CB auditor discussion

Discussing with a couple team mates this week during an audit the word "emphasize" when reviewing "Consultation & Participation"

ISO 45001:2018 - 5.4 d) emphasize the consultation of non-managerial workers on the following:

ISO 45001:2018 - 5.4 e) emphasize the participation of non-managerial workers in the following:


Define "emphasize" .... What's it mean?

Not my normal wheelhouse, yet here goes...

In 5.4 (d), the use of 'emphasize' means that the organization needs to demonstrate a focus on non-managerial workers being actively involved - fostering a culture of meaningful engagement where the opinions and input of non-managerial workers are genuinely sought, considered, and valued.

In 5.4 (d), the use of 'emphasize' means the organization shows their commitment to actively involve non-managerial workers in decision-making and implementation - it goes beyond merely informing them or seeking opinions, but rather non-managerial workers have a role in shaping initiatives.

The repeated use of 'emphasize' indicates a strong importance on engaging non-managerial workers in the H&S programme (i.e., non-managerial workers are not passive recipients of safety policies, but rather actively engaged stakeholders). This aligns with broader principles of worker involvement, which are essential to promoting safety culture, identifying hazards, and implementing effective control measures.

From an auditing perspective, it becomes a bit 'grey' as one person's expectations of evidence around 'emphasize' will likely vary from another person's. Scrutinizing how the organization has practically demonstrated their commitment to emphasizing consultation and participation may be subject to interpretation, however, this may be easier by:

• examining documented processes;
• interviewing workers at different levels (and looking for consistency); and,
• assessing whether (or how) employee feedback has influenced decision-making and safety improvements within the organization.

RoxaneB said:

From an auditing perspective, it becomes a bit 'grey' as one person's expectations of evidence around 'emphasize' will likely vary from another person's. Scrutinizing how the organization has practically demonstrated their commitment to emphasizing consultation and participation may be subject to interpretation, however, this may be easier by:

• examining documented processes;
• interviewing workers at different levels (and looking for consistency); and,
• assessing whether (or how) employee feedback has influenced decision-making and safety improvements within the organization.

Click to expand...

Exactly as I argued, they help with input but don't necessarily make the decisions.........Decisions belong to leadership, not followership.

I don't know this standard, but when the standard or a normative reference does not define a term I tend to rely on ole Mr. Webster.

In your context, I'd agree, the final decision is Management's....after hearing from and considering the input of relevant non-managers.

Meaningless weasel word. Way too broad to have any auditable meaning. What the difference between "emphasize" and "include?"

Golfman25 said:

What the difference between "emphasize" and "include?"

Click to expand...

We can blame outside N America influence on standards development with that? Emphasize is verbal, include is physical from all the arguments I've seen.

Mike S. said:

the final decision is Management's....after hearing from and considering the input of relevant non-managers.

Click to expand...

As it should be.....Employees don't get sued or go to jail.

Mike S. said:

but when the standard or a normative reference does not define a term I tend to rely on ole Mr. Webster.

Click to expand...

They don't use Webster's across the Atlantic or the Pacific

Randy said:

They don't use Webster's across the Atlantic or the Pacific

Click to expand...

If the document is written in English would an English dictionary not be appropriate? Whether Webster or Oxford in this case I think it matters not.

Mike S. said:

Whether Webster or Oxford in this case I think it matters not.

Click to expand...

Oxford English can be different than Webster English, I've do some of my work using "The Kings English" in documents like last week's report.

Randy said:

Oxford English can be different than Webster English, I've do some of my work using "The Kings English" in documents like last week's report.

Click to expand...

Yes, but not for the word in question.

Randy said:

Discussing with a couple team mates this week during an audit the word "emphasize" when reviewing "Consultation & Participation"

ISO 45001:2018 - 5.4 d) emphasize the consultation of non-managerial workers on the following:

ISO 45001:2018 - 5.4 e) emphasize the participation of non-managerial workers in the following:


Define "emphasize" .... What's it mean?

Click to expand...

During the audit: was the organization being audited asked how they employed emphasis, or was this an abstract review of documentation without context?