Occupational health and risks : look beyond the regulatory requirements

If you need to embark on an OSH initiative, don't start from scratch! Voluntary standards are there to save you time: they provide you with proven approaches, developed by experts in the field, in a collaborative and shared manner. 

These are the most legitimate and consensual approaches. Like quality management (ISO 9001) and environmental management (ISO 14001), occupational health and safety has its own voluntary international standard: ISO 45001. By avoiding being prescriptive, ISO 45001 leaves companies free to define how to implement an effective occupational health and safety approach. No specific resources are required.
 

The ISO 45001 standard has two objectives: first, to determine the internal and external contextual factors that could have an impact on your OHS objectives. Second, to identify the relevant stakeholders, i.e., the actors on whom the successful completion of activities depends. By asking these types of questions, you raise awareness and anticipate the major issues that will—or could—impact the expected results. 

Priorities are defined from the outset in order to inform policy and objectives in line with the company's strategy. Ideally, you should appoint someone within the company to be responsible for this area and offer them training so that they can familiarize themselves with the subject and the standard.
 

ISO 45001 is based on a management system approach, with a risk/opportunity matrix and a focus on continuous improvement. Do you apply it? Why not say so loud and clear by displaying a sign of recognition? By undergoing a certification audit, you show that you want to and know how to:  

• Analyze risks to identify situations that may pose a danger.
• Reducing accidents and associated costs
• Raising collective awareness beyond regulatory compliance
• Adopt a simplified approach
• Enhance your brand image and protect your reputation.