top of page

Understanding ISO 45001 Clause 5.4 d): Consulting Non-Managerial Workers.

Writer's picture: Pierre VenterPierre Venter

ISO 45001:2018 emphasizes the importance of engaging non-managerial workers in occupational health and safety (OH&S) management. Clause 5.4 d) requires organizations to consult non-managerial workers on key aspects of their OH&S management system. This consultation ensures that workers who are directly exposed to workplace risks contribute valuable insights, promoting a safer and more effective system.


In this blog, we will focus on the specific consultation requirements listed under Clause 5.4 d), what organizations need to do, and examples of objective evidence required for audit purposes.



1. Determining the Needs and Expectations of Interested Parties (Clause 4.2)

What Needs to Be Done: Engage workers to identify the needs and expectations of internal and external interested parties, such as regulatory bodies, clients, contractors, and suppliers.

Example: Conduct workshops with employees to list stakeholders and their expectations, like compliance with OH&S regulations, customer requirements, or worker welfare.


Objective Evidence for Audits:

  • Meeting agendas and attendance records.

  • Workshop outcomes or stakeholder analysis reports.

  • Surveys or feedback forms from workers.


2. Establishing the OH&S Policy (Clause 5.2)

What Needs to Be Done: Include workers in drafting or reviewing the OH&S policy to ensure it reflects real workplace hazards and worker concerns.

Example: Form focus groups to review the policy and suggest practical elements, such as commitment to worker well-being and hazard elimination.


Objective Evidence for Audits:

  • Revised OH&S policy with documented worker input.

  • Records of consultation meetings.

  • Feedback summaries and action plans.


3. Assigning Organizational Roles, Responsibilities, and Authorities (Clause 5.3)

What Needs to Be Done: Consult workers to ensure roles and responsibilities assigned align with their understanding and practical feasibility.

Example: Discuss new roles in safety committees and clarify expectations for worker representatives.


Objective Evidence for Audits:

  • Role descriptions and communication records.

  • Meeting notes showing worker feedback on responsibilities.

  • Organizational charts with worker acknowledgment.


4. Determining How to Fulfill Legal and Other Requirements (Clause 6.1.3)

What Needs to Be Done: Collaborate with workers to identify applicable legal requirements and assess compliance.

Example: Use worker input during compliance reviews to highlight areas like personal protective equipment (PPE) usage or emergency preparedness gaps.


Objective Evidence for Audits:

  • Legal compliance checklists.

  • Records of worker participation in compliance discussions.

  • Updated compliance action plans.


5. Establishing OH&S Objectives and Planning to Achieve Them (Clause 6.2)

What Needs to Be Done: Involve workers in setting OH&S goals that address actual workplace risks and opportunities.

Example: Engage workers to propose objectives like reducing manual handling injuries by 20% through ergonomic training.


Objective Evidence for Audits:

  • Documented OH&S objectives with worker input.

  • Planning records showing how objectives will be achieved.

  • Feedback forms from workshops or focus groups.


6. Determining Applicable Controls for Outsourcing, Procurement, and Contractors (Clause 8.1.4)

What Needs to Be Done: Consult workers to identify hazards associated with outsourcing, procurement, and contractor activities.

Example: Collaborate with workers to evaluate contractor safety procedures or PPE specifications during procurement.


Objective Evidence for Audits:

  • Risk assessments for contractors.

  • Procurement records with worker-reviewed safety specifications.

  • Meeting records with contractor safety discussions.


7. Determining What Needs to Be Monitored, Measured, and Evaluated (Clause 9.1)

What Needs to Be Done: Engage workers to identify critical performance metrics and monitoring methods.

Example: Workers might recommend tracking near-miss incidents in high-risk areas.


Objective Evidence for Audits:

  • Monitoring and measurement plans.

  • Records of worker consultation on metrics.

  • Data collection tools with worker input.


8. Planning, Establishing, Implementing, and Maintaining an Audit Programme(s) (Clause 9.2.2)

What Needs to Be Done: Seek worker input in planning audit schedules and areas of focus.

Example: Incorporate worker feedback on high-risk activities that require frequent audits, such as confined space entry.


Objective Evidence for Audits:

  • Audit plans and schedules with worker contributions.

  • Records of worker participation in audit discussions.

  • Follow-up actions linked to worker feedback.


9. Ensuring Continual Improvement (Clause 10.3)

What Needs to Be Done: Encourage workers to suggest improvements based on their day-to-day experiences.

Example: Use suggestion boxes or regular meetings to gather ideas on improving workplace safety practices.


Objective Evidence for Audits:

  • Records of improvement initiatives driven by worker input.

  • Analysis of suggestions and implemented actions.

  • Follow-up reports showing outcomes of changes.


Final Thoughts

Clause 5.4 d) underscores the critical role of non-managerial workers in creating a robust OH&S management system. Their involvement ensures the system addresses practical challenges and fosters a culture of shared responsibility for safety.

By implementing structured consultation mechanisms and documenting the process, organizations can demonstrate conformance during audits while building a safer and more inclusive workplace.


Do you need assistance implementing or auditing your OH&S management system? Reach out, and let’s work together toward a safer tomorrow!




8 views0 comments

Commenti


bottom of page