Killing two birds with one stone: achieving quality via totalsafety management

Abstract

Describes how problems associated with total quality management (TQM) can be overcome by adopting a total safety management (TSM) approach. Identifies TQM problems of definition, measurement systems, resourcing, implementation, and measurement of culture. Advocates TSM strategies to overcome them. These strategies result in increased quality, reliability and competitiveness, while also satisfying legislative requirements for safety. Outlines a variant of Bandura′s model of “reciprocal determinism” to assist in the ongoing analyses and implementation of a positive safety culture. The model proposed takes into account the dynamic interrelationships between safety climate, safety management systems, and motivational strategies to improve safety behaviour. Supporting evidence suggests that this model may have considerable utility when applied to other forms of organizational culture.