ISO 45001 Clause 7: Support
Building a Foundation for Safety: The Importance of Resources, Competence, Awareness, Communication, and Documented Information in OH&S Management.
In today’s rapidly evolving workplace, ensuring the safety and well-being of employees and stakeholders has become a paramount concern for organisations across the globe. To manage this, companies must establish robust Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) management systems that are both effective and adaptable. In this blog we delve into the critical aspects of resources, competence, awareness, communication, and documented information, which form the bedrock of any successful ISO 45001 OH&S management system. ISO 45001:2018 – Occupational health and safety management systems — Requirements with guidance for use
ISO 45001 Clause 7 Resources: The Lifeblood of OH&S
Resources are the lifeblood of any organisation’s OH&S management system. They encompass various elements such as money, time, personnel, equipment, organisational knowledge, and information, all of which are essential for ensuring workplace safety. Adequate resource allocation is crucial to support OH&S policies, meet objectives, and maintain an effective management system.
As an organisation evolves, its resource needs may change. Objectives may be achieved, new hazards identified, or the organisational context may shift. Hence, periodic reviews of resource allocation are vital to ensure that the system remains effective. When considering resources, factors like worker time, required skills, necessary systems, and technology should all be considered.
External resources can also play a pivotal role in supplementing internal capabilities. Organisations can tap into external sources such as OH&S Specialists, industry associations, regulators, insurance companies, and trade unions to bolster their OH&S knowledge and capabilities.
ISO 45001 Clause 7 Competence: Empowering the Workforce
Competence, the ability to perform a job effectively, is a cornerstone of any successful OH&S management system. All workers must understand what competence means and how to achieve and demonstrate it. Competence extends beyond merely performing tasks safely; it includes identifying hazards, suggesting risk-reduction measures, and contributing to the OH&S management system.
Identifying competence requirements, providing relevant training, and ensuring workers have the necessary skills and qualifications are essential steps. Some tasks may necessitate formal qualifications, while others may require specific training to meet competence requirements. Regular evaluations and feedback mechanisms help determine the effectiveness of these actions.
Organisations often forget that ISO 45001 awareness training is an important first step.
ISO 45001 Clause 7 Awareness: Knowledge is Power
Awareness is about ensuring that every individual in the organisation, including contractors, suppliers, and visitors, is well-informed about the OH&S policy, the objectives of the management system, and their roles in maintaining a safe workplace. Workers need to comprehend their responsibilities, the risks associated with their work activities, and how they can prevent OH&S incidents.
Effective communication is vital in raising awareness, and simple, repeated messages can be powerful tools. Engaging workers in the development of the OH&S management system and improvement initiatives fosters a culture of safety. Leadership from top management reinforces the importance of awareness throughout the organisation.
ISO 45001 Clause 7 Communication: The Key to Collaboration
Effective communication is the linchpin of any OH&S management system. It involves delivering the right information in the right way to relevant parties, both internal and external, so they can contribute to improving safety. It is a two-way process, with organisations also needing to receive and act upon information from stakeholders, even if this just acknowledging their input.
Communication strategies must consider diverse audiences, including language, gender, culture, and literacy. Organisations should identify what OH&S information needs to be communicated to diverse groups and tailor their methods accordingly. Prompt responses to queries and complaints are essential to maintaining transparent communication.
Engaging various groups within the organisation to develop communication processes can be highly effective. Establishing controls to maintain data integrity and confidentiality is equally important.
ISO 45001 Clause 7 Documented Information: A Pillar of Assurance
Documented information serves as the backbone of OH&S management systems. It ensures that safety measures continue as stated, even with changes in the workforce, and provides evidence of activities performed, such as monitoring records and incident reports. It also facilitates feedback loops for improvement.
Organisations must control and update their documented information to keep it available and suitable for use when and where needed. Documented information can take various forms, from electronic spreadsheets and work instructions to online videos and traditional logbooks. However, it is essential not to generate unnecessary paperwork, only keeping what is necessary to meet legal requirements and ensure system effectiveness. www.eversfaeohssolutions.com
Conclusion:
In the realm of an ISO 45001 OH&S management, success hinges on the effective allocation of resources, fostering competence, raising awareness, facilitating clear communication, and maintaining well-organized documented information. These pillars collectively form the bedrock of a robust OH&S management system, ensuring the safety and well-being of all who step foot into the workplace.
Organisations that embrace these principles and continually adapt their OH&S strategies will not only meet regulatory requirements but also create safer, more productive workplaces for their employees and stakeholders. In doing so, they lay the foundation for a brighter and safer future.
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Martin Knott