ISO 45001 Clause 6.1.2 - Hazard identification and assessment of risks and opportunities
ISO 45001 Clause 6.1.2 focuses on "OHSMS Hazard Identification and Assessment of Risks and Opportunities" within the context of an Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS). This clause is fundamental to the proactive identification and management of occupational health and safety (OH&S) risks and opportunities. Here are the key elements of this clause:
Clause 6.1.2 - OHSMS Hazard Identification and Assessment of Risks and Opportunities:
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Establishment of a Process: The organization must establish, implement, and maintain a process for systematically identifying hazards within its scope of control, including those arising from its activities, products, and services. This process should be documented and integrated into the organization's overall management system.
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Identification of Hazards: Hazards are potential sources of harm to people, property, or the environment. The organization should identify these hazards through various means, such as regular inspections, job safety analyses, incident investigations, input from workers, and reviews of relevant information.
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Risk Assessment: Once hazards are identified, the organization should assess the associated risks. Risk assessment involves evaluating the likelihood and potential severity of harm resulting from each hazard. This process helps prioritize risks based on their significance.
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Opportunity Assessment: In addition to identifying risks, the organization should also assess opportunities for improving OH&S performance. Opportunities can include potential improvements in safety processes, training, or the adoption of new technologies that enhance safety.
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Risk Criteria: The organization should establish criteria for evaluating the significance of risks and opportunities. These criteria may consider factors like the likelihood of occurrence, the severity of potential consequences, legal and regulatory requirements, and stakeholder expectations.
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Risk Communication: Effective communication of identified risks and opportunities is essential. Relevant information should be shared with workers, management, and other relevant stakeholders to ensure everyone is aware of potential hazards and opportunities for improvement.
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Risk Controls: Based on the assessment of risks, the organization should determine and implement controls to eliminate or reduce hazards and mitigate risks to an acceptable level. Control measures may include engineering controls, administrative controls, and personal protective equipment.
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Integration into the OHSMS: The results of hazard identification, risk assessment, and opportunity assessment should be integrated into the OHSMS processes, including the development of OH&S objectives and plans.
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Documentation: Records of hazard identification, risk assessment, and opportunity assessment should be maintained as evidence of compliance and for future reference.
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Continual Improvement: The organization should continually review and update its hazard identification and risk assessment processes to reflect changes in its operations, processes, and external factors. This ensures that the OHSMS remains effective and adaptive.
Clause 6.1.2 of ISO 45001 places a strong emphasis on the proactive identification and assessment of OH&S risks and opportunities as a foundation for effective OH&S management. It ensures that organizations systematically address hazards, prioritize actions, and seek opportunities to enhance worker safety and well-being.
