Participation and Consultation
July 13, 2007
One of the major criticisms of the 1999 version of OHSAS 18001 was that it was a “management” standard that ignored “labor” interests. Significant changes were made in section 4.4.3 of the standard to address these concerns.
First, this section of the standard was divided into two sub-sections: 4.4.3.1 Communication and 4.4.3.2 Participation and Consultation. The requirements in sub-section 4.4.3.1 for internal and external communication are similar to the communication requirements in ISO 14001. The requirements in sub-section 4.4.3.2; however, are unique to OHSAS 18001 and focused specifically on getting input from workers and contractors.
An organization’s OHSMS communication procedures now need to address communication with several different parties:
- internal communication between various departments and functions
- communicating with visitors to the workplace
- participation of workers in OHSMS activities
- communication and consultation with contractors, and
- consultation with external interested parties, when appropriate
In particular, the procedures developed for worker participation now need to address the following:
- appropriate involvement in hazard identification, risk assessment and determination of controls
- appropriate involvement in incident investigation
- involvement in the development and review of OH&S policies and objectives
- consultation where there are changes that affect a worker’s OH&S
- representation on OH&S matters
- informing workers about the arrangements made for their participation and the identity of their representative(s) on OH&S matters
It should be noted that this worker participation requirement is not strictly a “labor” (employee-employer) issue. In the context of OHSAS 18001, the OHSMS needs to provide for the participation of all persons performing work under the control of the organization.
Posted in OHSAS 18001:2007 Revisions
