Occupational health and safety management and its importance for contracting companies
What is Occupational Health and Safety Management ?
Occupational health and safety management is a vital part of any organization that seeks to ensure a safe and healthy working environment for its employees. This area includes the development and implementation of policies and programs aimed at reducing occupational accidents, injuries and diseases by identifying, assessing and controlling workplace hazards.
Historically, the need for occupational safety and health arose with the Industrial Revolution, as workers began to face new risks in factories and industrial facilities. With the increase in injuries and accidents, it has become necessary to establish standards and laws to protect workers.
The general objectives of occupational health and safety management include:
– Maintain the safety and health of workers.
– Prevention of occupational accidents and diseases.
– Promote a culture of safety in the workplace.
– Ensure that institutions comply with applicable laws and standards.
To achieve these goals, the Occupational Health and Safety Department follows several strategies, such as:
– Providing training and awareness to workers about risks and how to prevent them.
– Apply safety and health standards and ensure the use of personal protective equipment.
– Conduct periodic inspections and evaluations of the workplace.
– Development of emergency response and evacuation programs.
It is important that occupational health and safety management is part of the organizational culture of the organization, where everyone, from senior management to workers, shares responsibility for safety in the workplace, hence the need for the international standard ISO 45001 which defines the requirements for the occupational health and safety management system. By providing a framework for organizations to manage risks and improve occupational health and safety performance. It also sets standards for occupational health and safety policy, objectives, planning, implementation, operation, audit, and audit. Items include Key leadership commitment, worker engagement, risk identification and assessment, compliance with laws and regulations, contingency planning, accident investigation, and continuous improvement. ISO 45001 uses a plan-implement-inspection-action methodology to systematically manage health and safety risks. It applies to organizations of all sizes and can be combined with other ISO management system standards.
ISO 45001 and construction companies
ISO 45001 is an international standard for occupational health and safety management systems, providing a framework for organizations to manage risks and improve occupational health and safety performance. This standard is essential for construction companies because it helps improve health, safety, productivity and reliability, while reducing risk.
The construction industry faces significant challenges in terms of health and safety, with statistics showing that there is an urgent need to improve conditions in this area. By adopting ISO 45001, construction companies can strengthen their commitment to workers’ health and safety, enhancing their reputation, improving employee morale and maintaining productivity.
Obtaining ISO 45001 certification is an important step for companies seeking to compete in the global market, as this demonstrates a commitment to occupational health and safety standards. It also helps attract and retain talent, and promotes the health and well-being of the workplace.
To succeed in the application of ISO 45001, companies must follow the Plan-Do-Check-Act methodology to systematically manage health and safety risks. This includes leadership commitment, worker engagement, risk identification and assessment, compliance with legal and regulatory regulations, contingency planning, incident investigation and continuous improvement.
Application of safety standards in construction projects:
The application of safety standards in construction projects is vital to ensure a safe and healthy working environment for all workers. Here are some basic steps to achieve this:
- Risk identification: Before starting any project, it is necessary to conduct a comprehensive risk assessment to identify potential hazards and develop mitigation plans.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Appropriate personal protective equipment must be provided to all workers and ensure that it is used correctly.
- Safety Training: Workers should be trained on safe procedures and how to handle equipment and materials safely.
- Scaffolding and fall protection: Scaffolding must be installed in accordance with industrial standards and provide means of fall protection to work at heights.
- Safety of machinery and equipment: Machinery and equipment must be regularly maintained and personnel trained to use them safely.
- Fire safety: Fire equipment must be provided and made sure that it is easily accessible, in addition to training workers to use it.
- Site Security and Access Control: The Site must be secured and access controlled to prevent unauthorized persons from entering.
- Regular inspections and audits: Inspections and audits should be conducted regularly to ensure compliance with safety standards and to identify any irregularities.
By following these steps, construction companies can promote a culture of safety and keep all workers safe. Safety on construction sites is not only a legal responsibility but also a moral obligation towards workers and society as a whole.
Examples of construction companies that have obtained ISO 45001 certificates
ISO 45001 certification is an important certification that reflects companies’ commitment to occupational health and safety standards. Many construction companies have received this certification, demonstrating the quality of their risk management and labor protection. Companies that have received this certification include CBRE, Colas Rail, EMCOR UK,Eurovia UK, Interserve, Morgan Sindall, OKI UK, OPG, Overbury and Ringway Jacobs.
In conclusion, the ISO 45001 standard is a powerful tool for construction companies to protect their workers and manage occupational health and safety risks, making it a key standard globally.
This certification helps companies improve work processes and reduce accidents and injuries on job sites. It also enhances the confidence of customers and investors in the company, and contributes to improving its image in the market. Obtaining ISO 45001 certification is an important step towards building a safe and healthy work environment for all.