The Role of Top Management in ISO 45001:2018
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The Role of Top Management in ISO 45001:2018
Top management plays a crucial role in the Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) management system as recognized by ISO 45001:2018. This standard requires top management to review the OH&S management system. The goal is to determine if changes are needed to improve or correct the system. Here are some key points to consider.
Management Review: Is It Necessarily a Meeting?
ISO 45001 does not require a formal management review meeting. While top management’s involvement in reviewing occupational health and safety information is essential, this does not mean they need to sit in a meeting room. Review of data and actions to improve the OH&S management system can happen in any format that is most beneficial for the company.
What Does ISO 45001 Require for Management Review?
ISO 45001 requires top management to assess opportunities for improvement. They also need to identify any necessary changes in external and internal issues affecting the OH&S management system. This includes evaluating how well the OH&S policy and objectives are being met. Here are some key inputs top management should review:
Results of Internal Audits:
Assess findings from internal audits, including identified corrective actions and opportunities for improvement.Results of Monitoring and Measurement:
Review key indicators of OH&S management system performance.Evaluations of Compliance with Legal Requirements:
Determine if there are areas for improvement, near misses, or best practices to share across the company.Results of Participation and Consultation:
Gather input from employees and other interested parties to identify improvements.Communication from Interested Parties:
Address complaints and any health and safety issues identified by external parties.Adequacy of Resources Affecting OH&S Performance:
Assess accident and near-miss data to determine if additional resources are needed to prevent incidents.Trends in Risks and Opportunities:
Analyze how risks and opportunities are evolving over time.Extent of Meeting the Policy and Objectives:
Track progress toward OH&S goals and adjust strategies as needed.Trends in Incident Investigations, Nonconformities, Corrective Actions, and Continual Improvement:
Evaluate trends in corrective actions and incident investigations to ensure timely and effective improvements.Follow-Up on Previous Management Review Actions:
Ensure actions from previous reviews are completed effectively.Changing Circumstances Related to OH&S:
Stay updated on legal developments and changes in risks or opportunities.Recommendations for Improvement:
Consider suggestions for improving OH&S performance.
Outputs of the Management Review
From these inputs, several outputs should be generated. These include decisions and actions aligned with the commitment to continual improvement. Communicate these outputs to internal and external parties where applicable. These outputs include:
Suitability, Adequacy, and Effectiveness of the OH&S:
Determine necessary actions to improve OH&S performance.Opportunities for Continual Improvement:
Identify areas for potential improvement.Changes to the OH&S Management System:
Implement required changes in management system processes.Resources:
Adjust resources to meet targets and legal requirements.Actions:
Ensure implementation of management review decisions.Implications for Strategic Direction:
Consider any impact on the company’s strategic direction.
Making Management Review Work for You
The purpose of having an OH&S management system is to control and improve your OH&S performance. The review by top management is crucial, but the format of this review can vary. If a formal meeting works best, then proceed with that. However, don’t feel compelled to follow this format if there are better ways to achieve continual improvement. Tailor the OH&S management system to what makes the most sense for your company.