The application of integrated management systems (IMS) by contracting organisations.

Construction industry is a key player in the UK economy. It contributes 10% of the GDP and employs more than 1.5 million people. Contractor organisations are the public face of the industry. Their policies, processes, and performance directly impact all stakeholders in the industry. However, the performance of contractor organisations on Quality, Health and Safety and Environment issues is far from satisfactory. Organisations of all type, including contractors are increasingly implementing management systems for Quality (ISO 9000), Health and Safety (BS 8800/OHSAS 18001) and Environment (ISO 14000) for many reasons including the fulfilment of legal obligations, creating a better organisational image and the wider demonstration of concern for the society. The standard based management systems 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). Chemical, nuclear and manufacturing industries are at the forefront of the emerging initiative of IMS. Contractor organisations in the UK have also shown a keen interest in the IMS development, however, there is a clear lack of guidance on the implementation of integrated management systems. This research develops a unique best practice framework for the implementation of integrated management systems (IMS) in construction contractor organisations. A comprehensive literature review, case studies in some major UK contactor organisations and a questionnaire survey were conducted to encompass the management systems, developments and issues related to the implementation of integrated management systems (IMS) in construction and other industries. The research finds contractor organisations at varying levels of development from very basic to advance in integrating their management systems. Various different approaches and methods are being applied to develop the integrated management systems in absence of any industry specific guidelines. The industry validated framework, developed in this research project will help contractor organisations as a best practice guide, in the implementation of integrated Quality, Health and Safety and Environment management systems. The integrated framework will make systems more streamlined, productive and easier to comply with.