July Monthly Recap
Overview
July was a busy month. We underwent an election, dealt with a host of new additions to our legislation registers, and released several articles for our Occupational Health and Safety (OHS)-themed promotional plan for July. In case you missed them, here is a recap of all the articles we covered:
Each heading contains a link where you can access the full article
An introduction to ISO 45001 Legal Registers
ISO 45001 is a globally recognised standard for Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems, requiring organisations to maintain legal compliance. To aid this, an ISO 45001 Legal Register is essential; it consolidates all relevant legislation and compliance requirements into a manageable format, facilitating updates and compliance tracking. This register not only helps organisations prevent workplace injuries and enhance safety performance but also ensures they meet the necessary legal obligations to avoid non-conformance and regulatory prosecution. The article details how to create and effectively utilise an ISO 45001 Legal Register, emphasising the importance of competent management and the integration of continual updates and improvements to stay aligned with changing regulations and business contexts.
Occupational Health and Safety Updates: 12 Month Review
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the latest legislative changes in occupational health and safety (OHS) across the UK and Ireland, emphasising their integration with ISO 45001 standards. It highlights significant updates such as the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Carcinogens, Mutagens, and Reprotoxic Substances) Regulations 2024 in Ireland, ISO 45003 guidelines on psychological health, amendments in pressure equipment safety, enhanced maritime safety regulations, and updates in nuclear and gas safety regulations. The article outlines the impacts of these regulations on business operations and stresses the importance of risk assessments, compliance auditing, employee training, and continuous improvement in OHS practices. These measures are crucial for businesses to ensure employee safety, meet legal standards, and foster a culture of safety and well-being.
Importance of OHS and ISO 45001 for SMEs
In the UK, small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) greatly benefit from prioritising Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) and adhering to ISO 45001 standards, crucial for maintaining a safe and productive work environment. This international standard not only helps SMEs meet rigorous legal requirements and manage health and safety risks effectively but also enhances their reputation, operational efficiency, and employee morale. While implementing ISO 45001 can be challenging due to limited resources and initial costs, strategic planning and external support can mitigate these hurdles. Ultimately, robust OHS practices and ISO 45001 compliance are not just legal obligations but strategic investments that enhance the sustainability and success of SMEs in a competitive market.
Understanding Approved Codes of Practice (ACOPs)
In the UK, Approved Codes of Practice (ACOPs) are crucial for businesses managing health and safety, providing guidance to comply with legal standards and enhancing workplace safety. These documents, while not legally mandatory, hold a special legal status that, if followed, generally ensure compliance with health and safety laws. ACOPs offer clarity, guide risk management, and represent best practices distinct from rigid legislation and internationally focused ISO standards. Recent updates, such as those addressing legionella in water systems and safe practices for working at heights, reflect technological and regulatory changes. Understanding and implementing ACOPs is essential for UK businesses to manage risks effectively, stay compliant, and foster a safer working environment.
What next?
That concludes our Occupational Health and Safety-themed promo month! Please feel free to go back and read any of the articles using the links provided. Stay tuned for our monthly updates and blog articles to get the full scope of the ever-changing legislative landscape in the UK. The future is looking uncertain given the inevitable new releases from HM Government, but we will endeavour to keep you as up to date as possible. Better still, why not subscribe to our in-house register management and compliance tool, ISO Compliance Register, and stay fully aware of and ready for these upcoming changes?
From the ICR Team, thank you!
