ISO 45001:2018 Clause 5.3 Organizational roles, responsibilities and authorities

ISO 45001:2018 Requirements

Top management shall ensure that the responsibilities and authorities for relevant roles within the OH&S management system are assigned and communicated at all levels within the organization and maintained as documented information. Workers at each level of the organization shall assume responsibility for those aspects of the OH&S management system over which they have control.
NOTE While responsibility and authority can be assigned, ultimately top management is still accountable for the functioning of the OH&S management system.
Top management shall assign the responsibility and authority for:
a) ensuring that the OH&S management system conforms to the requirements of this document;
b) reporting on the performance of the OH&S management system to top management.

As per Annex A (Guidance on the use of ISO 45001:2018 standard) of ISO 45001:2018 standard it further explains:

Those involved in the organization’s OH&S management system should have a clear understanding
of their role, responsibility(ies) and authority(ies) for achieving the intended outcomes of the OH&S
management system. While top management has overall responsibility and authority for the OH&S management system, every person in the workplace needs to take account not only of their own health and safety, but also the health and safety of others. Top management being accountable means being answerable for decisions and activities to the organization’s governing bodies, legal authorities and, more broadly, its interested parties. It means having ultimate responsibility and relates to the person who is held to account if something is not done, is not done properly, does not work or fails to achieve its objective. Workers should be enabled to report about hazardous situations so that action can be taken. They should be able to report concerns to responsible authorities as required, without the threat of dismissal, disciplinary action or other such reprisals. The specific roles and responsibilities identified in 5.3 may be assigned to an individual, shared by several individuals, or assigned to a member of top management.

1) Top management shall ensure that the responsibilities and authorities for relevant roles within the OH&S management system are assigned and communicated at all levels within the organization and maintained as documented information.

Top management can ensure that responsibilities and authorities for relevant roles within the Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) management system are assigned effectively by following these steps:

  1. Understand OH&S Requirements: Top management must have a clear understanding of the OH&S requirements and standards applicable to their organization. This includes familiarizing themselves with regulations, industry standards, and any specific organizational needs related to health and safety.
  2. Establish an OH&S Policy: Develop an OH&S policy statement that outlines the organization’s commitment to health and safety. This policy should set the overall direction and objectives for the OH&S management system.
  3. Identify Key Roles and Responsibilities: Identify the key roles and positions within the organization that are relevant to OH&S management. These roles may include safety officers, supervisors, emergency response teams, and others. Determine the specific responsibilities and authorities associated with each role.
  4. Define Job Descriptions: Create detailed job descriptions for each role, specifying the responsibilities, authorities, and required qualifications or training for individuals in those roles. Job descriptions should align with the OH&S policy and requirements.
  5. Assign Roles and Responsibilities: Once job descriptions are established, top management should assign individuals to these roles based on their qualifications, experience, and suitability. Ensure that these assignments are made in a way that covers all critical OH&S functions within the organization.
  6. Communicate Assignments: It’s crucial to communicate these role assignments clearly to the individuals involved. Hold meetings or provide written communication to ensure that everyone is aware of their responsibilities and authorities in the OH&S management system.
  7. Training and Development: Offer training and development opportunities to individuals in OH&S roles. This includes providing relevant OH&S training, certifications, and ongoing education to keep them updated on best practices and regulatory changes.
  8. Documented Information: Maintain documented information about these role assignments. This could include maintaining records of job descriptions, personnel files, training records, and any changes or updates related to roles and responsibilities.
  9. Performance Monitoring: Implement performance monitoring and evaluation processes to assess how well individuals are fulfilling their OH&S responsibilities. Regularly review performance to ensure compliance and continuous improvement.
  10. Feedback and Improvement: Encourage feedback from individuals in OH&S roles and other employees regarding the effectiveness of the OH&S management system. Use this feedback to make necessary improvements to the system.
  11. Management Review: During management review meetings, which are part of the OH&S management system, top management should assess the effectiveness of role assignments and make adjustments as needed to improve the system’s performance.
  12. Leadership and Support: Top management should provide visible leadership and support for the OH&S management system. Leading by example and demonstrating a commitment to safety will reinforce the importance of OH&S responsibilities throughout the organization.

By following these steps, top management can ensure that responsibilities and authorities for relevant roles within the OH&S management system are assigned, communicated effectively, and maintained to promote a safe and healthy work environment.Below is a list of some common roles, responsibilities, and authorities that organizations typically need to define and allocate within their OH&S management system:

1. Top Management:

  • Responsibilities: Setting OH&S policy and objectives, providing leadership, ensuring the integration of OH&S into the organization’s business processes, allocating necessary resources, and promoting a culture of safety.
  • Authorities: Making strategic decisions related to OH&S, authorizing changes to OH&S policies and procedures, and allocating budgets for OH&S activities.

2. OH&S Manager or Coordinator:

  • Responsibilities: Overseeing the overall implementation of the OH&S management system, coordinating OH&S activities, facilitating hazard assessments, conducting incident investigations, and monitoring performance.
  • Authorities: Initiating corrective actions, conducting OH&S audits, and reporting directly to top management.

3. OH&S Committee or Representatives:

  • Responsibilities: Representing employees’ OH&S concerns, participating in hazard identification and risk assessment, and promoting safe work practices.
  • Authorities: Making recommendations for improving OH&S, participating in incident investigations, and raising safety concerns to management.

4. Supervisors and Managers:

  • Responsibilities: Ensuring that employees follow safe work practices, providing training and guidance on OH&S matters, reporting incidents, and leading by example in safety.
  • Authorities: Taking immediate corrective actions in case of imminent hazards, conducting safety inspections, and enforcing safety rules and procedures.

5. Employees:

  • Responsibilities: Complying with OH&S policies and procedures, reporting hazards, incidents, and near misses, using personal protective equipment (PPE), and actively participating in safety training.
  • Authorities: Taking action to mitigate hazards when possible, reporting concerns, and actively participating in hazard identification and risk assessments.

6. Emergency Response Team:

  • Responsibilities: Responding to emergencies, providing first aid, evacuating personnel, and mitigating immediate hazards during emergencies.
  • Authorities: Making decisions related to emergency response and evacuations, activating emergency response plans, and conducting emergency drills.

7. Health and Safety Specialists:

  • Responsibilities: Providing specialized expertise in areas like industrial hygiene, ergonomics, and chemical safety, conducting audits, and ensuring compliance with OH&S regulations.
  • Authorities: Making recommendations for improvements in specialized areas and conducting assessments.

8. Contractors and Suppliers:

  • Responsibilities: Complying with the organization’s OH&S policies and procedures while working on the premises, ensuring the safety of their employees, and reporting incidents.
  • Authorities: Implementing safety measures within their work areas and following established safety protocols.

9. Internal Auditors:

  • Responsibilities: Conducting regular OH&S audits to assess compliance with policies and procedures, identifying non-conformities, and making recommendations for improvement.
  • Authorities: Reporting audit findings to management, initiating corrective actions, and monitoring their implementation.

10. Designated First Aid Providers:

  • Responsibilities: Providing immediate first aid assistance to injured employees and ensuring that first aid supplies are adequately maintained.
  • Authorities: Administering first aid and initiating emergency medical services when necessary.

Organizations should document these roles, responsibilities, and authorities in clear job descriptions, procedures, and other relevant documents to ensure that everyone within the organization understands their roles and can effectively contribute to the OH&S management system’s success. Regular training and communication are essential to reinforce these roles and responsibilities and promote a strong safety culture within the organization.

2) Workers at each level of the organization shall assume responsibility for those aspects of the OH&S management system over which they have control.

Individuals at all levels of an organization must take responsibility for the aspects of the Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) management system that fall within their control. This principle is a fundamental part of promoting a culture of safety and ensuring the effective implementation of an OH&S management system. Here’s an explanation of what this means and how it can be applied:

  1. Understanding Responsibility: Employees at all levels of the organization should understand what responsibilities they have in the context of the OH&S management system. This includes knowing their specific roles and duties related to health and safety.
  2. Control: Control refers to the ability to influence or make decisions about a particular aspect of the OH&S management system. Employees should be aware of the areas and activities where they have control or influence.
  3. Taking Ownership: Workers should take ownership of the safety aspects within their control. This means being proactive in identifying hazards, reporting safety concerns, and taking necessary actions to mitigate risks. They should not rely solely on management to address safety issues.
  4. Compliance: Employees should comply with the organization’s OH&S policies, procedures, and safety regulations relevant to their roles. This includes following safe work practices and using protective equipment when required.
  5. Communication: Effective communication is essential. Workers should communicate safety concerns, incidents, near-misses, or suggestions for improvement to their supervisors or relevant personnel. Open lines of communication help in addressing safety issues promptly.
  6. Training and Competence: Employees should be adequately trained and competent in their roles to ensure they can fulfill their responsibilities effectively. Training should cover both technical skills and safety awareness.
  7. Continuous Improvement: Workers should actively participate in the continuous improvement of the OH&S management system. This involves suggesting improvements, participating in safety committees, and being receptive to changes that enhance safety.
  8. Lead by Example: Managers and supervisors should lead by example when it comes to safety. Their commitment to safety sets a precedent for others to follow.
  9. Accountability: Establish a culture of accountability where individuals are held responsible for their actions and decisions related to safety. Accountability encourages a sense of ownership and responsibility.
  10. Recognition and Rewards: Recognize and reward employees who demonstrate a strong commitment to safety. This can help reinforce the importance of taking responsibility for safety matters.
  11. Auditing and Monitoring: Regularly audit and monitor the OH&S management system to ensure that responsibilities are being fulfilled and that safety measures are effective.
  12. Feedback Mechanisms: Provide mechanisms for employees to offer feedback on the OH&S management system, share safety concerns, and suggest improvements. Act on this feedback to continually enhance the system.

In summary, the statement emphasizes that responsibility for safety should not be confined to a particular group or level within the organization. Instead, every individual should recognize their role in ensuring a safe work environment and actively participate in maintaining and improving the OH&S management system. This collective effort is essential for achieving and sustaining a high level of safety performance in the workplace.

3) While responsibility and authority can be assigned, ultimately top management is still accountable for the functioning of the OH&S management system.

While responsibility and authority for various aspects of the Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) management system can be delegated and assigned throughout the organization, the ultimate accountability for the functioning of the OH&S management system rests with top management. This concept of accountability is a fundamental principle in effective OH&S management. Here’s why top management remains accountable:

  1. Overall Responsibility for the Organization: Top management is responsible for the overall success, performance, and sustainability of the organization. This includes ensuring that the organization complies with legal and regulatory requirements related to OH&S.
  2. Setting the OH&S Policy and Objectives: Top management is responsible for establishing the OH&S policy, objectives, and the strategic direction of the OH&S management system. These elements set the framework for the entire system.
  3. Resource Allocation: Top management is in charge of allocating necessary resources, including personnel, finances, and time, to support the OH&S management system’s implementation and maintenance.
  4. Risk Management: Top management is responsible for assessing and managing risks associated with the organization’s activities, which includes identifying and addressing OH&S risks.
  5. Monitoring and Measurement: Top management must ensure that there are processes in place to monitor and measure the performance of the OH&S management system, including the achievement of objectives.
  6. Continuous Improvement: Top management should drive a culture of continuous improvement within the organization, which includes evaluating the effectiveness of the OH&S management system and making necessary improvements.
  7. Compliance and Legal Requirements: Top management is ultimately accountable for ensuring that the organization complies with all relevant OH&S laws, regulations, and standards. Failure to do so can lead to legal and financial consequences.
  8. Reporting and Communication: Top management is responsible for reporting on the performance of the OH&S management system to relevant stakeholders, including employees, shareholders, and regulatory authorities.
  9. Emergency Response and Crisis Management: In the event of an emergency or crisis related to OH&S, top management plays a critical role in decision-making and response coordination.
  10. Leadership and Culture: Top management sets the tone for the organization’s safety culture through their leadership and behavior. A strong commitment to safety at the top level fosters a similar commitment throughout the organization.
  11. Accountability to Stakeholders: Top management is accountable to various stakeholders, including employees, customers, shareholders, and the community, for the organization’s OH&S performance and the prevention of incidents or accidents.

While day-to-day responsibility for specific OH&S functions may be delegated to various roles and levels within the organization, top management’s ultimate accountability ensures that safety remains a top priority and that the OH&S management system is effectively implemented and maintained. This commitment from the highest level of leadership is essential for creating a safe and healthy work environment and preventing OH&S incidents.

4) Top management shall assign the responsibility and authority for ensuring that the OH&S management system conforms to the requirements of this document

In accordance with the ISO 45001 standard for Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems (OH&S), top management plays a crucial role in assigning responsibility and authority to ensure that the OH&S management system conforms to the standard’s requirements. Here’s how top management can fulfill this responsibility:

  1. Top management must have a thorough understanding of the ISO 45001 standard and its requirements. This includes being familiar with the principles, processes, and key elements of the standard.
  2. ISO 45001 encourages the appointment of an OH&S management representative. This individual is responsible for coordinating and managing the OH&S management system. Top management should designate a qualified person for this role.
  3. Top management should define the roles and responsibilities of individuals and departments within the organization to ensure compliance with ISO 45001. This includes specifying who is responsible for tasks such as risk assessment, hazard identification, incident reporting, and performance monitoring.
  4. Along with assigning responsibilities, top management should delegate the necessary authority to individuals or teams responsible for OH&S tasks. This authority allows them to make decisions, allocate resources, and implement necessary changes to conform to ISO 45001.
  5. Ensure that the personnel responsible for implementing the OH&S management system have the necessary support, resources, and training to effectively carry out their duties. This includes budget allocation, training programs, and access to relevant information and tools.
  6. Establish mechanisms for monitoring the performance of the OH&S management system and reporting progress to top management. This may involve regular management review meetings to assess compliance and identify areas for improvement.
  7. Top management should actively participate in the review and improvement of the OH&S management system. This includes evaluating the effectiveness of the system, addressing non-conformities, and making necessary adjustments to ensure ongoing compliance with ISO 45001.
  8. Top management should communicate the organization’s commitment to ISO 45001 compliance to all employees and stakeholders. Engage with employees to promote a culture of safety and ensure that everyone understands their role in conforming to the standard.
  9. Ensure that the OH&S management system is aligned with legal and regulatory requirements related to occupational health and safety. Top management is ultimately accountable for compliance with these obligations.
  10. Top management should oversee the maintenance of documentation and records required by ISO 45001. This includes keeping records of hazard assessments, incident reports, corrective actions, and management reviews.

By taking these actions, top management demonstrates its commitment to ensuring that the OH&S management system conforms to the requirements of ISO 45001. This commitment is essential for promoting a safe and healthy work environment and achieving continual improvement in occupational health and safety performance.

5) Top management shall assign the responsibility and authority for ensuring reporting on the performance of the OH&S management system to top management

Assigning responsibility and authority for reporting on the performance of the Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) management system is a critical aspect of ensuring effective management and continual improvement in occupational health and safety. Here’s how top management can carry out this responsibility:

  1. Top management should identify specific roles or positions within the organization that will be responsible for reporting on the performance of the OH&S management system. These roles may include OH&S managers, safety officers, or dedicated OH&S teams.
  2. Clearly define the responsibilities of the individuals or teams responsible for reporting. This includes specifying what data and information should be collected, how performance indicators should be measured, and the frequency of reporting.
  3. Along with assigning responsibilities, allocate the necessary authority to individuals or teams responsible for reporting. They should have the authority to access relevant data, investigate incidents, and make recommendations for improvement.
  4. Establish clear objectives for OH&S performance reporting. Determine the key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics that will be used to measure the effectiveness of the OH&S management system.
  5. Ensure that the responsible parties have access to the data and tools needed to collect and analyze OH&S performance data. This may include incident reports, near-miss reports, safety inspection data, and employee feedback.
  6. Determine the frequency of reporting. Some aspects of OH&S performance may require regular reporting (e.g., monthly safety incident reports), while others may be reported less frequently (e.g., annual performance reviews).
  7. Emphasize the importance of maintaining accurate documentation related to OH&S performance. Records should be kept of all reports, findings, and actions taken to address any identified issues.
  8. Establish clear communication channels for reporting. Ensure that the responsible parties know how to submit their reports and to whom they should report. Encourage open and transparent communication.
  9. Top management should review the reports regularly. This involves assessing the organization’s OH&S performance, identifying trends or areas of concern, and making informed decisions based on the reported information.
  10. Use the information gathered through reporting to drive continuous improvement in the OH&S management system. This may involve implementing corrective actions, updating policies and procedures, or providing additional training and resources.
  11. Include OH&S performance reporting as a regular agenda item in management review meetings. Top management should actively engage in discussions about OH&S performance and provide guidance and support for improvement initiatives.
  12. Foster a culture of transparency in OH&S reporting. Encourage employees at all levels to report safety concerns and incidents, and ensure that these reports are treated confidentially and without fear of reprisal.

By assigning responsibility and authority for reporting on the performance of the OH&S management system, top management can ensure that the organization maintains a strong focus on occupational health and safety, continually monitors its performance, and takes proactive steps to enhance safety and prevent incidents. This approach promotes a safer work environment and helps the organization meet its OH&S goals and legal obligations.

Documented Information required:

Documents:

  1. Organizational Structure: This document should outline the hierarchical structure of the organization, including departments, divisions, and reporting relationships.
  2. Job Descriptions: Documented job descriptions for key roles and positions that have OH&S responsibilities. These should outline the roles, responsibilities, and authorities associated with each position.
  3. OH&S Policy: A documented OH&S policy statement signed by top management, outlining the organization’s commitment to OH&S and the overall direction of the OH&S management system.
  4. Procedure for Assigning Roles and Responsibilities: A documented procedure that explains how roles, responsibilities, and authorities related to OH&S are assigned, communicated, and updated within the organization.
  5. Communication Plan: A plan that outlines how the organization communicates roles, responsibilities, and authorities for OH&S throughout the organization.

Records:

  1. Records of Role Assignments: Records that demonstrate the assignment of specific roles and responsibilities related to OH&S within the organization. This could include signed appointment letters or forms.
  2. Training Records: Records of training and competency assessments for employees in OH&S roles, showing that they have received appropriate training to fulfill their responsibilities.
  3. Organizational Charts: Visual representations of the organization’s structure, highlighting OH&S roles and their positions within the organization.
  4. Records of Communication: Documentation showing how OH&S roles and responsibilities are communicated within the organization. This may include meeting minutes, email correspondence, or other forms of communication.
  5. Records of Changes: Any records documenting changes in roles, responsibilities, or authorities within the organization concerning OH&S management.
  6. Performance Review Records: Records of performance reviews or evaluations related to OH&S roles and responsibilities, including any corrective actions taken to address performance issues.
  7. Records of Competency Assessments: Documentation of competency assessments conducted for individuals in OH&S roles to ensure they have the necessary skills and knowledge to fulfill their responsibilities.
  8. Records of Management Reviews: Minutes or records of management review meetings that discuss the effectiveness of roles, responsibilities, and authorities related to OH&S within the organization.
  9. Records of Incident Reporting and Investigations: Documentation of incidents, near misses, and investigations, including records of actions taken to prevent recurrences and assignments of responsibilities for corrective actions.
  10. Records of Compliance: Documentation demonstrating compliance with legal and regulatory requirements related to OH&S roles and responsibilities.

Example of competency matrix for OH&S Roles and Responsibilities

OH&S Role: Health and Safety Manager

Competency/ Skill AreaRequired LevelTraining NeededTraining CompletedCertification
OH&S Legislation & RegulationsAdvanced[Insert Certification]
Hazard Identification & Risk AssessmentAdvanced[Insert Certification]
Incident InvestigationAdvanced[Insert Certification]
Emergency Response PlanningIntermediate[Insert Certification]
Safety Program DevelopmentAdvanced[Insert Certification]
OH&S AuditingAdvanced[Insert Certification]
Communication & LeadershipAdvanced[Insert Certification]

OH&S Role: Safety Supervisor

Competency/ Skill AreaRequired LevelTraining NeededTraining CompletedCertification
Hazard RecognitionIntermediate
Safety ProceduresIntermediate
Incident ReportingIntermediate
Employee TrainingIntermediate
Safety InspectionsIntermediate
Emergency ResponseIntermediate
CommunicationIntermediate

OH&S Role: Emergency Response Team Member

Competency/ Skill AreaRequired LevelTraining NeededTraining CompletedCertification
First Aid/CPRAdvanced[Insert Certification]
Fire Safety & EvacuationIntermediate[Insert Certification]
Emergency Equipment UseIntermediate[Insert Certification]
Hazard IdentificationIntermediate
CommunicationIntermediate

OH&S Role: Employee (General)

Competency/ Skill AreaRequired LevelTraining NeededTraining CompletedCertification
Safety AwarenessBasic
Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)Basic
Reporting Hazards/Near MissesBasic
Emergency ProceduresBasic

In this example:

  • Competency/ Skill Area: Lists the specific competencies or skill areas relevant to each role.
  • Required Level: Specifies the competency level required for each skill area (e.g., Basic, Intermediate, Advanced).
  • Training Needed: Indicates whether additional training is required to meet the required competency level.
  • Training Completed: Records whether the individual has completed the required training.
  • Certification: Lists any certifications or qualifications obtained by individuals in their respective roles.

Example for establishing Procedure for Organizational roles, responsibilities and authorities for OH&S management system

Objective: This procedure aims to define a systematic process for identifying, documenting, communicating, and reviewing roles, responsibilities, and authorities related to the OH&S management system within the organization.

Scope: This procedure applies to all personnel and departments within the organization that have responsibilities for OH&S matters.

Responsibilities:

  1. OH&S Manager: The OH&S Manager is responsible for implementing and maintaining this procedure, including conducting periodic reviews.
  2. Top Management: Top management is responsible for approving the roles, responsibilities, and authorities within the organization.
  3. Department Heads/Supervisors: Department heads and supervisors are responsible for communicating and ensuring compliance with the roles, responsibilities, and authorities within their respective departments.

Procedure Steps:

  1. Identification of OH&S Roles and Responsibilities: The OH&S Manager, in collaboration with department heads and supervisors, identifies OH&S-related roles and responsibilities required within the organization.The identified roles should encompass all aspects of OH&S management, including but not limited to hazard identification, risk assessment, incident reporting, emergency response, and compliance with relevant regulations.
  2. Documentation of Roles and Responsibilities:For each identified role, the OH&S Manager develops a role description that includes:
    • Role titleReporting relationshipsKey responsibilities and tasksRequired qualifications, certifications, or trainingAuthorities granted to the role
    Role descriptions are reviewed by the relevant department heads and supervisors for accuracy and completeness. Role descriptions are approved by top management.
  3. Communication and Training:The OH&S Manager ensures that role descriptions are communicated to individuals in the respective roles and that they receive the necessary training to fulfill their responsibilities.Training records are maintained for each individual in an OH&S-related role.
  4. Review and Updating:Role descriptions are reviewed and updated as needed, especially when there are changes in OH&S regulations, organizational structure, or job responsibilities.Department heads and supervisors are responsible for notifying the OH&S Manager of any changes in their departments that may affect roles, responsibilities, or authorities.
  5. Management Review: During the management review process, top management evaluates the effectiveness of the roles, responsibilities, and authorities in achieving OH&S objectives.Any necessary adjustments or improvements are discussed and implemented during management review meetings.
  6. Document Control:All role descriptions, revisions, and training records are maintained in a controlled document management system.

Records:

  1. Role descriptions and revisions.
  2. Training records for individuals in OH&S-related roles.
  3. Documentation of management review meetings and any associated decisions.

Establishing clear organizational roles, responsibilities, and authorities for an Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) management system is critical for ensuring safety and compliance within an organization. Here’s an example of how these roles and responsibilities could be established:

1. Top Management:

  • Role: Top management, which includes the CEO, President, or equivalent, holds the ultimate responsibility for the OH&S management system. They set the overall direction and demonstrate commitment to safety.
  • Responsibilities:
    • Approve and sign the OH&S policy.
    • Allocate necessary resources for OH&S.
    • Establish OH&S objectives and goals.
    • Review OH&S performance during management review meetings.
  • Authority: Authority to make strategic decisions, allocate budgets, and set the tone for the safety culture within the organization.

2. OH&S Manager:

  • Role: The OH&S Manager oversees the day-to-day implementation and maintenance of the OH&S management system.
  • Responsibilities:
    • Develop and maintain OH&S policies and procedures.
    • Conduct risk assessments and hazard identification.
    • Ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
    • Coordinate incident investigations.
    • Provide OH&S training to employees.
  • Authority: Authority to initiate corrective actions, conduct OH&S audits, and report directly to top management on OH&S matters.

3. Safety Committee:

  • Role: A safety committee comprising representatives from different departments acts as a forum for discussing and addressing safety concerns.
  • Responsibilities:
    • Participate in hazard identification and risk assessment.
    • Review incident reports and recommend corrective actions.
    • Promote safety awareness and training.
  • Authority: Authority to make recommendations for improving safety practices within their respective departments.

4. Supervisors:

  • Role: Supervisors at various levels ensure that employees follow safe work practices and procedures within their departments.
  • Responsibilities:
    • Enforce safety rules and procedures.
    • Conduct regular safety inspections.
    • Report incidents and near misses.
    • Provide safety training and guidance.
  • Authority: Authority to take immediate corrective actions in case of imminent hazards.

5. Employees:

  • Role: All employees have a role in maintaining a safe workplace.
  • Responsibilities:
    • Comply with OH&S policies and procedures.
    • Report hazards, incidents, and near misses.
    • Use personal protective equipment (PPE) as required.
    • Participate in safety training.
  • Authority: Authority to take action to mitigate hazards when possible and report safety concerns.

6. Emergency Response Team:

  • Role: A dedicated team responsible for responding to emergencies.
  • Responsibilities:
    • Respond to emergencies and provide first aid.
    • Conduct emergency drills.
    • Ensure the availability of emergency equipment.
  • Authority: Authority to make decisions related to emergency response and evacuations.

7. Health and Safety Specialists:

  • Role: Specialists in specific OH&S areas, such as industrial hygiene or ergonomics.
  • Responsibilities:
    • Provide expertise in their specialized areas.
    • Conduct OH&S audits and assessments.
    • Ensure compliance with specialized regulations.
  • Authority: Authority to make recommendations for improvements in their areas of expertise.

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