ENTROPY OF SAFETY IN THE OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

Abstract

This study explores the concept of safety entropy as a fundamental and comprehensive stochastic indicator that determines the degree of disorder and susceptibility to degradation processes within occupational health and safety management systems (OHSMS). The approach proposed by the authors is based on the principles of classical thermodynamics and the provisions of the international standard ISO 45001:2018, which makes it possible to consider OHSMS as an open socio-technical system operating under the influence of numerous internal and external stochastic factors. An abstract model has been developed to describe the relationship between the level of entropy and non-compliance with safety requirements, which reflects the dynamic behavior of the system and the necessity of maintaining it in a controlled low-entropy state to prevent hazardous events. This study explores introduces a diagnostic checklist designed for the prompt identification of safety entropy symptoms, including process degradation, informational and communication barriers, cultural apathy, knowledge loss, and resistance to organizational change. The application of this tool enables proactive risk management, timely detection of critical points, and implementation of effective preventive measures. The results confirm that the stable functioning of OHSMS is achievable only through continuous import of ordering energy and information, realized via leadership, staff training, systematic monitoring, and well-developed feedback mechanisms. The practical significance of this work lies in the establishment of a scientifically substantiated methodological framework for developing safety strategies, minimizing occupational injuries, and enhancing the resilience of organizational systems. This makes the proposed approach a universal instrument applicable across various industrial and service sectors.