SWOT Analysis

1. Core Concept & Definition

SWOT Analysis is a strategic planning tool used to evaluate the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats involved in a project or business venture.

• Goal: To specify the objective of the safety management system (SMS) and identify the internal and external factors that are favorable and unfavorable to achieving that objective.

• CSP Application: Used heavily in Domain 1 (Advanced Safety Management) and is a key tool for meeting the ISO 45001 requirement to determine the “Context of the Organization.”

2. The Matrix (The 2×2 Grid)

The CSP exam tests your ability to classify a specific factor into one of these four quadrants based on two dimensions: Internal vs. External and Helpful vs. Harmful.

3. Detailed Breakdown (Safety Context)

INTERNAL Factors (You control these)

• Strengths (Positive): Characteristics of the safety team or company that give it an advantage.

  • Examples: High management commitment, robust safety culture, proprietary safety software, experienced EHS staff, strong budget.

• Weaknesses (Negative): Characteristics that place the safety program at a disadvantage.

  • Examples: High turnover of workers, aging machinery, lack of safety training budget, poor communication between shifts, complex bureaucracy.

EXTERNAL Factors (You do not control these)

• Opportunities (Positive): Elements in the environment that the project could exploit to its advantage.

  • Examples: New OSHA regulations that force competitors to catch up, availability of new AI safety tech, government grants for safety upgrades, favorable public sentiment.

• Threats (Negative): Elements in the environment that could cause trouble for the project.

  • Examples: New stricter regulations (if you aren’t ready), economic recession (budget cuts), supply chain disruptions, shortage of qualified safety professionals in the market.

4. Strategic Strategies (TOWS Matrix)

Advanced CSP questions might ask how to use the data:

• S-O Strategies (Maxi-Maxi): Use Strengths to maximize Opportunities.

• W-O Strategies (Mini-Maxi): Overcome Weaknesses by taking advantage of Opportunities.

• S-T Strategies (Maxi-Mini): Use Strengths to avoid Threats.

• W-T Strategies (Mini-Mini): Minimize Weaknesses and avoid Threats (Defensive strategy).

5. Common Exam Trap: Internal vs. External

• Trap: “A new regulation is passed that requires expensive upgrades.” Is this a Weakness or a Threat?

• Answer: Threat. Why? Because regulations come from the outside (Government). You cannot control them.

• Trap: “Your safety team is understaffed.” Is this a Threat or Weakness?

• Answer: Weakness. Why? Because staffing is an internal management decision.

CSP Exam Quick-Check:

• If the factor is inside the company (Culture, Staff, Budget): It is S or W.

• If the factor is outside the company (Laws, Economy, Competitors): It is O or T.

• If the question mentions “Strategic Planning” or “Context of the Organization”: Think SWOT.

• If the question asks for a tool to align the safety goals with business goals: SWOT is the primary strategic alignment tool.

Would you like me to compile these single-page summaries into a downloadable PDF format for your students?