HSE and Safety Program, Management System, and Manual Differences

Yes, no, maybe so! The honest answer is: “It depends.” They may mean the same thing to different people. Essentially, all three provide a company a framework to satisfy its HSE requirements and guide its personnel to fulfill their HSE obligations.

In many cases, it is a matter of semantics. However, there are some differences between the three, so I will explain how they are similar and different.

The following section explains the similarities and differences, and so you can better understand these three HSE frameworks:

1. Management Systems
2. Programs
3. Manuals

1. What is an HSE or Safety Management System?

HSE or safety management systems are used by organizations to satisfy the requirements of an HSE-related Standard. Examples of HSE-related Standards include ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, and COR. Many of these standards were developed to provide guidance on how to create an HSE management system and all the benefits that go along with a properly implemented system, including satisfying company, regulatory, stakeholder, and client requirements to ensure that organizational and operational risks are effectively managed.

An HSE management system comprises all of the organization’s HSE policies, processes, procedures, forms, and records. It provides guidance and tools to satisfy its HSE requirements (as listed in the previous paragraph).

One of the processes within an HSE management system is to set goals and objectives and then implement programs that will help the organization reach these goals and objectives. So within the context of most HSE management systems, an HSE program is designed to help meet the intent of an HSE goal or objective. This may be a little confusing for those who refer to their HSE management system as an HSE program.

In terms of cost, HSE management systems are usually more comprehensive and therefore cost more to build and manage. But typically, a company gets a higher return on their investment because a solid program that is effectively implemented leads to better safety performance (fewer people get hurt) and financial savings because incidents have been prevented. If you are not sure how to calculate this, contact us, and we would be happy to provide some consulting services for you.

2. What is an HSE or Safety Program?

This is where it can get a little unclear. In my experience and from my perspective, an HSE or safety program can be one of two things:

1. A program within an HSE management system that was developed to satisfy one or more of the organization’s HSE goals or objectives (as discussed above in the HSE management system section)
2. An organization’s strategic and tactical program on how it will satisfy its HSE requirements (including company, regulatory, stakeholders, and clients). This would include HSE policies, processes, procedures, forms, and records. So, in this context,  for all intents and purposes, it is the same thing as an HSE management system

So why is the same terminology used in two different contexts? I have two answers. The first is   ¯_(ツ)_/¯. All kidding aside, some regulatory bodies or clients use the term safety program, health and safety program, or HSE program. In fact, in Alberta, all employers with 20 or over employees must have a "health and safety program" that meets the requirements set out in the Alberta OHS Code. Click here for more information on these requirements.

The Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) also uses the term "health and safety program" for what is required in other Canadian jurisdictions. National or international companies that operate in many jurisdictions get to choose which term to use because you can’t please everyone!

An HSE program can vary significantly in terms of cost, because it could be an HSE management system (called by another name), or it could be an HSE manual. Be sure to shop around because you don’t want to think you are buying a sophisticated program and get a basic generic manual that doesn’t reflect your company or its requirements.

3. What is an HSE or Safety Manual?

An HSE or safety manual is a document that typically includes all of a company's HSE policies, processes, procedures, and forms but not records.

What is nice about an HSE manual is that everything HSE-related can be found in one document. There is usually a Table of Contents, making it easy to find what you are looking for. And many times, the forms and procedures are located at the end of the manual, making it easy to print out or find what you need. However, it’s also essential to have a system to manage records, and there are several options to do this. Many smaller businesses struggle to manage their records effectively, which is why it may be helpful to upgrade to an HSE management system or HSE program.

However, a manual is not ideal for companies with more sophisticated HSE requirements. It would be thousands of pages long if it included all the HSE processes, procedures, and forms. This is why larger companies typically have HSE or safety management systems or programs.

In terms of cost, HSE manuals are usually the cheapest option. You can find entry-level manuals for less than $10,000 CDN, but buyer beware as you get what you pay for. These manuals are generic and not specific to your company’s requirements. While they may satisfy some basic HSE requirements (i.e., COR), they may not necessarily improve your company’s HSE performance or help personnel understand how to work safer.

While we do offer HSE manuals at Risk Defense, they are more sophisticated than what is typically offered on the market. And so they are really HSE programs or HSE management systems, and the price and quality reflect this. Click here for more information on our HSE manuals, programs, and management systems.

As you can see, there are multiple similarities and differences between HSE management systems, programs, and manuals depending on one’s perspective. But really, they are quite similar as they provide a framework to manage HSE requirements and responsibilities.

Ultimately, what matters is that every organization has a system, program, or manual, not what it is called. These tools are critical in educating workers on how to perform work safely and effectively to prevent incidents and emergencies. Companies that have a fully implemented system, program, or manual have committed themselves to HSE excellence, and typically their HSE performance reflects and supports the importance of doing so.

Whether you need an HSE management system, HSE program, or HSE manual, we have you covered. We’ve been doing this for 16+ years and have developed dozens of these HSE frameworks for a range of companies including small local family-owned businesses and large international organizations. For more information, please get in touch with Risk Defense Inc. by filling out the contact form below.