How important is a safe working environment? A safe and healthy workplace is vital for productivity and quality as it not only prevents injury or illness but can also reduce absenteeism and boost employees’ morale. It also saves time and money. In other words, safety is good for business. This month, Guyana joins in the observance of Occupational Safety and Health Month under the theme: “A Safe and Healthy Working Environment is a Fundamental Principle and a Right at Work.”The theme promotes the need for employers to implement measures to ensure their workers are safe.
As managers are seeking ways to increase safety in the workplace, the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) helps companies implement the International Standard for Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) – ISO 45001:2018 Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems – Requirements with guidance for use.
The ISO 45001:2018 standard specifies the requirements for an OH&S Management System which prevents injury and ill-health towards employees and customers alike. The document requires that top management take ownership and demonstrate commitment through leadership to ensure that workers are appropriately trained and that effective controls are put in place. The standard also recognizes the value of worker involvement or consultations to develop and apply better OH&S practices. It is applicable to any organization regardless of its size, type and activities.
The GNBS offers training to persons who are interested in understanding the requirements of the standard and Technical Assistance to companies looking to attain certification. Acquiring ISO 45001 Certification demonstrates that a company’s management system complies with the International Standard and validates the capability of the business. Further, it helps to build trust and brand integrity, especially for companies looking to supply the oil and gas industry which is highly committed towards ensuring that suppliers maintain health and safety requirements.
Companies are also encouraged to implement safe practices to show employees that they are valued. This will reduce high staff turnover and protect investments in training new staff. According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), Occupational Health and Safety is identified as the discipline of dealing with the prevention of work-related injuries and diseases as well as the promotion of healthy workers.
Meanwhile, on a broader level, the ILO estimates some 2.3 million women and men around the world succumb to work-related accidents or diseases every year. This along with more sick days contributes to significant loss of productive hours and can affect the overall output of a business or organisation. Implementing the ISO 45001:2018 OH&S requirements is a critical approach companies can take to remedy this situation.
Creating a safe working environment is an intentional and ongoing effort to build awareness, set guidelines, and constantly monitor working conditions. It also requires employees at every level to take responsibility for their own safety and the safety of those around them.
Let this Occupational Safety and Health Month motivate you to pursue Training and Technical Assistance to implement the ISO 45001:2018 Standard. Protect your workers and customers so they can better contribute to the development of your company or organization. Reach out to the GNBS today on Telephone numbers: 219-0064 or 219-0065, or visit the GNBS website: www.gnbsgyorg. You can also WhatsApp us on +592 692 4627.
