Kelly, who is ATOL’s Business Operations Manager recently asked me to write an article on OH&S risk management. I stood here at my desk for 45 minutes, thinking, looking, getting distracted, making excuses, coming up with ideas and then canning them.
I have decided to be honest with all of you – I simply don’t like writing articles about OH&S. And then I asked myself why? And I thought that to me it seems like there is a lack of ‘people’ and I love ‘people’. Well, that was what I was thinking anyway and I know a lot of you will be shaking your heads by now. And that’s fair. Because I’m wrong!
Straight after this thought, I had another idea and I thought I could just reshare or rewrite an article I did in 2019 after I hiked the Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea, as I knew I had linked this back to OH&S. I found the article on our website and started reading it and I was blow away because what did I say?
"As I reflect back on my experience with completing the Kokoda Track and think of one external factor that got me through, I have to say that it was ‘people’. Internally of course, it was mental strength, however overall, I was touched by the people that surrounded me. If you’re surrounded by the right people, anything is possible."
So, while OH&S and ISO 45001 include the framework for risk identification, assessment and control, people are a huge part of that. So when I realised this, I was back on board! I mean it’s always been there, but I just needed a reminder!
Workers in OH&S are Central to Your Company’s Operations
In high-hazard industries, worker safety is not just a priority but a core aspect of achieving operational excellence. The article discusses how a strategic partnership within the electrical transmission and distribution sector reduced injuries and fatalities by addressing workplace hazards. The key takeaway is that prioritizing worker safety fosters a culture of commitment across all levels of an organization, enhancing both safety and overall performance. These best practices can be applied across industries to improve safety outcomes and business success.
Here’s the link to the full article: HBR Worker Safety.
People-Centred OH&S Risk Management Model
The People-Centred OH&S Risk Management Model places people at the core of all occupational health and safety processes. By centring on human involvement, the model highlights how each element—Risk Identification, Risk Assessment, Controls, and Corrective Actions—relies on active engagement from employees, managers, and leadership.
People play a pivotal role in recognizing risks, assessing their impact, implementing preventive measures, and addressing issues post-incident. This approach ensures a proactive, collaborative, and responsive OH&S management system, ultimately fostering a safer workplace.
Risk Identification:
The process of recognizing potential hazards in the workplace, where people play a vital role by sharing their observations and experiences.
Risk Assessment:
Evaluating the likelihood and severity of risks. People contribute by providing insights into the realistic impact of hazards.
Controls:
Implementing measures to mitigate risks. People ensure these controls are effective through their engagement and adherence.
Corrective Actions:
Addressing issues after an incident or near-miss. People’s feedback helps refine processes and improve safety measures continually.
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OH&S Management Systems Specialist
AU$1,195.00The OH&S Management Systems Specialist course provides comprehensive training on ISO 45001:2018 Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems. It's designed for online, self-paced learning, allowing participants to become internationally recognized specialists capable of assessing organizational conformance.
Next Steps for a People-Centred OH&S System
- Engage Your Team: Start a conversation with employees about their role in identifying and managing risks in the workplace.
- Conduct a Risk Review: Regularly assess your current risk management processes and ensure that people are actively involved.
- Enhance Training Programs: Implement ongoing training focused on engaging people in OH&S risk management.
- Monitor and Improve: Continually review corrective actions and safety controls based on employee feedback.
- Build a Safety Culture: Foster a culture where safety is a shared responsibility, with everyone contributing to risk reduction.
