Development and Validation of the Effectiveness of a Global Occupational Health and Safety Management System Model for Japanese Companies.

Objectives

To extend a Global Occupational Health and Safety Management System Model for Japanese companies-a hybrid model integrating the ISO 45001 standard with company-wide minimum standards set by headquarters and good practices adapted to local conditions-beyond Southeast Asia, the region covered in the original pilot study, and to verify its long-term effectiveness.

Methods

At a large Japanese manufacturer of construction and mining machinery, we examined, over 2013-2026 (a net 12 years, excluding a 2-year suspension during the COVID-19 pandemic): the development of headquarters functions, and changes in 13 performance-audit item scores at 8 production sites in North America, Europe, and Asia.

Results

All 9 headquarters functions were established over approximately 12 years. Total audit scores increased at 6 of the 8 production sites; 2 sites showed no improvement. The largest numbers of sites remained below the target level for risk-reduction measures and risk assessment; together with officer competency, the only item showing no change in mean score, these findings revealed a structural lag in occupational hygiene relative to safety.

Conclusions

The model promoted both headquarters maturation and site-level improvement outside Southeast Asia. Strengthening occupational hygiene will require more direct headquarters interventions, such as expert dispatch and technical support, in addition to standard-setting and auditing.