Occupational Health and Safety

ISO 45001 on OHS Risk Management for Hybrid Workplaces

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In recent years, there has been an increase in the adoption of hybrid work models, with employees working remotely and on-site. While this model offers flexibility, it also presents challenges for managing Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) risks. To address this issue, organisations can implement the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 45001, a standard that provides a framework for managing OHS risks. 

Today, we will discuss ISO 45001 and how it can be used to manage OHS risks in a hybrid workplace.

Understanding the Function of ISO 45001

ISO 45001 is a standard that organisations can use to manage OHS risks. It was developed to replace the Occupational Health and Safety Assessment Series (OHSAS) 18001 standard and align with other ISO standards. The standard provides a framework for managing OHS risks, including identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing controls. It also requires organisations to continuously improve their OHS management system.

ISO 45001 and the Hybrid Workplace

The hybrid workplace presents challenges for managing OHS risks. With employees working remotely and on-site, it can be difficult to identify hazards and assess risks. However, ISO 45001 can be used to manage OHS risks in a hybrid workplace. 

Here are some ways organisations can use the standard to manage OHS risks in a hybrid workplace:

Identifying Hazards

The first step in managing OHS risks is to identify hazards. In a hybrid workplace, hazards can be present in both remote and on-site work environments. Organisations can use ISO 45001 to identify hazards in both environments. For example, they can conduct virtual assessments of employees’ remote work environments to identify hazards such as poor ergonomics. They can also conduct on-site assessments to identify hazards such as slips, trips, and falls.

Assessing Risks

After identifying hazards, organisations need to assess the risks associated with them. In a hybrid workplace, assessing risks can be challenging as employees may be working in different environments. However, ISO 45001 can be used to assess risks in both environments. For example, organisations can use virtual tools to assess the risks associated with employees’ remote work environments. They can also conduct on-site risk assessments to identify risks associated with the physical work environment.

Implementing Controls

Once hazards and risks have been identified and assessed, organisations need to implement controls to manage them. In a hybrid workplace, controls may need to be implemented in both the remote and on-site work environments. ISO 45001 provides guidance on implementing controls to manage OHS risks. For example, organisations can implement controls such as providing ergonomic equipment for remote workers and implementing slip-resistant flooring on-site.

Continuously Improving

ISO 45001 requires organisations to continuously improve their OHS management system. In a hybrid workplace, continuous improvement is essential as new hazards and risks may arise. Organisations can use ISO 45001 to continuously improve their OHS management system by reviewing and updating their hazard identification and risk assessment processes. They can also implement new controls as needed to manage new hazards and risks.

Conclusion

The hybrid workplace presents challenges for managing OHS risks, but ISO 45001 can be used to manage these risks. Organisations can use the standard to identify hazards, assess risks, implement controls, and continuously improve their OHS management system. By doing so, they can ensure the safety and well-being of their employees, regardless of whether they are working remotely or on-site.

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