Companies aiming to achieve the Certificate of Recognition (COR) will find the Plan, Do, Check, Act (PDCA) model improves their workplace health and safety exponentially. Because the PDCA model is so beneficial for businesses, many companies are now integrating it into their business plans.
What is the Plan, Do, Check, Act Model?
The Plan, Do, Check, Act (PDCA) model is a simple to follow and effective strategy for improving health and safety in companies. Through problem-solving and change management, the PDCA can set your company on a continuous loop of improved health and safety outcomes. The model is also practical for assessing small-scale problems before applying longer-term solutions.
The PDCA model is essential for attaining the Certificate of Recognition (COR). COR is a voluntary injury reduction program in which employers and employees work together with the government to develop practical Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems (OHSMS). With the PDCA model, companies achieve a safer working environment through a complete system rather than individual programs. This system then becomes a part of every current and future business decision.
Going through the PDCA model is slower or more methodical than direct and immediate implementation. Therefore, it is not the best method to use in urgent problems.
Why Do Companies Use the PDCA Model?
Companies enact the PDCA model because it is a systematic, efficient, and repeatable approach that reliably improves their companies’ overall health and safety. The PDCA model is a cycle that can be applied to all elements of a COR audit. Its application to all components means the model can be used to design an overall and complete OHSMS. The PDCA model can also be used to focus on a specific task like keeping hazards under control, improving document control procedures, or updating an emergency preparedness plan.
Here are some benefits COR offers companies using the PDCA model:
-Demonstrates a safe and healthy workplace
-Gives a competitive advantage making it easier to hire and keep workers
-Creates financial savings with fewer injuries, shorter claims, and improved experience ratings, which lowers premiums
Another reason companies apply the PDCA model to their business plans is because it is a requirement to qualify for the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board’s (WSIB) Health and Safety Excellence program (HSEp). Through this performance-based rewards program, companies receive rebates and recognition.
Here are some benefits HSEp offers a company that uses the PDCA model:
-Earns reimbursements, gains recognition, and lowers premiums
-Improves health and safety
-Gains access to a team of health and safety experts
-Receives complete access to the Infrastructure Health and Safety Association (IHSA) member resources
-Builds an efficient and applicable health and safety program
Applying the Four Stages of the PDCA Model
The four stages of the PDCA model are in the name: Plan, Do, Check, and Act. All stages are equally important, and it is essential to get all employees engaged at every stage.
The Plan Stage is the first stage in the PDCA model. In this stage, a business will carefully craft a plan that addresses its main health and safety problems making sure this plan aligns with the company’s goals.
In the Plan stage, a company will:
-Study the problem
-Set objectives and specify priorities
-Designate roles of responsibility
-Determine how performance will be gauged
The Do Stage is where all of the changes happen. It is also the stage that requires the most energy in training and can feel overwhelming at times.
In the Do stage, a business will:
-Execute plans and procedures
-Communicate goals to help stay on track
-Train workers as necessary
The Check Stage carefully studies and evaluates the progress completed thus far. All collaborators should be included in this stage.
In the Check stage, the company will:
-Observe and calculate data
-Gather and evaluate employee feedback
-Record and report outcomes
The Act Stage finishes the PDCA model cycle. It requires everyone involved to coordinate and pay attention to ensure the expected initial improvements take place.
In the Act stage, the business will:
-Review results
-Use new information to make modifications
-Carry on the cycle of continuous improvement
Making the PDCA Model Work in Organizations
Communication and engagement are critical for the PDCA model to work. Each stage is a building block to a healthier and safer workplace. Including employees in the PDCA model will lead to its success because employees are the ones who best understand the day-to-day risks of working their jobs. When a company clearly communicates a plan to its workers, it encourages a workplace culture of engagement and problem solving, leading to the success of a PDCA model.
Sources:
Certificate of Recognition (COR) Work Safe BC
https://www.worksafebc.com/en/health-safety/create-manage/certificate-recognition#:~:text=COR%20benefits,-Safe%20and%20healthy&text=Possessing%20a%20certificate%20of%20recognition,injury%2C%20illness%2C%20and%20disease
Guide for HSEp Members Registered in COR WSIB Ontario
https://www.ihsa.ca/pdfs/health-safety-excellence/guide-for-hsep-members-registered-in-cor.pdf
Plan, Do, Check, Act. Canadian Occupational Safety
WSIB Health and Safety Excellence Program WSIB Ontario
https://www.ihsa.ca/HealthAndSafetyExcellenceProgram