. At Corporate OHS Safety Consultants, we are often asked by clients what standard to write their international health and safety management system to.

Often the client, mistakenly but well intentioned cites “international best practice’. There is no “international best practice” standard other than the internationally accredited standard. Which is the ISO 45001:2018 Management of Health and Safety.

When it comes to health and safety management systems, at, ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management, or, ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management.

We are also sometimes called on by clients who want their management system written to incorporate local UAE health and safety laws and regulations only. Federal HSE laws and Emirate specific legislation – such as OSHAD if the client operates in Abu Dhabi, or TRAKHEES if the client operates in JAFZA, OSHJ if the client operates in Sharjah.

Aligning a Health and Safety Management System to other Standards

Sometimes the client asks for the health and safety management system to be written with even more specific procures in mind. This may include matching their the auditing protocols of one of their major clients. Or, to be in line with the wording of a particular high value contract that they have won.

Sometimes part of our job though as expert UAE Safety Consultants is to advise against the clients initial thoughts.  As these may serve to merely “plaster over” the presenting problem. Not actually fixing or managing the real occupational health and safety risk within their activities.

Another scenario could be that the client could inadvertently be putting themselves in a position where their immediate issues are fixed for the now. But then leaving them exposed to safety risk by having being left with a bunch of generic paperwork. Not properly aligned to their needs or business and impossible to implement.

If you are a company thinking of writing and developing a new HSE management system. Whether by utilising your trained and experienced in house resource, or via an external expert Consultant. Some of the elements that we consider crucial elements are:

What Risks should the Health and Safety Management System Cover ?

At a minimum, any company’s health and safety management system should cover:

• An occupational health and safety risk assessment of the company work activities and areas of particular high risk
• Working with employees to undertake risk assessments. Identifying all significant hazards, evaluating these hazards and recommending adequate control measures
• Development of safe systems of work and standard operating procedures to control specific work activities. This provides a demonstrable framework that allows the company to prove it’s commitment to complying with health and safety law
• Development of a reporting mechanism to address any health and safety issues, accident s or incidents raised by employees
• Development of emergency procedures, including emergency evacuation plans
• A training element which should be given to both workers and management on the significant hazards and risks identified in the risk assessments

What Commercial Factors Can My Health and Safety Management System Assist with ?

In addition to keeping your staff and assets safe, you can also use your developed and implemented health and safety management system to assist you in securing new business and retaining existing business.

• Many Requests for Proposal now ask for proof of the health and safety management system that you are utilising. They will want to view your documentation. At a minimum, even if it is merely to know that you are compliant with local UAE legislation. This can include OSHAD if you are operating in Abu Dhabi. TRAKHEES if you are operating in JAFZA, DIP or one of it’s subsidiaries. Or, OSHJ if operating in Sharjah

 

Think About Future Proofing Your System

At Corporate OHS Health and safety Consultants, we are always mindful of clients budgets. We like to assist clients in working in the most economical manner possible.

We help clients to look at their HSE issues holistically. Sometimes this can include educating them on how making short term savings and/or solving immediate presenting problems only. Can often work out far more expensive in the long run and often only delay the inevitable if the correct solution is not developed and implemented.

What is ISO 45001 Health and Safety Management ?

ISO 45001 is an international standard that specifies requirements for an occupational health and safety management system (OHSMS), providing a framework for organizations to effectively manage health and safety risks and improve workplace safety performance. Developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), ISO 45001 replaces the previous standard, OHSAS 18001, and is applicable to organizations of all sizes and industries.

Key Elements of ISO 45001 Health and Safety Management:

 

Context of the Organization:

ISO 45001 emphasizes the importance of understanding the internal and external factors that can impact an organization’s ability to manage occupational health and safety risks effectively. Organizations are required to identify relevant legal and regulatory requirements, as well as the needs and expectations of interested parties, such as employees, contractors, and regulatory authorities.

Leadership and Commitment:

Top management plays a crucial role in driving the implementation and effectiveness of the OHSMS. ISO 45001 requires leadership commitment to establishing and maintaining a safe work environment, providing the necessary resources, and promoting a culture of safety throughout the organization. Management is also responsible for setting health and safety objectives, monitoring performance, and promoting continual improvement.

Worker Participation and Consultation:

ISO 45001 emphasizes the importance of engaging workers at all levels of the organization in health and safety decision-making processes. Employees are encouraged to participate in hazard identification, risk assessment, and the development of health and safety policies and procedures. Consultation with workers ensures that their insights, knowledge, and concerns are considered when making decisions that affect their health and safety.

Risk-Based Approach:

ISO 45001 adopts a risk-based approach to occupational health and safety management, focusing on identifying, assessing, and controlling hazards and risks in the workplace. Organizations are required to establish processes for hazard identification, risk assessment, and the implementation of control measures to mitigate risks to an acceptable level. Using this proactive approach is helpful in preventing accidents, injuries, and occupational illnesses.

Planning and Implementation:

ISO 45001 emphasizes the importance of planning and implementing measures to address identified risks and opportunities related to occupational health and safety. Organizations are required to establish objectives and targets for improving health and safety performance, develop action plans, allocate resources, and implement controls to achieve their goals. Implementation may include training, communication, emergency preparedness, and response planning.

Performance Evaluation:

ISO 45001 requires organizations to monitor, measure, and evaluate their health and safety performance regularly. This involves establishing performance indicators, collecting relevant data, analyzing trends, and assessing the effectiveness of control measures. Performance evaluation helps organizations track progress, identify areas for improvement, and take corrective actions to enhance health and safety performance continually.

Continual Improvement:

ISO 45001 is useful in promoting a culture of continual improvement as regards occupational health and safety management. Organizations are encouraged to review and update their OHSMS regularly, considering changes in internal and external factors, lessons learned from incidents or near-misses, and feedback from stakeholders. Continual improvement ensures that the OHSMS remains effective and relevant over time.

Benefits of Implementing ISO 45001

Improved Workplace Safety: Implementing ISO 45001 helps organizations identify and control occupational health and safety risks, leading to a safer work environment for employees, contractors, and visitors.

• Legal Compliance: ISO 45001 assists organizations in complying with relevant legal and regulatory requirements related to occupational health and safety, reducing the risk of non-compliance and associated penalties.
• Enhanced Employee Engagement: Involving employees in health and safety decision-making processes fosters a culture of safety, increases employee morale, and promotes a sense of ownership and accountability for health and safety within the organization.
• Reduced Incidents and Injuries: By proactively identifying and mitigating hazards and risks, organizations can reduce the likelihood of workplace accidents, injuries, and occupational illnesses, leading to lower absenteeism and productivity losses.
• Improved Reputation: Certification to ISO 45001 demonstrates an organization’s commitment to maintaining a safe and healthy work environment, enhancing its reputation and credibility with customers, suppliers, regulators, and the public.

In summary, ISO 45001 provides organizations with a systematic approach to managing occupational health and safety risks, promoting worker well-being, and improving workplace safety performance. By implementing ISO 45001 requirements, organizations can create safer, healthier, and more productive workplaces while achieving legal compliance and enhancing their reputation in the marketplace.

The Benefits of Aligning Health and Safety Management Systems and Safety Procedures with ISO 45001 Standard

In today’s dynamic and complex work environments, ensuring the health and safety of employees is paramount for organizations across all industries. Implementing robust health and safety management systems (HSMS) and comprehensive safety procedures is essential to safeguarding the well-being of employees and minimizing the risk of workplace incidents and injuries. ISO 45001, the international standard for occupational health and safety management systems, provides a framework for organizations to establish, implement, maintain, and continually improve their health and safety performance. This essay explores the benefits of aligning HSMS and safety procedures with ISO 45001 standard, highlighting how adherence to this standard can enhance organizational effectiveness, mitigate risks, and promote a culture of safety.

1. Enhanced Risk Management

Adhering to the ISO 45001 standard facilitates a systematic approach to risk identification, assessment, and control within the organization. By aligning health and safety management systems and safety procedures with ISO 45001 requirements, organizations can ensure comprehensive risk management practices that address both physical and psychosocial hazards in the workplace. This proactive approach enables organizations to identify potential risks before they escalate into incidents or accidents, thereby minimizing the likelihood of workplace injuries, illnesses, and property damage.

2. Legal Compliance

ISO 45001 standard provides a globally recognized framework for occupational health and safety management. Incorporating relevant legal requirements and regulatory obligations. Aligning HSMS and safety procedures with ISO 45001 ensures that organizations remain compliant with applicable health and safety legislation. To include standards, and regulations, reducing the risk of legal liabilities, fines, and penalties. By demonstrating compliance with ISO 45001, organizations can also enhance their reputation and credibility with stakeholders, including customers, regulators, and investors.

3. Improved Organizational Efficiency

Implementing ISO 45001-compliant health and safety management systems and safety procedures promotes operational efficiency and effectiveness within the organization. By streamlining processes, procedures, and documentation related to health and safety management. Organizations can minimize duplication of efforts, reduce administrative burdens, and optimize resource allocation. This enables employees to focus their efforts on core business activities while ensuring that health and safety objectives are integrated seamlessly into day-to-day operations.

4. Enhanced Employee Engagement and Participation

ISO 45001 emphasizes the importance of employee involvement, consultation, and participation in health and safety management processes. By aligning HSMS and safety procedures with ISO 45001 requirements. Organizations can foster a culture of safety where employees feel empowered to contribute to health and safety initiatives. Provide feedback on safety procedures, and report hazards or near-misses without fear of reprisal. Engaging employees in health and safety decision-making not only enhances safety awareness and compliance. It further promotes a sense of ownership and accountability for safety throughout the organization.

5. Continuous Improvement

ISO 45001 places a strong emphasis on continual improvement. Requiring organizations to regularly review, evaluate, and enhance their health and safety performance. Aligning HSMS and safety procedures with ISO 45001 facilitates a structured approach. Including monitoring, measuring, and analyzing safety-related data and performance indicators. This enables organizations to identify areas for improvement, implement corrective actions, and track progress over time. By embracing a culture of continuous improvement. Organizations can adapt to evolving safety requirements, address emerging risks, and enhance overall health and safety performance.

6. Stakeholder Confidence and Trust

Adherence to ISO 45001 standard demonstrates an organization’s commitment to protecting the health and safety of its employees and stakeholders. By aligning HSMS and safety procedures with ISO 45001 requirements, organizations can instill confidence and trust among customers, suppliers, regulators, and the broader community. Certification to ISO 45001 serves as a tangible demonstration of an organization’s dedication to best practices in health and safety management. Providing assurance that safety is a top priority.

In conclusion, aligning health and safety management systems and safety procedures with ISO 45001 standard offers numerous benefits for organizations. Especially those seeking to enhance their health and safety performance, mitigate risks, and promote a culture of safety. By embracing ISO 45001 requirements, organizations can achieve enhanced risk management. Including legal compliance, operational efficiency, employee engagement, continuous improvement, and stakeholder confidence. As a globally recognized standard, ISO 45001 provides a framework for organizations to proactively manage health and safety risks. Protect their employees, and create safe and healthy workplaces for all.

Corporate OHS – Health and Safety

If you are looking for support with occupational health and safety in the UAE and help from expert Safety Consultants. Corporate OHS is a Health and Safety Consultancy services provider. Our HSE Consultants offer expert resources and superior performance to give you greater results.

We specialize in creating workable, user friendly solutions aligned to your business activities, operations and budget.

Our range of health and safety consultancy services includes;

• Health and Safety Risk Assessments
• Hazard identification and control measure implementation
• Gap Analysis
• Audits and compliance audits
• HSE management system development, implementation and review. Including locally compliant systems such as OSHAD or OSHJ and/or accredited systems such as ISO 45001, ISO 14001,
  ISO 9001 and ISO 50001
• HSE legal compliance reviews and assistance
• Accident investigations
• Business continuity and crisis management
• Long term or project based HSE outsourcing
• Flexible monthly support retainers giving access to HSE service without the burden of a permanent cost

To find out more about our services, please visit our website www.corporateohs.com. Or send an email to enquiries@corporateohs.com, or call 00 971 4 550 7862.