Sustainable development goal 12

Chemicals are used for a variety of workplace tasks, from simple cleaning to complex chemical processes.

They have the potential to harm health temporarily or permanently. They may be used in solid, liquid or gas form; they may be naturally occurring, manufactured, or created as a by-product of workplace processes. An effective OSH management system, including performance monitoring and governance, will control chemical hazards at work.

In the context of environmental concerns and increased focus on the need for responsible resource consumption, the sound management of chemicals throughout their lifecycle makes a valuable contribution to preserving the environment and protecting human health.

The effective management of occupational chemicals contributes to the delivery of the following SDG targets:

• 3.9 substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination
• 5.1 end all forms of discrimination against women and girls - this direct measure relates to research identifying higher exposure to pesticides and other OSH issues among women in agricultural work, particularly in developing economies
• 11.6 air quality and…waste management
• 12.4 management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle…and significantly reduce their release to air, water and soil in order to minimise their adverse impacts on human health
• 12.5 substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse.

People and planet share a symbiotic relationship, whereby the protection of one is likely to contribute to the protection of the other. Nevertheless, certain industries still depend on the use of potentially harmful chemicals, particularly so in developing countries where certain worker groups are already disproportionately vulnerable to safety and health risks. While the need to shift away from chemicals harmful to human health and the environment has been acknowledged, this transition may take time. In the meantime, the responsible management and disposal of chemicals will offer protection to workers exposed to them.

The importance of managing risk, including that from chemical hazards as part of good occupational safety and health is recognised by its inclusion in IOSH’s competency framework.

We've used an ellipsis to show where we've cut down sentences to focus on the safety and health content.

An OSH management system (OSHMS) is simply the umbrella term for an organisation’s efforts to manage OSH effectively.

It covers all effort to prevent work-related injury and ill-health (covering both physical and mental health), to remove hazards, and to minimise OSH risks. It includes policies, management processes, procedures, performance measurement tools, reporting mechanisms, planning and project management processes, training provision, risk assessment and incident investigation.

The word ‘system’ should not be confused with a computer system or a digital application. In this context, the system is a documented collection of policies, processes, and procedures. Other business functions might also incorporate OSH elements into their processes (for example including safety and health clauses in procurement contracts or worker recruitment processes). These activities also form part of an OSHMS.

An OSHMS is a valuable part of an organisation’s governance. A strong system helps formalise the sustainable and inclusive protection of workers.

An effective OSHMS contributes to the delivery of the following SDG targets:

• 1.3 implement nationally appropriate social protection systems and measures for all
• 8.2 achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading, and innovation
• 10.3 ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome
• 12.6 adopt sustainable practices and to integrate sustainability information into their reporting cycle
• 12.7 public procurement practices that are sustainable
• 16.6 effective, accountable, and transparent institutions at all levels
• 17.10 promote a universal, rules-based, open, non‑discriminatory, and equitable multilateral trading system.

An OSH management system refers to the dynamic, varied, and coordinated set of components that enact an organisation’s commitment to safety and health. These efforts extend beyond the direct and immediate response to OSH risks and hazards to include structural, administrative, and governance arrangements. These enhanced efforts, be it in the shape of clear OSH performance reporting or the mandatory incorporation of OSH considerations in procurement processes, can make a valuable contribution to businesses’ broader sustainability efforts.

The importance of a management system as part of good occupational safety and health provision is recognised by its inclusion in IOSH’s competency framework.