Pilot project results of an integrated security management system

Abstract

PurposeAims to report the key results and learnings of a pilot test of an ISO‐based integrated management systems approach to security, environmental, health, and safely (SEH&S) at one industry site in the USA.Design/methodology/approachFirst, the rationale for and brief overview of a five‐step integrated SEH&S management systems approach is presented. Second, a descriptive reporting of the process, results, and implications of the initial steps of the integrated SEH&S approach at a water and sanitation district in the USA is provided.FindingsProvides a description of the process of how an integrated SEH&S approach is implemented and reports results such as the following. First, the major vulnerabilities and risks associated with the water district's major infrastructure assets are assessed. Second, the various risks are evaluated, prioritized, and ranked in terms of their security and environmental, health and safety (EH&S) aspects. Third, recommendations are offered to mitigate major vulnerabilities. Finally, an overall assessment of the applicability of the integrated SEH&S approach to security and risk management is presented.Research limitations/implicationsThe study was conducted in one organization and involved only the first portion of the proposed integrated SEH&S management system approach.Originality/valueThis manuscript should inform executives and managers of the SEH&S functions concerning how their organizations can use the newly proposed integrated approach to address both security and overall organizational risks in a more comprehensive and cost‐effective manner.