PECB ISO 45001 Foundation key terms

A structured set of interrelated processes and responsibilities an organization uses to prevent work-related injury and ill health, and to provide safe and healthy workplaces.

Conditions and factors that affect, or could affect, the health and safety of workers and other people in the workplace, including the prevention of harm.

A person performing work or work-related activities under the control of the organization, including employees, contractors, and temporary or part-time personnel.

A source with the potential to cause injury or ill health, such as a substance, machine, activity, or condition present at or near the workplace.

The combination of the likelihood of a hazardous event or exposure occurring and its severity of injury or ill health consequences.

A circumstance or possible action that can improve OH&S performance, such as adopting safer technology or redesigning a process to reduce harm.

The ongoing process of recognizing and recording what could cause harm, including hazards arising from work activities, equipment, substances, and organizational arrangements.

A process of evaluating OH&S risks arising from identified hazards, taking into account the adequacy of existing controls and deciding whether further action is needed.

A ranked order for reducing risk, moving from eliminating the hazard through substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, and finally personal protective equipment.

Removing a hazard completely so that the associated risk no longer exists, for example by discontinuing a dangerous process or substance.

The internal and external issues, and the needs and expectations of interested parties, that are relevant to the organization's OH&S management system and its intended outcomes.

A person or organization that can affect, be affected by, or perceive itself to be affected by a decision or activity related to OH&S.

The documented boundaries and applicability of the OH&S management system, determined by the organization's context, compliance obligations, and the nature of its activities.

Top management's documented commitment to provide safe and healthy working conditions, fulfil compliance obligations, and continually improve OH&S performance, including a framework for setting objectives.

The person or group of people who direct and control the organization at the highest level and who are accountable for the effectiveness of the OH&S management system.

Active direction and commitment by top management, including taking accountability for OH&S performance and integrating OH&S requirements into the organization's business processes.

The process of involving workers, at all applicable levels, in the development, planning, implementation, and review of the OH&S management system and decisions affecting their health and safety.

Measurable goals the organization sets to achieve specific OH&S performance improvements, consistent with the OH&S policy and taking into account hazards, risks, and compliance obligations.

The measurable results of the organization's management of its OH&S risks, including the extent to which OH&S objectives and other requirements are met.

Legal requirements and other requirements the organization must meet, such as laws, regulations, collective agreements, and voluntary commitments related to OH&S.

The combination of education, training, experience, and skills a person needs to perform work tasks in a way that protects health and safety.

Workers' understanding of the OH&S policy, the hazards and risks relevant to their work, and the consequences of not following OH&S requirements.

The planned process of sharing OH&S information internally and externally, including what, when, with whom, and how information is exchanged.

Information the organization must control and maintain, including documents such as policies and procedures, and records that provide evidence of results achieved.

The establishment of criteria and controls for processes needed to meet OH&S requirements, including implementing controls in the hierarchy and managing planned changes.

Arranging for an external provider to perform part of the organization's activities or processes, where the organization must retain control over the associated OH&S risks.

An external organization or person providing services to the organization under agreed terms, whose workers and activities must be coordinated within the OH&S management system.

The processes for planning, preparing, and responding to potential emergency situations, including testing planned responses and reviewing them after incidents or tests.

An occurrence arising out of or in the course of work that could or does result in injury or ill health, including near misses and accidents.

A failure to meet a requirement of the OH&S management system or of the organization's own OH&S requirements, which must be identified and addressed.

Action taken to eliminate the cause of a nonconformity or incident so that it does not recur, including determining causes and reviewing the effectiveness of the action.

The systematic process of determining what to monitor, how to measure it, and how to analyze and evaluate results to assess OH&S performance and control effectiveness.

An independent, planned examination of the OH&S management system to determine whether it conforms to the organization's requirements and is effectively implemented and maintained.

Top management's periodic evaluation of the OH&S management system's suitability, adequacy, and effectiveness, leading to decisions on improvement and resource needs.

The recurring activity of enhancing OH&S performance, such as by improving controls, processes, or management system effectiveness over time.

A joint body of worker and management representatives that provides a formal channel for consultation and participation on occupational health and safety matters.