MERGING STRATEGIC SAFETY, HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT INTO TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT

The philosophy of Total Quality Management (TQM) appears to be a major force in the reshaping of the U.S. industry. Increasingly, internal c ustomers (e.g. workers) require work environments that are safe, healt hy and environmentally benign. On the other hand, external customers r equire products and services that are safe and present no negative env ironmental consequences. Thus, it is suggested to integrate long-range safety planning into the current TQM efforts. First, the concept of S trategic Safety Management (SSM) is proposed to merge these two approa ches. Then, the main features of SSM are presented. Self-managed team work is described as an essential linking component of this integratio n to promote long-term safety and quality improvements. Certain aspect s of an organization's performance measurement and reward (merit) syst em are also highlighted within the SSM framework. Due to its ''total'' systems approach and its long-range planning and implementation requi rements, there are many obstacles to its full effective operation. Man y of these problems are briefly mentioned. Finally, potential for its success in smaller organizations is presented.