As a result of the commitment to address the issue of climate change, as stated in the London Declaration of the ISO - International Organization for Standardization, ISO and the IAF - International Accreditation Forum, have made an amendment to Chapter 4 of the Harmonized Framework (Appendix 2 of Annex SL in the ISO/IEC Directives Part 1 Consolidated ISO Supplement). More information can be found here.
ISO 45001 - Occupational Safety and Health Management System is one of several standards covered by this amendment.
What should be considered in an Occupational Safety and Health Management System according to ISO 45001?
There is no standardized approach to the considerations to be taken into account regarding climate change in an Occupational Safety and Health Management System (OSHMS) in accordance with ISO 45001, however, we share as a reference, part of the text taken from a White Paper developed by the partners of the IQNET Association, of which APCER is a member representing Portugal.
These considerations are not sufficient on their own, nor are they considered complete. They are merely identified as the most likely to be analyzed by organizations:
Increased occupational risks: Climate change can lead to more extreme weather phenomena, such as heat waves, cold waves, storms and floods. These phenomena can increase the risk of work-related injuries or illnesses. For example, outdoor workers may face a greater risk of heatstroke during heat waves or injury during extreme weather events.
Changes in working environments: As the climate changes, certain sectors of activity may need to adapt their working environments. For example, sectors such as agriculture, construction and fishing may face new safety challenges due to changing weather patterns and environmental conditions.
Workers' health and well-being: Climate change can affect workers' physical and mental health. For example, rising temperatures can lead to heat stress, while poor air quality due to forest fires or pollution can aggravate respiratory diseases.
Emergency preparedness and response: Climate change can increase the frequency and severity of natural disasters, requiring certified organizations to improve their emergency preparedness and response plans. This includes evacuation planning, emergency medical care and disaster recovery to ensure worker safety.
Regulatory compliance: As governments around the world respond to climate change, new regulations and standards related to environmental protection and worker safety may emerge. Organizations need to ensure that their OHSMS complies with these new requirements.
Training and awareness: Workers need to be trained and made aware of the new risks associated with climate change, as well as practices to mitigate these risks. This is an integral part of an effective OSHMS in accordance with ISO 45001.
Psychosocial risks: Climate change can contribute to psychosocial risks at work, such as stress or anxiety due to the increased frequency of natural disasters or concerns about future livelihoods, especially in climate-sensitive industries.
Other Climate Change considerations that all organizations certified to the management system standards covered by this amendment should consider
Certified organizations, regardless of the sector of activity in which they operate and the type and scope of the management system, may need to review and adapt other processes and consider other issues in order to better address and accommodate changes in context, evolving requirements and stakeholder needs, as well as new risks arising from climate change.
Training and awareness: Effective management approach and practices in the context of climate change require informed and aware people. Certified organizations may need to include training programs that convey climate-related challenges and changes to their employees, ensuring that they understand the evolving nature of related risks and their responsibilities.
Engagement and communication with stakeholders: Engagement with stakeholders on climate-related compliance issues is crucial. Certified organizations should facilitate communication and engagement with stakeholders, including investors, customers, regulatory bodies and the community, on how the organization addresses climate-related compliance issues.
Monitoring and continuous improvement: Given the dynamic nature of climate change and its impacts, certified organizations must be able to monitor and continuously improve. This ensures that the organization can adapt its strategies in response to new information, regulations and best practices related to climate change.
Innovative solutions for greater resilience: Organizations may need to invest in innovative solutions to strengthen resilience in the face of climate-induced challenges and risks, and thus contribute to better performance and effectiveness.
Long-term strategic planning: Organizations must consider long-term trends and contextual issues, including those related to climate change. This enables strategic planning that aligns with global sustainability goals and climate change mitigation efforts.
Reputation and brand value: Organizations that do not address climate change risks or adopt sustainable practices may suffer in terms of reputation and brand value, as consumers and investors increasingly value sustainability. For some organizations, public perception can also be critical. Those that fail to take adequate measures to combat or adapt to climate change may suffer damage to their reputation, which can have a direct impact on customer loyalty and brand value.
Insurance and risk management: The increased frequency and severity of weather phenomena can lead to higher insurance premiums. For organizations with significant physical assets, or those operating in high-risk areas, this can represent a substantial financial burden.
Identifying new opportunities: Organizations can also look for opportunities arising from the transition to a greener economy, such as the development of new products or services, efficiency improvements and access to new markets.
