Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) | ISO 145001 Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA)

                          Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) | ISO 145001 Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA)

PDCA

Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA)

ISO 45001:2018, the international standard for occupational health and safety management systems, follows the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle to enable organizations to establish, implement, maintain, and continually improve their occupational health and safety (OH&S) performance. Let's explore each stage of the PDCA cycle in numbered detail:

Plan: The Plan stage involves establishing the framework for managing OH&S risks and opportunities within an organization. This includes:

• a)       Identifying OH&S hazards: Organizations assess the workplace and identify potential hazards and risks to employee health and safety.
• b)      Setting OH&S objectives: Specific goals and targets are established to improve OH&S's performance and minimize risks.
• c)       Developing plans: Strategies, actions, and resources are determined to achieve the defined OH&S objectives.
• d)      Legal and other requirements: Organizations identify and understand applicable legal and other OH&S requirements that must be complied with.

Do: The Do stage focuses on implementing the plans developed in the previous stage. Key activities include:

• a)       Resource allocation: Adequate resources, including personnel, training, and equipment, are allocated to implement the OH&S management system effectively.
• b)      Training and awareness: Employees receive appropriate training and awareness programs to ensure they understand their roles and responsibilities regarding OH&S.
• c)       Communication and consultation: Effective communication channels and mechanisms are established to engage employees, contractors, and other stakeholders in OH&S matters.
• d)      Operational control: Organizations implement controls and procedures to manage identified hazards and risks, ensuring the safety and well-being of employees.

Check: The Check stage involves monitoring and measuring the effectiveness of the implemented OH&S management system. This includes:

• a)       Performance measurement: Key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics are established to evaluate OH&S performance, track progress, and identify areas for improvement.
• b)      Incident reporting and investigation: Organizations establish procedures to report and investigate incidents, accidents, near misses, and occupational illnesses, aiming to prevent their recurrence.
• c)       Internal audits: Regular internal audits are conducted to assess the conformity and effectiveness of the OH&S management system.
• d)      Management review: Top management reviews the OH&S performance, compliance with legal requirements, and effectiveness of the management system to ensure its suitability and relevance.

Act: The Act stage involves taking actions based on the findings from the Check stage to continually improve the OH&S management system. Key activities include:

• a)       Corrective actions: Organizations identify and implement actions to address non-conformities, incidents, and areas for improvement identified during the Check stage.
• b)      Preventive actions: Proactive measures are taken to prevent potential OH&S hazards and risks, aiming to minimize the occurrence of incidents and accidents.
• c)       Continuous improvement: Lessons learned, best practices, and feedback from employees are used to drive ongoing improvement in the OH&S management system.
• d)      Review and update: Organizations regularly review and update their OH&S policies, objectives, and processes to ensure they remain relevant and aligned with changing internal and external factors.

By following the PDCA cycle, organizations can systematically manage OH&S risks, enhance employee well-being, and continually improve their occupational health and safety performance. ISO 45001:2018 provides a framework for organizations to establish robust OH&S management systems and achieve a safe and healthy working environment