Compliance with Legal and Other Requirements: ISO 45001
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Compliance with legal and other requirements is one of the most crucial aspects of ISO 45001. Given that the lives and health of people are at stake, it’s vital to adhere to all local legislation regarding occupational health and safety. ISO 45001 provides a robust framework to help organizations identify and monitor compliance. Let’s break down this essential requirement step-by-step.
Understanding Legal Compliance
Legal compliance means the full implementation of applicable occupational health and safety legislation. It occurs when an organization meets these requirements and achieves the desired outcomes.
ISO 45001's Approach to Legal Requirements
The standard mentions legal requirements throughout the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle of the Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OH&SMS). This cycle includes developing the OH&S Policy, defining OH&S Objectives, and conducting management reviews.
OH&S Policy
The first document to address legal requirements is the OH&S Policy. It must include a commitment to comply with applicable legal requirements and other related requirements. This commitment is essential when drafting the policy.
Procedure for Identifying Legal and Other Requirements
Clause 6.1.3 focuses on determining legal and other requirements. Organizations must establish a process for identifying and accessing relevant OH&S requirements. This information can often be found on government websites or through specialized services. Although the standard does not explicitly require documenting this procedure, it is essential to create and maintain a list of applicable legal and other requirements.
OH&S Objectives
In Clause 6.2, ISO 45001 states that when setting OH&S Objectives and planning to achieve them, organizations must consider applicable requirements, including legal ones. This means planning how to comply with these requirements. If partial or complete non-compliance is discovered, it should become a target for correction.
Compliance Evaluation
Periodic evaluation of compliance with legal and other requirements is necessary. This ensures ongoing compliance, as regulations can change. Records of these evaluations must be kept. If non-compliance is discovered, immediate corrective action is required, which may include informing authorities depending on the specific legal requirements.
Management Review
Clause 9.3 requires top management to review the OH&S management system. This includes results of compliance evaluations and any changes in legal requirements. This review ensures that top management is aware of potential or actual non-compliance risks and has taken steps to meet legal compliance commitments.
Systematic Management of Compliance Obligations
Organizations implementing ISO 45001 should systematically identify and manage their compliance obligations. This includes incorporating the elements mentioned above within their OH&SMS. Many organizations have achieved and maintained legal compliance by implementing an OH&S management system conforming to ISO 45001. Although certification does not guarantee legal compliance, it is a proven and efficient tool to achieve and maintain it. A systematic approach to compliance with legal and other requirements can prevent unintentional legislative violations and potentially reduce workplace injuries and illnesses.
To implement ISO 45001 easily and efficiently, consider using a comprehensive documentation toolkit that provides step-by-step guidance and all necessary documents for full ISO 45001 compliance.
