8.7 Occupational Health and Safety
This section emphasizes the importance of creating and maintaining procedures to ensure a safe and healthy working environment for all individuals working on behalf of the organization, especially in high-risk or life-threatening operations. The procedures are to be consistent with legal, regulatory, and contractual obligations. Here's a detailed breakdown:
- Promoting a Safe and Healthy Working Environment:
The organization shall establish, implement, and maintain procedures aimed at promoting a safe and healthy working environment. This includes taking reasonable precautions to protect the well-being of individuals working on behalf of the organization, especially in situations involving high-risk or life-threatening operations.
- Occupational Health and Safety Risk Assessment:
Procedures should include a systematic assessment of occupational health and safety risks. This assessment should encompass risks not only to individuals working on behalf of the organization but also to external parties who may be impacted by the organization's activities.
- Hostile Environment Training:
To prepare personnel for working in challenging and potentially hostile environments, the organization should provide hostile environment training. This training equips individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to operate effectively and safely in such conditions.
- Provision of Protective Equipment:
The organization is responsible for providing personal protective equipment, appropriate weapons, and ammunition when required for the safety and security of its personnel.
- Medical and Psychological Health Support:
Procedures should include guidelines and provisions for medical and psychological health awareness training, care, and support. This ensures that individuals working on behalf of the organization have access to necessary healthcare and mental health resources.
- Addressing Improper Behavior:
Guidelines should be established to identify and address various forms of improper behavior within the workplace. This may include addressing workplace violence, misconduct, alcohol and drug abuse, sexual harassment, and other forms of unacceptable conduct.
By implementing these procedures, the organization demonstrates its commitment to the safety and well-being of its personnel and ensures compliance with legal and contractual obligations regarding occupational health and safety. These measures contribute to a secure and healthy working environment, particularly in high-risk situations.
