Global Community

 

Last week, we concluded Clause 5. This week, we shall begin Clause 6: Planning. 

Clause 6: Planning

Building on the previous clauses, this section outlines the actions taken to address the determined risks and opportunities. It represents a proactive risk-mitigation strategy, requiring the organization to anticipate hazards, manage compliance, and set clear OH&S objectives. 

Clause 6.1: Actions to address the risks and opportunities

Having completed the requirements for Clauses 4.1, 4.2, and 4.3, we now have a clear understanding of the risks and opportunities facing the business and our OH&S Management System, we then develop actions to manage them as well as opportunities to be leveraged

For a better understanding, please refer to our previous discussion on Clauses 4 and 5. 

 

Clause 6.1.1: general

When planning for OH&S Management System, the organization can consider the issues referred to in clause 4.1( context ), the requirements referred to in  clause 4.2( interested parties) and clause 4.3 (the scope of its OH&S Management System) and determine the risks and opportunities that need to be addressed.

1. Give assurance that the OH&S Management System can achieve its intended outcomes

2. Prevent, or reduce, undesired effects

3. Achieve continual improvement

The organization must establish, implement, and maintain processes to ensure the OH&S management system achieves its intended outcomes, prevents or reduces undesired effects, and continually improves. 

When determining the risks and opportunities for the OH&S Management System and its intended outcomes that need to be addressed , the organization shall take into account :

• Hazards (see  clause 6.1.2.1)

• OH&S Risks and other risks (see clause 6.1.2.2)

• OH&S Opportunities and other Opportunities (see clause 6.1.2.3)

• Legal requirements and other requirements (see clause 6.1.3)

Building on the preceding sections, the next clauses will address the remaining system requirements. In summary, the organization must:

• Establish a proactive process for workplace hazard identification.

• Assess and prioritize the occupational health and safety risks arising from these hazards.

• Identify and focus on high-priority opportunities to maximize system effectiveness.

• Maintain an accurate legal register and monitor compliance with contractual obligations.

The organisation in its planning process(es), shall determine and assess the risks and opportunities that are relevant to intended outcomes of the OH&S Management System associated with changes in the organisation, its processes, or the OH&S Management System

permanent or temporary, this assessment shall be undertaken before the change is implemented see clause 8.1.3

We must include the assessment of risks and opportunities as part of our planning processes whenever there are changes within the organization, its processes, or the OH&S Management System. 

This requirement directly relates to the management of change, which will be addressed comprehensively within Clause 8 

The organisation shall maintain documented information on:

• Risks and opportunities

• The processes and actions needed to determine and address its risks and opportunities to the extent necessary to have confidence that they are carried out as planned

Such modifications include introducing new processes, technologies, or equipment, as well as implementing training and increasing staffing levels if required. Maintaining a risk register is essential for demonstrating compliance during audits. 

Next week, we shall look at clause 6.1.2: Hazard identification and assessment of risks and opportunities

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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