Architecture & Design

Architecture & Design | 29 HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED IN THE HEALTH AND SAFETY INDUSTRY? I have been involved in compliance management for over twenty-four (24) years when I joined Merit/Methode Electronics in 1997 as Quality Management Facilitator, responsible for the implementation and maintenance of International Management Systems ISO9001, QS9000, TS16949 and ISO14001 Standards. I had to further focus on the Health & Safety Management Systems when I joined VAOS Ltd, a multinational oilfield services company with over 1000 employees, which was heavily involved in the construction and maintenance of the Libyan Oil & Gas Infrastructure. For 12 years, I have led the company through the implementation and certification programs of ISO 9001 and OHSAS 18001 Management Systems Standards. Due to the civil war in Libya, I returned to Malta in 2014 where I set up my own consultancy company Parnis & Associates Ltd (P&A). My initial Health & Safety Advisory services in Malta started in the construction industry supervising multiple project sites. Other industries followed and I am now engaged in various Health & Safety jobs from Energy, Film Productions and Events. DO YOU SPECIALISE IN ANY PARTICULAR ASPECTS OF HEALTH AND SAFETY? I started my technical career as an apprentice at the Malta Shipbuilding Co. Ltd which exposed me to Heavy Industry Projects from an early age for 7 years. When I joined Methode Electronics, I continued my studies and intensified further my development on ISO Management Systems where I was exposed to high precision engineering processes working in fast changing environment and demanding automotive industry. Implementing Management Systems involves the development of policies and procedures, communication and awareness, training of employees, auditing and monitoring of processes and facilities, and conducting regular management reviews completing the Plan-Do-Check-Act Cycle. Today, I am heavily involved in the construction and film industry which requires for me to spend a great amount of time monitoring safety at construction sites or on a filming location. I enjoy both aspects, I can be the officer monitoring and enforcing safety on the shop-floor, construction site or film set as well as being the Executive at the office developing protocols and documents, auditing and monitoring company level key performance indicators. CAN YOU TELL US MORE ABOUT THE SERVICES YOU OFFER? P&A provides a complete suite of HSEQ Management Systems Advisory Services ranging from: HSEQ Management Systems Advisory Services (ISO / Local / Industry Specific) This service is for any company having an interest to embark on a continuous improvement program by standardising their operations. Our services begin by conducting a Gap Analysis to identify the existing level of compliance against the local or International Standard Requirements. We will then assist companies to develop new or perhaps even improve on existing processes to the required standard. In general, we manage and lead our clients through the whole journey of ISO Certification. Risk Assessments Risk Assessments is a legal requirement for Employers. The employer is responsible to identify any risks generated by their processes, facilities and their operations in general and implement the necessary control measures to reduce the risk as low as reasonably practical. The development of Risk Assessment is required whenever there are newly introduced or changes in process, machinery and equipment, material and surrounding environment. Risk Assessments is one of fundamental requirements for implementing effective Health & Safety Management systems. Inspections & Audits Audits are part of the appraisal process for Management Systems. P&A offers internal and second party auditor for those companies wishing independent auditors looking into their documented management system and operations. During audits, auditors will interview management and employees, review documents and observe activities. An audit report will be issued to top management highlighting the level of compliance and any improvement opportunities required to the management systems. Generally, the Audit Cycle will be completed with a Follow-up Audit to confirm and verify the implementation of corrective actions. Emergency Preparedness In anything we do we are exposed to various risks. The employer is also responsible to ensure effective emergency protocols are implemented at the workplace. This involves the development of Emergency Response Plans consisting of Emergency Response Protocols for Medical, Fire and Environmental Emergencies, Establishing Emergency Response Team, Training of ER Team and conducting regular Emergency Response Drills. Emergency Preparedness will involve the setting up of Fire Protection/Fighting Systems, Signage and Plan Layouts, Emergency lightings systems, First Aid Provisions going into First-Aid Training, Fire Fighting and Chemical Spillage Training as required. Incident Investigation and Reporting Incidents are unfortunately considered as the main source of great knowledge and information for safety protection. It is very important that all incidents at the workplace are reported and addressed whether it is a 'near miss', 'small injury' or 'fatality'. P&A provides the necessary resources for independent incident investigation and reporting for companies wishing to investigate incidents and deploy preventive measures to eliminate recurrence of similar incidents. HSEQ Training P&A will assist companies in developing their own Health & Safety Training Needs Analysis by developing a Training Matrix. The matrix will define the necessary Health & Safety Training Programs/Sessions required for each designation within the organisation, whether it's the company's CEO, or the shop-floor cleaner. The provision of HS Training is a legal requirement and operator licences such as fork lift trucks operators and crane operator are mandatory. Same goes for operatives performing high risk tasks such as scaffolders etc. Employers are to ensure that operatives have the necessary safety training to operate equipment and machinery as well as perform their routine tasks safely preventing injury to themselves, colleagues and the public or cause damage to machinery, plant and environment. All newly engaged employees shall go on an Induction Training & Awareness program. Normally this induction training is given within the first days of employment where the employees are informed about the company policies and procedures, operational & facilities hazards, do's and don'ts, time and attendance, welfare, incident reporting and emergency response protocols in general. P&A provides the necessary guidance and assistance to companies ensuring the right approach in provision of Health & Safety Training to its workforce.

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