Determining the scope of an Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) Management System is a critical step.
Determining the scope of an Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) Management System is a critical step in establishing an effective system for managing health and safety risks within an organization.
Here are the key steps to determine the scope of an OH&S Management System:
1. Define Organizational Boundaries:
Identify and define the organizational boundaries, including all locations, departments, and activities that will be covered by the OH&S Management System.
2. Identify Health and Safety Hazards:
Identify and assess health and safety hazards associated with the organization’s operations. Consider factors such as physical, chemical, biological, ergonomic, and psychosocial hazards.
3. Understand Legal and Regulatory Requirements:
Identify and understand the applicable health and safety laws, regulations, and standards that the organization must comply with.
Ensure that the OH&S Management System scope aligns with these legal and regulatory requirements.
4. Consider the Workforce:
Take into account all employees, contractors, visitors, and other relevant parties who may be affected by the organization’s activities.
Consider the diversity of the workforce and any specific health and safety needs associated with different roles.
5. Include Relevant Processes:
Identify and include processes that are relevant to health and safety within the organization. This may include risk assessment, incident reporting, emergency preparedness, and health surveillance.
6. Consider External Factors:
Take into account external factors such as contractors, suppliers, and other stakeholders that may impact health and safety within the organization.
7. Document the Scope Statement:
Clearly document the scope of the OH&S Management System in a scope statement. This statement should be clear, concise, and easily understandable by all relevant stakeholders.
8. Review and Approval:
Review the scope statement with key stakeholders, including top management, to ensure alignment with organizational objectives and legal requirements.
Obtain approval from relevant stakeholders to finalize the scope.
9. Communicate the Scope:
Communicate the established OH&S Management System scope to all relevant parties within the organization. This includes employees, contractors, and other stakeholders.
10. Periodic Review and Update:
Periodically review and, if necessary, update the OH&S Management System scope to ensure it remains relevant and aligned with organizational changes, legal requirements, and industry best practices.
11. Ensure Consistency:
Ensure that the defined scope is consistent with the organization’s overall objectives, policies, and commitment to health and safety.
By following these steps, an organization can establish a clear and comprehensive scope for its Occupational Health and Safety Management System, helping to effectively manage risks and create a safe and healthy working environment.