QUALITY EVALUATION OF OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY (OHS) RISK MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS FROM AGRICULTURE

The paper proposes a model applicable for analysis and ranking of the quality of Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) Risk Management Systems (RMS) for Small and Middle-size Enterprises (SMEs) in agriculture. Such model must be simple and efficient, correlated with risk factors and dynamic evolution, using measurable, cost-effective indicators. The proposed original model consists of key performance factors/indicators (KPF/I), involved in implementation and sustainability, by considering the elements of OHSRMS. The KPF/Is were selected according to effect of hazard on workers, equipment, environment, impact on competitiveness and economic performance, for SMEs in the field of agricultural activity, and for local rural communities. The proposed model appreciates the pro-active attitude of SMEs and consists in the use of 38 pondered KPI. The KPI are divided in 5 sections: OHS policy (7 indicators with maximum cumulated group value 10); OHS plan (7 indicators/ maximum group value 10); implementation and operation (11 indicators/ maximum group value 11); OHS checking (10 indicators/ maximum group value 11); control of management (3 indicators/ maximum group value 4). For the homogenization of groups, the score achieved from each group will be divided by the corresponding maximum possible score of the group "I", resulting the group index of performance. The SMEs general performance index will be calculated as an average of each 5 groups indexes of performance. The index will be used in rating the levels of capability maturity model (CMM), or other levels could be used, and for qualitative analysis of OH&SRMS for identification of the weaknesses or other feasible measures and actions. It is possible to transpose the model into Excel and use it for qualification and rapid diagnosis of OHSRMS implemented in any SME in agriculture.