ISO 45001:2018 (5.4 - Consultation and participation of workers)

[John C. Abnet]

Hoping to start some conversation specific to this topic. I was in discussion today, and during that discussion there was a "disagreement" specifically surrounding the verbiage in "d)" Emphasize the consultation of non managerial workers on the following....
1~9

Likewise, the similar verbiage exists in "e)" Emphasize the participation of non managerial workers on the following...
1~7

The crux of the debate falls on the word "Emphasize". The thinking is that "emphasize" allows for some discretion , (i.e. the proverbial 'wiggle room'), as to whether or not, for example... the organization [per "d)-2)" ] SHALL gather input from workers prior to developing the OH&S policy)

Thoughts?

 

[Sidney Vianna]

as to whether or not, for example... the organization [per "d)-2)" ] SHALL gather input from workers prior to developing the OH&S policy)

Thoughts?

The standard requires the organization to ALLOW educated feedback from the workforce. It should be ENCOURAGED by the organization, but if the workforce is not interested in providing input, as part of the consultation, the organization can not be paralyzed. In other words, lack of input from workers should not prevent the organization to establish a policy.

 

[Henria]

Hello.

John, for me this requirement is clear, there is no "discretion" to pretend behind the term "emphasize" to reduce the required effort to consult non-supervisory workers on the various subjects listed (on the OHS policy or other) and involve them. Through this requirement, ISO 45001 wants that organization particularly seeks the consultation and participation of these workers, because we know that many companies have tendency to neglect the opinion of these workers who are nevertheless an essential interested party in OS&H matters.

Sidney, why especially consider that the processes of the organisation for worker consultation and participation could fail more than any other in OS&HMS ? Isn't another unconscious way of neglecting this ISO 45001 requirement ? If the organization encounters difficulties in these processes, it must analyze these difficulties and improve these processes.

Cordially.

 

[Sidney Vianna]

Sidney, why especially consider that the processes of the organisation for worker consultation and participation could fail more than any other in OS&HMS ? Isn't another unconscious way of neglecting this ISO 45001 requirement ? If the organization encounters difficulties in these processes, it must analyze these difficulties and improve these processes.

Cordially.

Any competent management system professional understands that ANY PROCESS might not deliver on the intended result. Due to numerous reasons a consultation might fail to return meaningful feedback from a disengaged and/or cynical and disillusioned workforce.
Just like you, here in this forum, refused to accept the fact that ISO was developing an OHS management system standard, for a while. Sometimes, things happen at a different speed than we would expect.

Cest la vie.

 

[Steve Prevette]

I don't know who would NOT want their employees engaged in occupational safety - pretty much an expectation in the US Government world, and especially with OSHA/DOE Voluntary Protection Program STAR certification. I suppose though the operative word is "Voluntary" . . .

 

[Sidney Vianna]

I don't know who would NOT want their employees engaged in occupational safety .

Maybe the one man shops where leadership and peon are at odds.
Or, maybe, healthcare organizations that expect frontline workers to treat COVID patients without proper “costly” PPE

 

[Randy]

Any competent management system professional understands that ANY PROCESS might not deliver on the intended result. Due to numerous reasons a consultation might fail to return meaningful feedback from a disengaged and/or cynical and disillusioned workforce.
Just like you, here in this forum, refused to accept the fact that ISO was developing an OHS management system standard, for a while. Sometimes, things happen at a different speed than we would expect.

Cest la vie.

Sometimes the workforce just doesn't give a rats&&& just as you pointed out, and no matter how hard and sincerely an employer tries, they'll never the less pass back the "Hawaiian Peace Sign" from the USS Pueblo

You're too honest Sidney

 

[Steve Prevette]

You mean the Hawaiian "Good Luck Sign" . . .Digit Affair (usspueblo.org)

 

[Randy]

You mean the Hawaiian "Good Luck Sign" . . .Digit Affair (usspueblo.org)

Either - Or...... I prefer peace, but yep that's the one

 

[pilchard]

Do a meeting with a sign in sheet and comments