Understanding ISO 45001 Management of Change
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Understanding ISO 45001 Management of Change
When you embark on creating your Occupational Health & Safety Management System (OHSMS) using the ISO 45001:2018 requirements, remember that this is just the beginning. The implementation marks the start of an ongoing journey of maintenance and improvement. Processes will inevitably need updates and changes over time. Luckily, ISO 45001 provides clear guidelines on managing these changes. Let’s dive into what ISO 45001 management of change means for you and your company.
ISO 45001 Management of Change Requirements
The requirements for managing change are outlined in Clause 8.1.3 of ISO 45001:2018. Given the diverse risks and hazards across organizations, this clause allows flexibility in applying change management.
ISO 45001 doesn’t dictate exactly how your change process must work. Instead, it requires that you have a process for implementing planned changes that impact OH&S performance. This applies to both temporary and permanent changes.
Key activities that trigger the change management process include:
- Changes in Products, Services, or Processes: Before adding new or altering existing products, services, or processes, engage your change management process. Assess the risks and control them. Examples include changing workplace locations, reorganizing work, modifying work conditions, and altering equipment or personnel.
Legal Changes: Any changes to legal or other requirements affecting your OH&S performance necessitate updating your processes accordingly.
Hazard & OH&S Risk Knowledge: New knowledge about hazards or OH&S risks—perhaps from recent research—should prompt a reassessment of your OHSMS. For instance, new data might alter what you know about a cleaning chemical you use.
Knowledge and Technology Developments: As new information or technology becomes available, assess how it impacts your OHSMS processes. For example, a new electronically controlled machine might eliminate physical injury hazards associated with current equipment.
Handling Unintended Changes
Clause 8.1.3 also addresses unintended changes. If something changes without planning—such as mistakenly using the wrong cleaning chemical—take action to mitigate any negative effects. This ensures you still respond to risks posed by unplanned changes.
When to Consider Changes in the OHSMS
ISO 45001 outlines various scenarios where change consideration is crucial:
Assessing Risks and Opportunities (Clause 6.1.1): Include risks and opportunities stemming from changes in the organization. This assessment should occur before implementing the change.
Identification of Hazards (Clause 6.1.2.1): Consider hazards related to actual or proposed changes in your organization’s operations, processes, activities, or the OHSMS.
Opportunity Assessment (Clause 6.1.2.3): Include planned changes when assessing opportunities, such as adapting work to enhance OH&S performance.
Internal Communication (Clause 7.4.2): Communicate changes to the OHSMS internally to keep everyone informed.
Management Review (Clause 9.3): Management reviews must address the need for changes in the management system. Identified changes should initiate the change management process.
Corrective Action (Clause 10.2): Implement necessary changes as part of the corrective action process using the organization’s change management process.
The Importance of Change Management
The primary goal of an OHSMS is to manage hazards and risks that could cause injury or ill health. Adopting a proactive approach to change ensures these risks and hazards do not worsen during or after modifications. Understanding potential pitfalls helps you plan changes effectively, controlling negative impacts and preventing unnecessary troubles as you improve.
To implement ISO 45001 smoothly and efficiently, consider using a comprehensive documentation toolkit. This toolkit provides step-by-step guidance and all necessary documents for full compliance.
