Who's Responsible (Structure & Responsibility)
To ensure that the EMS functions properly personnel throughout your organization need to know their roles and responsibilities as it relates to the EMS. The level of responsibility will vary from person to person depending on their designated role.
It was mentioned in Getting Ready – Phase I that someone in the organization needs to be designated as the Environmental Management Representative. This individual is responsible for ensuring the EMS is established and implemented, delegated responsibility and reports to top management on progress and performance. The responsibility of ensuring successful implementation and operation of the EMS does not fall to the EMR alone. Personnel throughout the organization play a supporting role whether its:
- Managing a significant aspect
- Documenting training
- Communicating with outside interested parties
- Tracking regulatory requirements
The list continues but the point is that everyone in the organization has a role and specific responsibilities as it relates to the EMS. Various organizational functions will support various EMS elements. Identify where the overlap occurs and document.
- Roles, responsibilities and authorities clearly defined, documented, communicated
- EMS roles
- Roles associated with significant aspects
- Employee understanding and commitment
- Management providing sufficient human, technological, financial resources
- The Mgt Rep has authority and reports frequently to top management