The previous ohsas 18001 has now been replaced by this new version designed to work alongside the latest versions of ISO 9001 and ISO 14001, plus other latest versions of standards being introduced.
It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure that the risks to Health & Safety in the work place, are properly assessed and managed, to minimise the possibility of accident or incident to employees, or others that might have access to the site. As a company’s staff are their most valuable asset they will work more efficiently in a safe environment.
This, or an equivalent standard, is needed to control the codes of practice for Health and Safety in the work place by ensuring that your processes, policies and work practices are safe for your staff and others. Any employer that neglects these responsibilities is risking the welfare of their staff, and their business, as well as the wrath of the Health & Safety authorities. Common sense and safe practice saves lives and money, this is the message behind the standard.
On the importance scale it’s Number One. We all have to make sure our work environment is safe for both staff and visitors to our work place, and If (construction) site work is involved, you will probably not be allowed access unless you have been inducted to the site. Risk Assessments are completed to help protect your staff and other parties working on the site. You and your staff need to be safe and not put others at risk, a major reason for Risk Assessments.
Whether it be Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) or safety processes, it’s important to always be prepared and to be aware of the safety implications of the work you’re doing. With that in mind, the ISO 45001 Health and Safety Management standard is well worth considering to ensure you deliver your objectives safely and protect your staff.