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Ireland became the first EU country to formally recognise the ILO guidelines on occupational safety and health management systems (ILO-OSH 2001) on 30 November 2004, showing its commitment to improve working conditions and reduce occupational accidents and diseases. The Health and Safety Authority will take account of the International Labour Organization guidelines as a framework document which will be considered by the Health and Safety Authority when drafting guidance material.
Whilst several Asian countries (Indonesia, Malaysia, China) and multi-nationals ( ABB, Volkswagen, and a number of high profile enterprises in Japan follow the JISHA and similar tailored guidelines, such as Toyota) follow the principles of ILO-OSH 2001, the impact of Ireland adopting ILO-OSH 2001 could push other EU member States and enterprises of European origin to follow suite. Presently, there are discussions ongoing in France to have ILO-OSH 2001 as the only guidance for OSH-MS and a tripartite resolution by AFNOR - French Standards Organization - proposes this further to both the European Standards Organisation (CEN) and the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO). |
This also follows the ILO's own global strategy for OSH adopted at the International Labour Conference at it's 91st session, 2003 which stresses the implementation of a systems approach to managing occupational safety and health.
ILO-OSH 2001 is the only international model for occupational safety and health management systems (OSH-MS), compatible with other management system standards and guides and compatible with the national legal and inspection system. It reflects ILO values, such as tripartism and relevant international standards including the Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) and the Occupational Health Services Convention, 1985 (No. 161).
The ILO-OSH 2001 is unique as it is comprehensive and provides guidance for action at both the national level as well as the level of the organisation or enterprise.
At the national level, they provide for the establishment of a national framework for occupational safety and health (OSH) management systems. Action at national level includes the nomination of (a) competent institution(s) for OSH-MS, the formulation of a coherent national policy and the establishment of a framework for an effective national application of ILO-OSH 2001 as an integral part of national strategy for occupational safety and health.
Click here for the full text of ILO-OSH 2001 and more...