Is an OHS Management System considered a continual or continuous improvement process?

An Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Management System is best described as a continual improvement process. This concept refers to the iterative cycle of ongoing enhancements that an organization makes to its safety management practices over time. It's not characterized by a constant or uninterrupted flow of improvement, but rather involves periodic assessment, reflection, and action towards better safety performance.

The term "continual" suggests that improvements happen over time through repeated cycles, which is integral to safety management. Organizations assess their systems, identify weaknesses, and implement measures to enhance safety protocols regularly.

In contrast, "continuous" would imply an uninterrupted progression without breaks, which does not accurately reflect how improvements are typically made in an OHS context. Real-world practices involve regular evaluations and updates rather than an endless stream of enhancements without pause.

Therefore, describing an OHS Management System as a continual improvement process aptly captures the cyclical nature of the safety management practices that evolve based on assessments and feedback over time.