ISO 45001 Consultation process

Answer: The ISO 45001:2018 standard does not have a specific requirement to have a workers’ representative assigned for the OH&SMS. Throughout the standard, the term ‘workers’ representatives’ is used, but always with the addition of the term ‘where they exist’. This is done because legal requirements in some jurisdictions require workers’ representatives for OH&S and if these representatives do exist they need to be included into the OH&SMS processes.

2. We made a survey to ask workers about the way that they preferred to communicate with them and they select E-mail, is it enough for participation with workers to use E-mail for asking them or informing?

Answer: Clause 5.4 on consultation and participation of workers is clear that a process needs to be put in place to meet certain requirements about getting the input of workers for the OH&SMS as well as informing them of OH&SMS information, telling you what needs to be done and not how to do it. So, if the email process you i dentified meets the requirements that are identified in clause 5.4 then this is an acceptable way of defining this process.

If you need some help in identifying all of the necessary documentation for ISO 45001:2018 see this free whitepaper “Checklist of mandatory documentation required by ISO 45001”: https://info.advisera.com/45001academy/free-download/checklist-of-mandatory-documentation-required-by-iso-45001