Role of HIRA in Building a Robust Occupational Health and Safety Management Framework

Introduction 

Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA) is a component of the Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS). HIRA includes systematically identifying hazards and evaluating associated risks to implement appropriate measures at the right time. With the help of OHSMS, management can align all their functions with the objectives of their company and ensure employee well-being.

HIRA provides a structural framework for identifying vulnerabilities and maintaining the long-term reputation of a company. Read on to learn more about how HIRA strengthens the Occupational Health and Safety Management System and more.

What is an Occupational Health and Safety Management System?

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An Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS) integrates health and safety policies, standards, systems and records into overall business processes.

OHSMS goes beyond basic safety programs as the process includes hazard identification and timely risk control. A thorough OHSMS includes processes that also align with business objectives and policies.

ISO 45001 is an international standard for Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS). The standard underlines procedures to lower risks at a workplace and ensure employee well-being. The standard emphasizes hazard identification and risk control for a healthier and safer working environment.

What is HIRA?

HIRA stands for Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment.

  • Hazard Identification is all about recognising and addressing safety risks at the workplace.  It incorporates framing clear policies that ensure employee safety. Methods of identifying hazards are tailored to industry-specific tasks and unique workplace conditions to prevent harm.
  • Risk Assessment is essential for identifying vulnerabilities and mitigating hazards. It is a consistent process that aims to reduce accidents and reinforce policies fostering a safer environment.

9 Ways HIRA Strengthens OHSMS:

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Here are 9 interesting benefits offered by HIRA when combined with OHSMS:

1. Improved Communications

HIRA strengthens OHSMS by improving inter-departmental communication. With the help of clear communication channels, employees can take prompt action in case there is a risk. This function is crucial for ensuring the accountability of employees and the optimisation of processes.

2. Identify Potential Hazards

Identifying potential risks is essential for a business as it not only prevents accidents but also saves overhead costs in case there is an accident. Management can save plenty of time, capital and effort by regularly keeping a check on processes by identifying potential hazards.

3. Save Overhead Costs

Overhead costs include fines and legal fees in case there is an accident at a workplace. In case there is an injury or a life-threatening accident that includes an employee, a business will have to compensate. However, by combining HIRA with OHSMS, threats can be reduced drastically and lives can be saved.

4. Build Company Reputation

By combining the best occupational health and safety management system with the latest software, a company can enhance its reputation. Competitors and stakeholders in the company give due consideration to such factors. Resource optimisation is another advantage of health and safety management systems as any component or process that is remotely hazardous will be avoided.

5. Generates a Positive Working Environment

A foolproof hazard identification and risk assessment along with a health and safety management system creates a sense of assurance among employees. A general sense of security is created among the workforce which enhances workplace efficiency as their basic needs are taken care of.

6. Fosters Innovation

HIRA and OHSMS foster innovation by creating a safe and secure environment that encourages employees to give their best. Employees are encouraged to participate in safety strategies and suggest creative solutions to improve safety processes.

7. Take Timely Corrective Measures

Taking corrective measures at the right time streamlines operations. The leadership along with the occupational health management team can monitor and address issues in real time for effective reporting. Conducting regular audits and inspections ensures that corrective actions are taken before risks escalate.

8. Training and Education of Employees

Proper training and educating employees is essential for a workforce to stay updated. Health and safety management software keeps getting updated. Therefore, frequently held workshops enhance employees’ skills and improve their awareness which upgrades the health and safety management standards of a business.

9. Easy Legal Compliance

Any premium health and safety management software will notify the leadership when there is any change in compliance laws. Automated processes allow convenient upgradation of security protocols that save a company from legal battles and avoidable accidents.

Conclusion

HIRA is crucial for building a robust OHSMS. Being a component of the health and safety management system, HIRA enhances safety at the workplace and makes compliance easy. The process enhances employee safety, ensures consistent improvement and helps in building reputation. With the help of these systems, management and leadership of a business can make functioning easier and better.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. 1 What is OHSMS?

Answer: Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS) is a framework of procedures that ensures timely hazard identification and prevention of associated risks. Employee safety, creating a safe environment and building a positive reputation are all achieved with the help of an OHSMS.

Q. 2 Which international standard specifies requirements for maintaining occupational health and safety standards at a workplace?

Answer: ISO 45001 is the international standard specifies requirements for maintaining occupational health and safety standards at a workplace.

Q. 3 What is the purpose of HIRA?

Answer: HIRA stands for hazard identification and risk assessment. The aim is to take timely actions and respond to accidents promptly for maximum employee safety.

Q. 4 What are the 4 steps of HIRA?

Answer: The 4 step process of hazard identification and risk assessment includes identifying hazards, assessing risks, controlling risks and revising control measures.

Q. 5 What kind of organisations and businesses can opt for an OHSMS?

Answer: Business, companies and organizations from all kinds of sectors and industries can opt for an OHSMS. Any company that hires employees must have this system in place to ensure maximum safety of employees and their well-being.

Q. 6 What is the PDCA cycle of ISO 45001?

Answer: Plan-Do-Check-Act is the PDCA cycle of ISO 45001. This ensures effectiveness of an occupational health and safety management system. The purpose is to improve processes and mitigate risks and safeguard the lives of employees.

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