Essay

Unit IV Project

Fernando Mattei Sepulveda

Columbia Southern University

Introduction

Gap analysis is an essential aspect that organizations instill in their planning. It is a tool that organizations use to know the size, shape of strategic tasks to be undertaken so that the organization can change from the current state to a more desired state in the future. Analyzing of gaps is a very crucial and effective method of planning in the search of corporate methods to acquire the targeted levels (Franklin 2006). In this case, awe will look at Walmart which is an American international retailer that distributes goods through its stores. The company is quite big with many branches all over the world. The management of the Store has implemented the systems approach to management in the effort to manage the health and safety risks involved during handling of activities by the business.

1. Policy and management commitment.

Walmart promotes or supports the safety of its workers through its two policies; promoting responsible sourcing practices in the global supply chain and also giving emphasis on compliance in operation on environment and health. Walmart is a global company, its communication on this policies is done globally to its branches all over the globe. The major store implements the policy by the use of a Responsible Sourcing program which has provisions like factory visibility and disclosure, life and fire safety needs and company responsibilities (Fishman 2006). These provisions are the responsibility of the different managers of the store located in vast areas.

2. Quality environmental health and safety manual.

The manual takes the form of a table which contains the table of contents and the cross references. In this case, the QEHS manual will be describing the MS. Therefore, a title QEHS Management System will be available. It will have several cross references referencing it. The QEHS involves identifying processes, learning their sequence and finally their relationship (Pardy & Andrews2010).

3. Documentation and records.

Documentation is the putting to paper the various processes and policies that the organization has put in place. These documents have to be recorded and kept in records e.g. ISO 9001 which may be informed of job descriptions or even organizational charts. Access to the records is only limited to certain people who use this information for implementation.

4. Evaluation of risk.

The organization has found out that various issues are several risks which make the company vulnerable. Risks include pollution of the environment through waste, fire accidents and stores, effects on workers due to contact with hazardous products and also injury caused by equipment. There is the problem of new risks arising with the change in the management system. The company may implement a new policy, and so the need for thorough experiments and research is carried out on the policy to understand the possible risks which may arise (Fishman 2006).

5. Objectives.

Walmart has a primary goal which is to ensure comfortable and secure shopping experience for customers while also providing a safe workplace for both suppliers and staff. The store carries out a periodic risk assessment which is important in the development of risk-based compliance program. The information acquired is the used to create a new list of prioritized compliance.

6. Identification of regulatory requirements.

Walmart has a very strong emphasis on the regulations hence the Store checks and implements the regulations put in place. These regulations are mostly under the U.S Department of Labor are often updated to ensure adherence.

7. Evaluation of regulatory requirements within the organization.

Walmart puts a lot of emphasis on the issue of regulations on health and safety. The major Store carries out internal audits severally in a year randomly to determine if the regulations set are being complied to.

8. MS conformance evaluation (Internal Audit).

There are set standards or guidelines on how organizations need to handle the critical issue of health and safety in the company. Organizations are expected that they show conformity with the OSH standards and hence should also be keen in the case of change so as to implement them. Walmart conforms to this standards accordingly.

9. Management review.

The top management of Walmart has the responsibility of checking and overseeing the various processes. These checks are necessary for the sense that it will ensure that the store's activities run as expected in an effort to enhance safety and health. The management has to ensure that the standards set are met accordingly by all stores (Fishman 2006).

10. Operational controls/equipment.

11. In the carrying of operations, some procedures are implemented in handling the QEHS risk. Analysis of the risk and classification of the risk is a fundamental procedure Walmart implements in this field. Then, close investigation on the possible risk and how the needed policies can lead to control. In Walmart, all equipment operators are well trained and provided with protective gear in the various departments they hold.

12. Employee involvement

The employees are involved in the management systems since their feedback on the safety and risk problem is crucial. Information from them provides the basis for management system planning. They have the responsibility to enact the policies which benefit them in the workplace.

13. . Suppliers and contractors

Walmart has in place a supplier standard which is in the Standards for Suppliers Manual which brings to light the expectation of Walmart from suppliers and factories. Suppliers and factories are needed to designate workers who are responsible for facility compliance according to the law and standards.

14. Measurement and monitoring.

Walmart often measures its performance in operational control. The measure may be done through asking workers of their opinions and also an assessment of its policies and the required standard and hence making a comparison.

15. Deficiencies and process failures.

The possibility of a process failing is a very likely event. Such an event may occur the organization orders an inquest on the issue to know the root cause and understand how it can be rectified. In the case of accidents, compensation may a corrective action enforced.

16. . QEHS improvement.

Walmart puts a lot of emphasis on the improvement of the quality of the environment and safety by adopting technology in the various fields involved. Technological innovations have made working safer and comfortable.

17. Emergency planning.

18. The occurrence of accidents is never foreseen there the need to plan for emergencies. Walmart has ensured that its stores are well structured to allow them to deal with emergencies like fire. Through firefighting equipment and exit ways. The company documents all sources of the case of emergency. Moreover, the company has documented all machinery issues and worker carelessness that may bring about emergency cases.

19. Training.

Walmart conducts training to employees, the company has specific training requirements and competencies on its employees. For instance, all employees are required to possess relevant training and education qualifications for the respective posts. Records on training are documented.

In conclusion, it is imperative to note that policy statement is vital in enhancing performance and improvement within the organization. This can be possible through the comprehensive emergency plans and prevention measures put in place by the company. Moreover, effective EHS programs entailing environmental, health and safety programs are crucial in their protective roles to both contractors and employees in Walmart organization

References.

Fishman, C. (2006). The Wal-Mart effect: how the worlds most powerful company really works-- and how it's transforming the American economy. New York: Penguin Press.

Franklin, M. (2006). Performance gap analysis: human performance improvement. Alexandria, Va: ASTD Press.

Pardy, W. & Andrews, T. (2010). Integrated management systems: leading strategies and solutions. Lanham: Government Institutes.