Context of the Organisation Under ISO 45001 OH&S Management

ISO 45001 Clause 4 - Context of the Organisation

Clause 4 of ISO 45001:2018 is the foundation of the occupational health and safety management system. Before an organisation sets a policy, defines objectives or builds operational controls, it has to understand its own context - the issues that affect it, the interested parties whose expectations matter, and the boundaries of the system itself. Clause 4 has four sub-clauses, each covering one of these foundational areas.

ISO 45001 Clause 4.1 - Understanding the Organisation and Its Context

The organisation determines the external and internal issues relevant to its purpose that affect its ability to achieve the intended outcomes of the OH&S management system. Issues might include the regulatory landscape, the activities carried out, workforce demographics and the physical conditions at sites operated.

For more on this clause see ISO 45001 Clause 4.1 - Understanding the Organisation and Its Context.

ISO 45001 Clause 4.2 - Understanding the Needs and Expectations of Interested Parties

The organisation determines the workers and other interested parties relevant to the OH&S management system, their needs and expectations, and which of these become legal requirements or other requirements.

For more on this clause see ISO 45001 Clause 4.2 - Understanding the Needs and Expectations of Interested Parties.

ISO 45001 Clause 4.3 - Determining the Scope of the OH&S Management System

The organisation determines the boundaries and applicability of the OH&S management system - what activities, locations, workers and operations are included. The scope must be available as documented information.

For more on this clause see ISO 45001 Clause 4.3 - Determining the Scope of the OH&S Management System.

ISO 45001 Clause 4.4 - OH&S Management System

The organisation establishes, implements, maintains and continually improves an OH&S management system, including the processes needed and their interactions, in accordance with the requirements of ISO 45001:2018.

For more on this clause see ISO 45001 Clause 4.4 - OH&S Management System.