Should We Update Our OH&S Policy to Include COVID-19 as a Global Risk?

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, do we need to address this in our OH&S Policy as it is a global risk that caught us unaware in 2019 & 2020?

Our policy is coming up for revision, and I was wondering whether to revise it to include this pandemic in the policy.

Dear S Seetharaman,

Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OH-SMS) Scheme

The Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OH-SMS) scheme establishes consistent requirements for certifying that an organization effectively manages its OH&S risks and meets organizational OH&S objectives and relevant legal requirements. The scheme is based on the Occupational Health and Safety Management System Standard ISO 45001:2018.

Benefits of ISO 45001:2018

The stated benefits of ISO 45001:2018 include a robust and effective set of processes for improving work safety in global supply chains. It is applicable to organizations of all sizes, from all industries and jurisdictions of operation. An ultimate expectation of the standard is to help reduce workplace injuries and illnesses around the world.

ISO 45001 is aligned with other management systems standards such as ISO 14001 and ISO 9001, allowing organizations to easily integrate systems.

COVID-19 Pandemic and Occupational Safety

Now, coming to the safety measures required to be followed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The concept of occupational safety is different from the pandemic-induced safety measures. In view of this, it may not be advisable to link both together. It is better to cherish their independence.

Thanks,

Dinesh Divekar

Dear Mr. Divekar, thank you very much for your prompt response to my query. It was well addressed. The point was discussed in the Management Review and minuted. I can provide this response and close this issue. We do have risk identification where this point is dealt with in detail.

Thanks again.

Raman