Page 86 - OHS, June 2020

STANDARDS UPDATE
mat (from a two-column), and now has 10 sections (vs. the origi- nal seven). The 10 sections are: Scope, Purpose and Application, References; Definitions, Context of the Organization—Strategic Considerations; Management Leadership and Worker Participa- tion; Planning; Support; Implementation and Operation; Evalua- tion and Corrective Action; Management Review.
The new format aligns more closely with that used by Interna- tional Standards Organization (ISO) management system stan- dards, including ISO 45001:2018, Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems.
Regarding substantive content, the revised standard continues to require, for example, the identification of OHSMS issues (haz- ards, legal & other requirements, etc.), risk assessment, strategic and tactically oriented planning, incident investigation with identi- fication of causal factors, the evaluation of corrective actions, emer- gency planning, auditing, management review meetings and more.
However, the Z10.0-2019 describes these processes being ap- plied in a system-thinking context—meaning that processes are interrelated and should be planned for, budgeted for, and moni- tored in a way that integrates with other business operations. OHS staff should understand the language of business and impacts upon business, and business leadership needs to take intentional actions to promote and provide for this integration.
There are several other concepts that are newly introduced or more strongly emphasized.
For example, the standard discusses how safety should not be thought of as meeting a particular injury rate goal, or an end state. Rather, it is a condition that is achieved through management of a variety of dynamic processes; it is an “emergent property” of the organization.
The standard also includes a new section about occupational health. Historically there was more of an emphasis on physical hazards. The new standard makes it clear that things like chemical and noise exposures, ergonomic issues, psychosocial stressors and
the potential for workplace violence risk should be included in risk evaluation. This added emphasis is woven through the standard.
Management Leadership and Worker Participation are de- scribed in earlier versions of Z10. However, Z10.0-2019 more clearly defines requirements of and opportunities for top manage- ment, and what meaningful worker participation can look like. The standard makes it clear that Top Management needs to promote a “strong organizational culture that supports the OHSMS” (Z10.0- 2019 p.7). It also brings worker participation to a new level to in- clude being involved in the determination of acceptable levels of risk. Section 6 of Z10.100, “Encouraging Worker Participation,” has helpful ideas.
Another change is that Z10.0-2019 requires organizations to understand “context of the organization.” This refers to under- standing internal and external issues that can impact an organiza- tion’s OHSMS success, and the needs and expectations of workers and other interested parties. It requires the organization to under- stand forces that can influence success, and to plan accordingly. The standard provides examples of issues that could be considered.
A topic with dramatically increased emphasis is that of fatal and serious injury and illness (FSII) prevention. FSII prevention involves a shift in thinking from old-school injury prevention and is important. The Guidance and Implementation Manual (ASSP Z10.100-2019) has a well-developed chapter discussing the under- lying concept and provides actionable information.
It should also be mentioned that Z10.0-2019 requires the iden- tification of OHS “opportunities” (not just issues/risks). Orga- nizations need to look for things that can improve performance, consistent with the concept of integrated processes and continual improvement.
Z10.0-2019 also adds reference to “organizational learning.” The concept is not new, but the reference is notable since it links to other safety concepts discussed in ASSP Z10.100, such as for Hu- man and Organizational Performance (HOP) principles, learning from successful work, and appreciative observation.
Why Use the Z10 Standard?
Z10.0-2019 provides a roadmap for success to those who want to know what peers from a variety of industries think comprises a solid approach. Many organizations have seen improvements in safety (helping their workers) as well as in other business metrics (e.g. retention, job satisfaction/engagement) by applying con- cepts like those in Z10.0-2019. Also, implementation can be used to satisfy or support certain third-party requirements to imple- ment an OHSMS.
Z10.0-2019 is easy to understand and provides significant back- ground and how-to information. Portions can also be used to help develop communication for use within the organization. Also, there will be even more tools and job aids developed by the Com- mittee in the future.
Z10.0-2019’s requirements can be implemented over time, and, organizations don’t need to start off with a high percentage of ini- tial conformance. There may be fewer hurdles to use of Z10.0-2019 than for other standards.
Companies that implement Z10.0-2019 will find themselves also meeting many of the requirements of ISO 45001. This could
82 Occupational Health & Safety | JUNE 2020
www.ohsonline.com
docstockmedia/Shutterstock.com