, and retraining of employees governed by the HSMS
• Enhancements and revisions to the HSMS
• Routine monitoring of regulatory compliance changes that affect the HSMS
• Ongoing and periodic auditing of the HSMS
• Participation in regular meetings with various customer stakeholders

One-Stop Shop

Irwin's Safety is your one-stop shop for all Health and Safety Management System consulting needs. We approach each phase of the process independently, providing our customers with the peace of mind that they are supported by qualified experts every step of the way—from Gap Analysis to Program Implementation to Ongoing Maintenance.

Contact our Sales Team to learn more about our Consulting approach!