A safe and healthy workplace is vital for productivity and quality. Beyond preventing injury or illness, a safe working environment shows employers care about their employees, reducing absenteeism, boosting morale and saving the company time and money. As Guyana joins in the observance of Occupational Safety and Health Month in April, the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) is urging companies to 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.
With support from the Government of Guyana, the GNBS offers training and Technical Assistance on this important standard to help employers implement measures to ensure their workers are safe.
The ISO 45001 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 to ensure that workers are appropriately trained and that effective controls are put in place. It also recognises the value of worker involvement and consultations to develop and apply better safety practices.
Using the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) model, it addresses all necessary elements to ensure the system is working in accordance with requirements of the standard. 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. In 2024, a total of fifty-seven (57) people from various organisations were trained on the standard while twelve (12) participants have signed up for a similar training course this month. With the use of practical activities, Technical Officers of the Business Development Department help the participants to better understand the requirements of the standard and how to implement the various clauses at their workplaces.
Meanwhile, Technical Assistance is offered 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 to safety.
Currently, the GNBS is working with five companies in telecommunications, marketing, transportation and academia, to help them acquire certification to the international standard.
According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), 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.
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. The theme this year is: “Revolutionising health and safety: the role of AI and digitalisation at work.” It aims to highlight how the digital transformation of work can foster safe and healthy working environments.
For Technical Assistance and Training support based on the ISO 45001 standard, do not hesitate to contact 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.
