OHS Management - Never Too Later!

According to the report by Labour Dept of HK, a fatal work accident happened at a residential estate in Mid-levels on June 13, 2022. A temporary suspended working platform hanging at the external wall of a building suddenly collapsed while it was being inspected by two workers. Those two workers fell to the ground and were certified dead on the spot. Suspension notices have been issued to the contractors/employer concerned suspending the erection, alteration, dismantling and use of suspended working platforms on the premises. 

We feel sad about the loss of life, and should learn from it to prevent further similar tragedy. The general duty provisions of the Factories and Industrial Undertakings Ordinance require employers to provide safe working environments, plant and safe systems of work for their employees. Employees should co-operate with their employers, adopt all safety measures and use personal protective equipment provided properly to avoid endangering their own work safety and that of other workers.

The accident reminds us that it’s never too later to management occupational health and safety. What can be applied in a systematic way to address the risks associated with occupational health and safety? A large number of companies have established and implemented their management system in accordance with ISO 45001:2018 standard.

A management system functions well when it is implemented in a way with strategy planning, active implementation, regular monitoring and review and improvement, which is called PDCA cycle. The effectiveness and efficiency of the management system can be enhanced and demonstrated to interested parties with certification on the basis of regular 3-party audits.

Click here to learn more about how an organization can benefit from the implementation of OHSMS and certification according to ISO 45001:2018. 

Remark: The image in this news is not relevant to the reported accident.