Public Health and Safety Standards

The Critical and Ethical Responsibility of Health and Safety Managers in Addressing Workplace Abuse Anchored in Global Standards: In many organizations, the role of Health and Safety Managers (HSEs) has long been limited to physical hazards: fire safety, PPE compliance, slips and falls. But this outdated scope no longer reflects the real threats employees face in the modern workplace, particularly in Ghana, where emotional and verbal abuse by leadership is frequently ignored, normalized, or hidden under the guise of “tough management.” Words can wound. And when those words come from CEOs and Managers they inflict occupational harm no less damaging than physical injury. These are not just HR issues; they are workplace safety failures. The Global Framework: ISO 45003 and ILO Guidelines According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), “safe and healthy working environments are a fundamental principle and right at work.” This includes freedom from mental harm, bullying, and harassment. Further, ISO 45003:2021, the first global standard on Psychological Health and Safety at Work, provides clear, evidence-based guidance on how to manage psychosocial risks. It defines these risks as hazards that can impact mental health, such as: • Bullying, verbal abuse, and humiliation • Harmful leadership behaviors • Lack of organizational support or protection • Emotional manipulation and fear-based management ISO 45003 explicitly requires organizations to identify, assess, and mitigate these risks, placing clear accountability on leadership and HSE professionals to act. What This Means for Health and Safety Managers A competent HSE Manager is no longer just an inspector of fire exits and helmets. They are a frontline protector of psychological safety and emotional dignity. They must: ✅ Recognize verbal abuse and intimidation as psychosocial hazards under ISO 45003 ✅ Include psychological safety in all workplace risk assessments and audits ✅ Work with HR to establish non-retaliatory complaint procedures ✅ Ensure leadership is trained in psychosocial risk management and respectful communication ✅ Monitor mental health trends, absenteeism, stress levels, and morale as safety indicators Remaining silent in the face of emotional harm is not neutrality, it is complicity. The Ethical Mandate Ignoring psychosocial risks in a workplace is a violation of international safety standards and professional ethics. The HSE function is no longer limited to “keeping people alive” , it is about ensuring people can work without fear, abuse, or mental harm. In the words of ISO 45003: "A psychologically healthy and safe workplace is one where hazards to mental health are identified, assessed, and effectively managed, just like any physical risk." It’s time we expect more. From leadership. From organizations. And from our Health and Safety professionals. Because true safety is not just about steel-toed boots, it's about protecting the minds and dignity of those who wear them.

HSE personnel should be familiar with across industries, especially in oil & gas, construction, and manufacturing: 1. ISO 45001 – Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems • Purpose: Framework for improving employee safety, reducing workplace risks, and creating better, safer working conditions. • Replaces: OHSAS 18001. • Why it matters: It’s the most widely adopted global standard for occupational health and safety management. 2. ISO 14001 – Environmental Management Systems • Purpose: Helps organizations improve their environmental performance through more efficient use of resources and reduction of waste. • Key for: Compliance with environmental laws and improving sustainability efforts. 3. ISO 9001 – Quality Management Systems • Purpose: Although quality-focused, it supports HSE by promoting process consistency and continuous improvement, especially when integrated with ISO 14001 and ISO 45001. • Note: Upcoming revision (ISO 9001:2026) will place greater emphasis on risk management, resilience, and sustainability. 4. API RP 75 / API Std 780 – Safety and Environmental Management Systems (SEMS) • Industry: Oil & Gas. • Purpose: Provides requirements for managing offshore operations safely and in compliance with environmental regulations. • Core Elements: Hazards analysis, management of change, mechanical integrity, training, incident investigation. 5. ILO Guidelines on Occupational Safety and Health Management Systems (ILO-OSH 2001) • Issued by: International Labour Organization. • Purpose: Provides a practical tool for promoting a culture of safety and continuous improvement. 6. OSHA Standards (USA – Occupational Safety and Health Administration) • Relevance: Important for companies operating in or partnering with U.S. firms. • Key areas: Hazard communication, fall protection, confined space entry, PPE, machine guarding. 7. NFPA Standards – National Fire Protection Association • Relevant for: Fire safety in industrial settings. • Common Standards: • NFPA 70E: Electrical safety in the workplace. • NFPA 101: Life Safety Code. • NFPA 30: Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code. 8. ISO 31000 – Risk Management • Purpose: Offers principles and guidelines on risk management applicable to any organization. • Value for HSE: Helps in identifying and mitigating health, safety, and environmental risks. 9. ICMM Sustainable Development Framework • Industry: Mining and metals. • Focus: Health & safety performance, environmental stewardship, and sustainable development. 10. IEC / ISO 31010 – Risk Assessment Techniques • Purpose: Supports ISO 31000 by providing methods like HAZOP, FMEA, and Bowtie Analysis for risk evaluation. • Use: HSE personnel use these tools in safety case development and hazard identification 11. ISO 45003 – Psychological Health & Safety at Work • Purpose: Addresses mental well-being and psychosocial risks in the workplace. hashtag #HSE hashtag #Riskassement hashtag #psychological

✅ Universal Workplace Health and Safety Requirements (All Industries) 🔹 1. Legal & Regulatory Compliance Follow national and local regulations: India: OSH Code 2020, Factories Act 1948, Environmental Protection Act Qatar & GCC: Labour Law, HSE Regulations, QCS (Qatar Construction Standards) International: ISO 45001, OSHA, ILO Guidelines, IMO Codes (for maritime) Ensure required licenses, permits, and approvals are in place. --- 🔹 2. HSE Policy and Objectives Create a written Health, Safety & Environmental (HSE) Policy Define safety goals and targets (e.g., zero accident vision) Display policies in local language(s) for workers --- 🔹 3. Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA) Identify hazards in: Physical (slip/trip, noise) Chemical (gases, acids) Biological (virus, bacteria) Mechanical (moving parts, sharp edges) Ergonomic (poor posture, repetitive tasks) Evaluate risks and control them using Hierarchy of Controls --- 🔹 4. Safe Systems of Work Use documented procedures for critical tasks: Permit to Work (PTW) Job Safety Analysis (JSA) Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) Confined Space Entry Working at Height procedures Electrical Isolation Lifting & Rigging Plans --- 🔹 5. Training and Competency Mandatory safety training for all employees: Induction training Fire Safety & Evacuation First Aid & CPR Manual Handling PPE Usage Emergency Response Specialized training: Scaffolding Safety Crane Operation Forklift Safety Offshore courses: BOSIET, HUET, H2S, etc. 🔹 6. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Provide task-specific PPE: Hard hat, gloves, goggles, face shield, safety shoes, high-vis vest, harness Conduct PPE inspections and training Enforce mandatory PPE zones 🔹 7. Incident Reporting & Investigation All accidents, near misses, and unsafe acts must be reported Investigate using: Root Cause Analysis (RCA) 5 Whys Fishbone Diagram Apply corrective/preventive actions (CAPA) 🔹 8. Emergency Preparedness and Response Emergency Response Plan (ERP) including: Fire Chemical spill Gas leak Medical emergency Natural disaster Emergency alarms, evacuation maps, muster points Regular fire drills and emergency mock drills 🔹 9. Health Surveillance and Occupational Health Pre-employment and periodic medicals Health monitoring for workers exposed to: Noise Chemicals Vibration Heat stress Promote hygiene, fitness, and wellness 🔹 10. Welfare Facilities Clean drinking water Washrooms & toilets (male/female) Changing rooms, rest areas Canteens or lunch areas First aid rooms and stretchers 🔹 11. Environmental Safety Waste segregation (hazardous/non-hazardous) Effluent & emissions control Spillage prevention Noise & dust control Compliance with ISO 14001 (if applicable)

Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle for implementing an Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) Management System, based on ISO 45001:2018 structure: ⸻ 1. PLAN 1.1 Initiating the OH&S Management System Implementation • Assign top management commitment and appoint a project leader. • Develop a project plan, timeline, and allocate responsibilities. • Ensure understanding of ISO 45001 standard requirements. 1.2 Understanding the Organization and Its Needs • Identify internal and external issues (context of the organization). • Understand the expectations of workers and other interested parties. • Define strategic goals for health and safety aligned with business objectives. 1.3 Analysis of the Existing System • Conduct a gap analysis between current practices and ISO 45001 requirements. • Evaluate current safety culture, procedures, and compliance. • Identify areas for improvement. 1.4 Leadership and Worker Participation • Ensure leadership takes accountability for OH&S performance. • Establish OH&S roles and responsibilities. • Promote consultation and participation of workers at all levels. 1.5 OH&S Management System Scope and Objectives • Define the scope of the OH&S management system (boundaries and applicability). • Set SMART OH&S objectives (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound). • Align objectives with identified risks, legal requirements, and improvement needs. 1.6 OH&S Policy • Develop and implement an OH&S policy that: • Includes a commitment to eliminate hazards and reduce risks. • Meets legal and other requirements. • Promotes continual improvement. 1.7 Hazard Identification and Assessment of Risks and Opportunities • Identify hazards associated with work activities, equipment, and locations. • Assess risks and determine controls using a risk matrix. • Identify OH&S opportunities (e.g., safer equipment, automation). 1.8 Legal and Other Requirements • Identify applicable legal, regulatory, and other OH&S requirements. • Create a legal register and 2. DO 2.1 Resource Management • Allocate human, financial, and material resources. • Ensure personnel are competent through training and experience. • Provide adequate PPE and other safety resources. 2.2 Awareness and Communication • Conduct training and awareness programs. • Ensure all employees 2.3 Documentation Management • Develop documented • Ensure proper document version control. 3. CHECK 3.1 Monitoring, Measurement, Analysis, and Performance Evaluation • Monitor leading (proactive) and lagging (reactive) indicators. 3.2 Internal Audit • Conduct scheduled audits to verify conformance with ISO 45001. • Identify nonconformities, 4. ACT 4.1 Treatment of Incidents and Nonconformities • Investigate incidents and near misses thoroughly. • Determine root causes using methods like the 5 Whys or Fishbone diagram. • Implement corrective actions and track their effecti

#cpd Hierarchy of HSE Documentation 1. HSE Manual The HSE Manual is the foundation of the system. It outlines the organization’s overall safety philosophy and commitment. Key Elements: Policy Statements: Health, safety, and environmental policies. Framework: Describes the HSE system’s structure (aligned with ISO standards). Responsibilities: Assigns roles at every organizational level. Core Procedures: High-level descriptions of risk management and performance monitoring. 2. HSE Program This program turns the manual’s policies into actionable initiatives tailored to the organization or project. Key Elements: Goals and Objectives: Clear targets like reducing incidents. Activities: Safety campaigns, training sessions, and workshops. Compliance: Registers of legal and regulatory requirements. Performance Metrics: KPIs like incident rates or compliance scores. 3. HSE Plan The HSE Plan focuses on specific projects or sites, detailing actions and strategies for local risks. Key Elements: Risk Assessments: Identifies site-specific hazards and controls. Emergency Response: Tailored procedures for on-site emergencies. Resource Allocation: Lists equipment and staff dedicated to safety. Stakeholder Communication: Engages all project participants. 4. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) SOPs are task-level documents that ensure consistency and safety. Key Elements: Detailed Steps: Clear instructions for recurring tasks Associated Risks: Describes hazards and mitigation strategies. Equipment Guidelines: Specifies tools and PPE requirements. 5. Work Instructions Work instructions provide detailed steps for specific roles or equipment use. Key Elements: Task Descriptions: Easy-to-follow steps tailored to workers. Safety Measures: Role-specific tips to prevent incidents. Visual Aids: Flowcharts or diagrams for clarity. 6. Forms Forms are used to document, track, and report on HSE activities. Key Types: Risk Assessment Forms: For identifying hazards. Incident Reports: Document accidents and corrective actions. Inspection Checklists: Ensure compliance with safety protocols.

ISO 45001:2018 Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OH&SMS), structured according to the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle. --- PLAN This stage involves planning and establishing the foundation for the OH&SMS: 1. Clause 4: Context of the Organization 4.1 Understanding the organization and its context: Analyze internal and external factors affecting OH&S performance. 4.2 Understanding the needs and expectations of interested parties: Identify stakeholders and their OH&S requirements. 4.3 Determining the scope of the OH&S management system: Define the boundaries and scope of the OH&SMS. 4.4 OH&S management system: Develop a system to meet ISO 45001 requirements. 2. Clause 5: Leadership and Worker Participation 5.1 Leadership and commitment: Top management must lead by example in implementing the OH&SMS. 5.2 OH&S Policy: Establish a clear, documented OH&S policy. 5.3 Organizational roles, responsibilities, and authorities: Assign and communicate responsibilities for OH&S. 5.4 Consultation and participation of workers: Actively engage workers in the OH&S process. 3. Clause 6: Planning 6.1 Actions to address risks and opportunities: Identify hazards, assess risks, and determine controls. 6.2 OH&S objectives and planning to achieve them: Set measurable OH&S objectives and create plans to achieve them. --- DO This stage involves implementing the plans and controls: 4. Clause 7: Support 7.1 Resources: Allocate adequate resources (human, financial, etc.). 7.2 Competence: Ensure employees have the required skills and knowledge. 7.3 Awareness: Make workers aware of the OH&S system and their roles. 7.4 Communication: Establish effective communication systems for OH&S matters. 7.5 Documented information: Maintain necessary documentation and records. 5. Clause 8: Operation 8.1 Operational planning and control: Implement processes to eliminate hazards and reduce risks. 8.2 Emergency preparedness and response: Develop and test emergency response procedures. --- CHECK This stage focuses on monitoring and evaluating the system's performance: 6. Clause 9: Performance Evaluation 9.1 Monitoring, measurement, analysis, and evaluation: Track and evaluate OH&S performance using key indicators. 9.2 Internal Audit: Conduct internal audits to check compliance and effectiveness. 9.3 Management Review: Top management should review OH&S performance periodically. --- ACT This stage focuses on continual improvement and corrective actions: 7. Clause 10: Improvement 10.1 General: Improve the OH&SMS overall. 10.2 Incident, nonconformity, and corrective actions: Address incidents and prevent recurrence. 10.3 Continual improvement: Continuously enhance the OH&S management system. --- PDCA Cycle Plan: Establish objectives and processes. Do: Implement the processes. Check: Monitor and measure processes against objectives. Act: Take actions for continuous improvement. #ISO45001 #OccupationalHealthAndSafety