ISO 45001 provides a robust framework to prevent work-related injury and ill health to workers.
It sends a statement of intent to all interested parties.
Learn MoreISO 45001 provides a robust framework to prevent work-related injury and ill health to workers.
It sends a statement of intent to all interested parties.
Lead Auditor qualities
‘You have two ears and one mouth for a reason,’ is great advice and something that all disciplined auditors will understand. Practical techniques and human factors of auditing will affect the success of the process.
Necessary training and competence are a given, and all auditors should be absolutely independent, objective and professional in their conduct and approach.
It is not an auditor’s duty to find fault, and leave a trail of NCs in their wake, rather to obtain evidence to determine the extent to which the defined criteria is being fulfilled.
Auditors, in the main, are on site at your request and the bottom line is that they are there to add value by supporting your cycle of continual improvement.
Plan-Do-Check-Act
The OH&S management system approach is founded on Deming’s concept of Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA). The premise of the four-step model is control and continuous improvement.
The Plan phase deals with Clauses 4, 5 and 6 of ISO 45001; the Do stage Clauses 7 and 8; Check focuses on Clause 9, leaving Act and Clause 10 (Improvement).
Consultation
ISO 45001 does not differ massively from its predecessor, OHSAS 18001 (which is withdrawn from the marketplace in September 2021).
But one of the key differences is the ‘consultation’ requirement of Clause 5 (Leadership and worker participation). The definition of consultation is ‘seeking views before making a decision’.
Leadership
ISO 45001 places greater responsibilities on top management. Among them is the need to develop, lead and promote a culture in the organisation that supports the desired outcomes of the occupational health and safety management system.
It must be remembered, however, that leaders can delegate responsibility, but not accountability.
Basic requirements of ISO 45001
To implement and manage a suitable, adequate and effective Occupational Health & Safety Management System you need the following:
– Commitment and involvement from top management;
– Understanding needs of interested parties;
– Knowledge of risks related to business;
– Planning and improvement programmes;
– Documentation and records;
– Competence, awareness, communication and training;
– Planned response to emergencies;
– Monitoring and measuring;
– Audits, corrective and preventive actions and review.
