Integration of Quality, Health and Safety and Environment Management Systems in Contractor Organisations

Organisations of all types are increasingly implementing management systems for quality, health and safety and environment for many reasons including the fulfilment of legal obligations, a better image for stakeholders and the wider demonstration of concern for society. In the majority of cases, these management systems are being developed around the certification and accreditation requirements of quality standard: ISO 9000, environmental standard: ISO 14001 and also the health and safety standard: BSI-OHSAS 18001. These standards have developed individually, independently and at different times fulfilling unique demands. However, the structural similarities in the standards have led to the evolution of integrated management systems (IMS). UK construction contracting organisations have implemented such management systems and are international pioneers in IMS development. Research also finds links between sustainable construction themes and the integration of management systems. This paper investigates the application of IMS in UK contracting organisations. Research critically analyses the various different concepts, approaches and models being developed for IMS.