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Last week, we looked at Clause 5.1: Leadership and Commitment. This week, we will focus on Clause 5.2: OH &S Policy. 

Every organization that wishes to implement an OH&S management system is expected to have an OH&S policy developed by its leadership. Therefore, it is top management's responsibility to establish, implement, and maintain this policy. This is done in consultation with non-managerial workers, as we will see in Clause 5.4. The OH&S policy is a statement of intent. Following the guidelines, the areas to consider when establishing the policy are: 

1. Includes a commitment to provide safe and healthy working conditions for the prevention of work related injury and ill-health and is appropriate to the purpose, size and context of the organisation and to the specific nature of its OH&S risks and opportunities.

Having determined the context of the organization in Clause 4.1 (Understanding the Organization and Its Context), we then align our OH&S policy with this context. We are expected to include a commitment in the policy to provide safe and healthy working conditions for the prevention of work-related injury and ill health. This is achieved by setting objectives, identifying hazards, and providing controls to mitigate them. 

2. The policy is to provide a framework for setting OH&S objectives.

This simply means we include a statement in the policy that demonstrates our commitment to setting objectives. 

3. The policy is to include a commitment to fulfill legal requirements and other requirements.

Here, we identify which legal and other requirements are relevant, determine how they apply to the OH&S management system, and find out whether they are being met. This highlights the interrelationships between clauses. We satisfy this particular requirement by meeting the criteria of Clause 4.2 (where the needs and expectations of interested parties can become legal or other requirements), Clause 6.1.3 (Determination of Legal Requirements and Other Requirements), and Clause 9.1.2 (Evaluation of Compliance). 

4. The policy is to include a commitment to eliminate hazards and reduce OH&S risks

Using the example of Lucmar Automobile Solutions Limited, we can simply state in the policy: 'Lucmar Automobile Solutions Limited is committed to eliminating hazards and reducing OH&S risks. 

5. To include a commitment to continual improvement of the OH&S management systems.

Here, we simply include a statement in the policy demonstrating our commitment to continual improvement 

6. To include a commitment to consultation and participation of workers, and where they exist, workers representatives.

Once again, using the example of Lucmar Automobile Solutions Limited, we can simply state in the policy: 'Lucmar Automobile Solutions Limited is committed to the consultation and participation of our workers in the development of our OH&S policy. 

In conclusion, the following clause requirements must be met.

The OH&S policy shall:

• Be available as documented information

• Be communicated within the organization

• Be available to interested parties, as appropriate

• Be relevant and appropriate

The OH&S policy is a one-page, high-level document outlining intent and commitment. By applying Clause 7.3 (Awareness) and Clause 7.4 (Communication), we meet the requirement to communicate the policy within the organization. This can be achieved through notice boards, emails, reception displays, and induction training. It must also be available to the interested parties identified in Clause 4.2, which can be accomplished by uploading the policy to the company website or sharing it via email. Finally, it must be relevant and appropriate within the scope determined in Clause 4.3. 

 We will look at  Clause 5.3 next week. Thank you! I appreciate your warm wishes and look forward to hearing your thoughts. 

 

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Nosakhare Aisagbonhi Irabor
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