QHSE with Al Nosa, B.Sc. (Economics & Statistics), NEBOSH IGC,Exemplar Global Lead Auditor ISO 9001 | ISO 14001 | ISO 45001
Last week, we spoke about a summary of ISO 45001 and went into detail about Clause 4.1, 'Understanding the Organization and Its Context.' This week, we shall look at Clause 4.2, 'Understanding the Needs and Expectations of Workers and Other Interested Parties.
Clause 4.2, 'Understanding the Needs and Expectations of Workers and Other Interested Parties.
We shall proceed systematically, following the points indicated below:
-
The organization shall determine the other interested parties, in addition to workers, that are relevant to its OHS management system.
Lucmar Automobile Solutions Limited is required to maintain an internal and external interested parties log, as outlined below:
Internal Parties
-
Employees: Mechanics and technicians.
-
Workers' Representative: An active voice in safety decisions.
-
Management and Owners: Executive leadership.
External Parties
-
Suppliers and Contractors: Third-party partners.
-
Competitors: Market rivals.
-
Regulators: Government and safety authorities.
-
Customers: Clients receiving services.
-
Visitors: Guests on the premises.
-
The organisation shall determine the relevant needs and expectations of workers and other interested parties.
From the above statement, Lucmar Automobile Solutions Limited is required to maintain a needs and expectations log for its identified internal and external interested parties. This requirement is fulfilled below:
-
Mechanics and Technicians: Expect safe equipment, sufficient PPE, and OHS training.
-
Management and Owners: Expect zero regulatory fines, minimal operational downtime, and a protected corporate reputation.
-
Leasing Clients (Customers): Require safe, well-maintained vehicles.
-
Safety Regulators: Expect legal compliance and updated incident logs.
-
Contractors: Require a safe garage environment while working on-site.
By addressing the points above, we have met the requirements of items (a) and (b) in Clause 4.2. However, this log remains open to continuous updates as new information regarding interested parties and their needs and expectations emerges. It is noteworthy to state that when conducting this process, the active involvement of workers (non-managerial employees) is required; otherwise, a non-conformance can be raised.
-
The organisation shall determine which of this needs and expectation are, or could become, legal requirements and other requirements
The work completed in items (a) and (b) identified the local laws, regulations, and OHS requirements that drive the identification of risks and opportunities. For instance, if Lucmar Automobile Solutions Limited fails to provide PPE, the company faces potential regulatory fines. This risk is mitigated by implementing necessary controls to ensure legal compliance, which is specifically addressed under Clause 6.1.3 (Determination of legal requirements and other requirements).
"Other requirements" may include contractual agreements. For example, one of Lucmar Automobile Solutions Limited's leasing contracts requires a qualified safety officer on-site holding a minimum of a NEBOSH IGC certificate. Consequently, employing a qualified safety professional is compulsory to avoid breaching contract terms.
Ultimately, this process assists in identifying risks and opportunities so that effective controls can be established. This approach allows the organization to remain proactive in its OHS management system.
Next week, we shall look into Clause 4.3: Determining the Scope of the OH&S Management System.
In the meantime, you can follow me on Facebook @ Al Nosa Bin Aisagbonhi.
Linkedin @ Nosakhare Irabor
------------------------------
Nosakhare Aisagbonhi Irabor
------------------------------