ISO 45001 Clause 8: Operational Planning and Control
Ensuring Safety and Compliance
ISO 45001 Clause 8 Operational planning and control play a pivotal role in maintaining a safe and healthy work environment while ensuring compliance with legal requirements and the ISO 45001 standard. This blog explores the significance of operational planning and control, breaks down the Deployment, and delves into key components of this crucial aspect of an ISO45001 Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) management. ISO 45001:2018 – Occupational health and safety management systems — Requirements with guidance for use
Why is Operational Planning and Control Important?
ISO 45001 Clause 8 Operational planning and control revolves around the decision-making processes aimed at meeting the OH&S management system’s requirements. This includes the control of OH&S risks and the deployment of actions to enhance the OH&S management system. The significance of this cannot be overstated:
- Healthy and Safe Workplaces: Operational planning and control are instrumental in providing employees with safe and healthy work environments. Ensuring their well-being not only aligns with ethical values but also enhances morale and productivity.
- Preventing Work-Related Injuries and Ill Health: A proactive approach to operational planning and control mitigates the risk of work-related injuries and illnesses, reducing absenteeism and healthcare costs.
- Continuous Improvement: By constantly refining OH&S processes, organisations can achieve ongoing improvements in performance, optimizing efficiency, and safety.
- Legal Compliance: Compliance with OH&S legal requirements is not optional; it is mandatory. Operational planning and control help organisations navigate this complex regulatory landscape.
ISO 45001 Clause 8: Operational Control
Operational controls encompass a range of measures and practices to enhance safety and compliance, such as:
- Eliminating Hazardous Materials: Ceasing the use of hazardous materials when possible.
- Procedures, Work Instructions, and Safe Systems: Implementing clear protocols for work processes.
- Competency Requirements: Ensuring that workers at all levels have the necessary skills and training.
- Preventive Maintenance Programs: Regular maintenance to prevent equipment failures and accidents.
- Specifications for Procurement: Setting standards for products and services to ensure safety.
- Contractor and Visitor Requirements: Enforcing safety requirements for external parties in the workplace.
- Engineering and Administrative Controls: Implementing physical and administrative measures, including safety signs, to mitigate risks.
Organisations often forget that ISO 45001 awareness training is an important first step. (See ISO 45001 Clause 7: Support – click button below)
ISO 45001 Clause 8: Eliminating Hazards and Reducing OH&S Risks
Understanding the hierarchy of controls is vital for effective risk management. The order of priority is as follows:
- Elimination: Completely removing hazards.
- Substitution: Replacing hazardous processes or substances with less risky alternatives.
- Engineering Controls and Reorganisation of Work: Isolating workers from hazards or reorganizing work processes.
- Administrative Control: Providing training, instructions, and information to reduce risk.
- Personal Protective Equipment: As a last resort, providing protective gear to act as a barrier between workers and hazards.
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.
(See ISO 45001 Clause 7: Support – click button below)
ISO 45001 Clause 8: Management of Change
Change management involves processes to handle changes within the organisation, ensuring they do not introduce new unmanaged hazards or unintended consequences. It is essential to:
- Anticipate Changes: Identify potential changes, such as new technology, equipment, processes, or organisational goals.
- Risk Assessment: Assess the risks associated with these changes, considering their impact on workers and other parties.
- Control Measures: Implement appropriate controls, including administrative measures and ensuring worker competence.
- Documentation: Maintain records of change deployment and related OH&S assessments.
(See blog ISO 45001 Clause 6: Planning – click button below)
ISO 45001 Clause 8: Procurement
Procurement involves acquiring products and services, including outsourcing. It is vital to manage this process diligently to prevent compromising OH&S. Key steps include:
- Assessing External Providers: Do not rely solely on reputation; establish OH&S measures and communicate requirements.
- Criteria for Selection: Specify OH&S criteria for selecting contractors, vendors, and suppliers.
- Information Exchange: Share information about workplace hazards and controls with external providers.
- OH&S Requirements in Decision-Making: Consider OH&S requirements in all procurement-related decisions.
Contractors and Outsourcing
Contractors and outsourced processes can introduce new risks to your organisation. Effective management includes:
- Communicating OH&S Requirements: Clearly communicate your OH&S requirements to contractors and external providers.
- Evaluation and Monitoring: Assess contractors’ OH&S performance, especially when their work affects your organisation.
- Assessing Risks: Consider potential hazards, risks, and impacts of contractor work.
- Due Diligence: Ensure that outsourced functions adhere to your OH&S requirements and maintain control over safety aspects.
ISO 45001 Clause 8: Emergency Preparedness and Response
Emergency preparedness is vital to minimize adverse effects on OH&S performance, reputation, and financial stability. Key aspects include:
- Anticipating Emergency Situations: Proactively prepare for reasonably foreseeable emergencies, applying the hierarchy of controls.
- Expert Engagement: Compile emergency contact numbers, engage the right experts, and assign responsibilities.
- Training and Competency: Ensure workers are adequately trained to respond to emergencies effectively.
- External Coordination: Collaborate with external organisations, local officials, and emergency responders for a coordinated response.
(See blog ISO 45001 Clause 6: Planning – click button below)
Conclusion:
Within 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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