The core principle here is ensuring that the organization maintains control over its outsourced processes and the hazards associated with them, aligning with the intent of ISO 45001:2018 Clause 8.1.4. This clause mandates that when an organization outsources processes or activities to external providers, it must ensure that these processes are controlled in accordance with the OH&S management system. This control extends to ensuring that the external provider’s processes are subject to the same OH&S requirements as the organization’s own operations, or that the organization has established appropriate controls to mitigate any OH&S risks arising from the outsourced activity. The most effective way to achieve this is by integrating OH&S requirements into the procurement process itself, thereby establishing a contractual basis for compliance and performance monitoring. This proactive approach ensures that OH&S considerations are a fundamental part of the selection and management of external providers, rather than an afterthought. It also aligns with the organization’s responsibility to ensure that outsourced processes do not negatively impact its ability to achieve its OH&S objectives and policy.

The core principle of ISO 45001:2018 concerning procurement, contractors, and outsourced processes is to ensure that these external provisions do not adversely affect the organization’s ability to achieve its intended outcomes regarding occupational health and safety (OH&S). Clause 8.1.4, “Contractors,” and Clause 8.1.5, “Outsourcing,” are particularly relevant. These clauses mandate that the organization must establish and maintain a process to ensure that OH&S requirements are considered when procuring products, services, and when outsourcing activities. This involves communicating relevant OH&S requirements to contractors and those providing outsourced services, and ensuring that the organization’s OH&S policy and objectives are taken into account by these external parties. Furthermore, the organization must apply the same level of OH&S control to outsourced processes as it applies to its own processes. This means that the organization retains responsibility for the OH&S aspects of outsourced activities. The process for evaluating and selecting contractors and outsourced providers must include criteria related to their OH&S performance and capabilities. Ongoing monitoring and review of their OH&S performance are also crucial. The most comprehensive approach to fulfilling these requirements involves integrating OH&S considerations into the entire lifecycle of procurement and outsourcing, from initial planning and supplier selection through to contract management and performance evaluation. This includes ensuring that contracts clearly define OH&S responsibilities and that mechanisms are in place for communication, consultation, and continuous improvement. Therefore, establishing a robust framework that encompasses the entire lifecycle, from initial selection through ongoing management and performance review, is the most effective way to ensure compliance and maintain OH&S integrity.

The core principle of ISO 45001:2018 concerning procurement, contractors, and outsourcing is to ensure that outsourced processes and purchased products and services conform to the organization’s OH&S management system requirements. Clause 8.1.4, “Contractors,” and Clause 8.1.5, “Outsourcing,” are central to this. When an organization outsources a process that could affect its OH&S performance, it must ensure that the outsourced process is controlled. This control is achieved by establishing a process for the selection, evaluation, and re-evaluation of contractors and outsourced service providers. The selection criteria should include their OH&S competence and performance. Furthermore, the organization must communicate its OH&S requirements to contractors and outsourced providers, and monitor their performance against these requirements. This includes ensuring that they have appropriate OH&S management processes in place, are aware of relevant legal and other requirements, and are competent to perform the work safely. The organization retains accountability for the achievement of intended outcomes of the OH&S management system, even when processes are outsourced. Therefore, the most effective approach to manage OH&S risks associated with a contractor providing a critical maintenance service that directly impacts operational safety is to integrate OH&S performance criteria into the contractor selection and ongoing performance evaluation process, ensuring they demonstrate robust OH&S management capabilities relevant to the service.

The core principle of ISO 45001:2018 clause 8.1, “Operational planning and control,” specifically as it pertains to procurement, contractors, and outsourcing, is to ensure that outsourced processes, products, and services conform to the organization’s OH&S management system requirements. This involves establishing controls appropriate to the potential risks and opportunities associated with these external provisions. When an organization procures products or services, it must ensure that these provisions do not introduce new hazards or increase existing OH&S risks without adequate control. This is achieved by communicating OH&S requirements to suppliers and contractors, and by verifying that they meet these requirements. The standard emphasizes that the organization retains responsibility for the outcomes of outsourced processes to the extent that they affect the organization’s ability to achieve its OH&S objectives. Therefore, the most effective approach to managing OH&S risks associated with procured services, particularly those that directly impact worker safety, is to integrate OH&S criteria into the selection and evaluation of suppliers and contractors. This proactive integration ensures that potential OH&S performance is a key consideration from the outset, rather than an afterthought or a reactive compliance check. It aligns with the systematic approach of hazard identification, risk assessment, and control mandated by the standard.

The core principle being tested here relates to the integration of occupational health and safety (OH&S) requirements into the procurement process, specifically concerning external providers. ISO 45001:2018, Clause 8.1.4, mandates that an organization shall ensure that OH&S requirements are met by contractors and by other external providers when work is carried out under the organization’s control. This involves establishing criteria for the selection, evaluation of performance, and re-evaluation of external providers based on their ability to provide services in accordance with OH&S requirements. The process should consider the nature, scale, and risks associated with the work performed by these external providers. Therefore, the most effective approach to ensure OH&S compliance during procurement of services that involve hazardous operations, such as specialized welding in confined spaces, is to explicitly incorporate OH&S performance criteria into the selection and evaluation process. This includes verifying the contractor’s safety management system, their training records for personnel performing hazardous tasks, their incident history, and their proposed method statements for the specific work. Simply relying on the contractor’s general reputation or their compliance with general business regulations is insufficient to guarantee adherence to specific OH&S risks inherent in the contracted activity. A proactive approach that embeds OH&S considerations from the initial sourcing phase through to ongoing performance monitoring is essential.

The core principle of ISO 45001:2018 Clause 8.1.4, “Contractors,” is to ensure that work carried out by contractors is performed under the organization’s control and that the organization’s OH&S policy and objectives are considered. This involves establishing and maintaining a process for managing contractors, which includes determining the OH&S requirements for contractors and communicating these requirements. The process should also include evaluating the competence of contractors in relation to the OH&S risks associated with the work they will perform. Furthermore, the organization must apply its controls to contractors, monitor their performance, and address any non-conformities. The question probes the fundamental requirement for an organization to ensure that contractor activities do not negatively impact the organization’s own OH&S performance or create new hazards that are not adequately controlled. This is achieved by integrating OH&S considerations into the procurement and contractor management processes, ensuring that contractors are aware of and adhere to the organization’s OH&S requirements and that their competence is verified. The emphasis is on proactive management and control throughout the lifecycle of the contractor engagement, from selection to termination of the contract.

The core principle guiding the selection and management of outsourced services under ISO 45001:2018, particularly concerning occupational health and safety (OH&S), is the organization’s responsibility to ensure that the outsourced activities do not negatively impact its own OH&S performance and that the outsourced provider operates in a manner consistent with the organization’s OH&S objectives and legal obligations. Clause 8.1.4, “Contractors,” and Clause 8.2, “Outsourcing,” of ISO 45001:2018 are central to this. These clauses mandate that an organization must establish and maintain a process to ensure that OH&S requirements are considered when procuring goods and services, and that contractors and outsourced activities are managed to meet the organization’s OH&S requirements. This involves communicating relevant OH&S requirements to contractors and outsourced providers, assessing their OH&S capabilities, and monitoring their performance. The organization retains ultimate accountability for the OH&S aspects of its operations, even when parts are outsourced. Therefore, the most effective approach is to integrate OH&S criteria directly into the procurement and contracting processes from the outset, ensuring that potential providers demonstrate a commitment to and capability for managing OH&S risks relevant to the contracted work. This proactive integration is crucial for maintaining a safe working environment and achieving OH&S objectives.

No calculation is required for this question as it assesses conceptual understanding of ISO 45001:2018 requirements related to managing occupational health and safety risks associated with outsourced activities. The standard mandates that an organization must ensure that outsourced processes are controlled to achieve the intended outcomes of the occupational health and safety management system. This control is achieved by considering the potential risks and opportunities associated with the outsourced activity and ensuring that the contractor’s activities do not adversely affect the organization’s ability to meet its own OH&S objectives. Clause 8.1.4, “Contractors,” specifically addresses this, requiring the organization to establish and maintain a process to ensure that OH&S requirements are met by contractors and by those carrying out the work on behalf of the organization. This includes determining the OH&S requirements to be applied to contractors, communicating relevant OH&S requirements to contractors, and assessing the competence of contractors in relation to OH&S. The core principle is to integrate OH&S considerations into the entire lifecycle of the outsourced activity, from selection to ongoing management and termination. This involves a proactive approach to identify and mitigate hazards introduced by contractors or their work, ensuring that the organization retains responsibility for the OH&S performance of its outsourced operations.

The core principle of ISO 45001:2018 clause 8.1, “Operational planning and control,” when applied to procurement, contractors, and outsourcing, mandates that an organization must establish, implement, maintain, and continually improve a documented process to ensure that outsourced processes, products, and services conform to the organization’s OH&S requirements. This involves determining the controls necessary to manage the risks associated with these external provisions. Clause 8.1.4, specifically addressing “Procurement,” requires the organization to determine the controls needed to ensure that procurement processes and their outcomes are consistent with the OH&S management system. This includes establishing criteria for the evaluation, selection, performance monitoring, and re-evaluation of external providers. The organization must also communicate relevant OH&S requirements to these providers. Therefore, the most effective approach to ensure OH&S compliance when engaging external services is to integrate OH&S criteria directly into the procurement selection process and to maintain ongoing oversight. This proactive integration, rather than a reactive review of incidents, aligns with the preventive nature of OH&S management systems. The emphasis is on establishing controls *before* the work commences and ensuring continuous monitoring throughout the engagement.

The core principle being tested here is the integration of occupational health and safety (OHS) requirements into the procurement process, specifically concerning external providers. ISO 45001:2018, Clause 8.1.4, mandates that an organization shall determine and implement a process for ensuring that OHS requirements are met by contractors and by those providing goods or services on behalf of the organization. This involves establishing criteria for the selection of contractors and external providers based on their ability to manage OHS risks associated with their activities. The process should also include monitoring their performance and ensuring that OHS requirements are communicated and understood. Therefore, the most effective approach to ensure compliance and proactive risk management is to embed OHS considerations directly into the selection criteria and contract terms. This proactive stance allows the organization to vet potential providers for their OHS capabilities before engagement, thereby preventing potential hazards and ensuring alignment with the organization’s OHS policy and objectives. Simply relying on post-engagement audits or generic safety statements without pre-qualification would be less effective in mitigating risks at the source. The emphasis is on prevention and integration, not just reactive monitoring.

The core principle guiding the selection and management of outsourced services under ISO 45001:2018, particularly concerning occupational health and safety (OH&S), is the organization’s responsibility to ensure that the outsourced activities do not negatively impact its own OH&S performance or that of its workers. Clause 8.1.4, “Contractors,” and Clause 8.2, “Outsourcing,” are central to this. When an organization outsources a process or activity that could affect its OH&S performance, it must maintain control over that process. This control extends to ensuring that the contractor or outsourced provider operates in a manner consistent with the organization’s OH&S policy and objectives. This involves establishing criteria for the selection of contractors and outsourced providers that consider their OH&S capabilities, communicating OH&S requirements to them, and monitoring their performance. The organization must also ensure that its own OH&S management system addresses the OH&S risks associated with the outsourced activities. Therefore, the most effective approach is to integrate OH&S considerations into the entire lifecycle of the procurement and outsourcing process, from initial planning and supplier selection through to ongoing performance monitoring and contract termination. This ensures that OH&S is not an afterthought but a fundamental element of business decisions involving external parties. The organization retains ultimate accountability for the OH&S outcomes related to its operations, regardless of whether activities are performed internally or externally. This necessitates a proactive and systematic approach to managing OH&S risks associated with contractors and outsourced services, aligning with the intent of the standard to prevent work-related injury and ill health.

The core principle tested here is the integration of occupational health and safety (OH&S) requirements into the procurement process, specifically concerning external providers. ISO 45001:2018, Clause 8.1.4, mandates that an organization shall determine and implement a process for ensuring that OH&S requirements are met by contractors and by those providing products and services on behalf of the organization. This involves establishing criteria for the selection, evaluation of performance, and re-evaluation of external providers based on their ability to provide products and services in accordance with OH&S requirements. The process should also consider the potential OH&S risks and opportunities associated with the activities of external providers that could affect the organization’s own OH&S performance. Therefore, the most comprehensive approach involves not only defining OH&S criteria during selection but also establishing mechanisms for ongoing monitoring and evaluation of their OH&S performance throughout the contract lifecycle, including their compliance with relevant national and local OH&S legislation. This continuous oversight ensures that the organization maintains control over OH&S risks introduced by external parties, aligning with the proactive risk management philosophy of the standard.

The core principle guiding the selection of a contractor for a high-risk activity, such as the demolition of an old industrial building containing asbestos, under ISO 45001:2018 is the assurance of their competence to manage the associated occupational health and safety risks. This involves verifying not just their technical ability to perform the demolition, but also their demonstrated experience with similar hazardous materials, their safety management systems, their training records for personnel involved, and their compliance with relevant national and local regulations pertaining to hazardous waste disposal and worker protection. A robust due diligence process would include reviewing past performance on similar projects, checking certifications, examining their method statements for the specific task, and potentially conducting site visits or interviews with their safety personnel. The objective is to ensure that the chosen contractor has the capability and commitment to operate safely and in accordance with the organization’s OHS policy and legal obligations. Therefore, the most critical factor is the contractor’s proven ability to manage the specific OHS risks inherent in the proposed work.

The core principle tested here is the integration of occupational health and safety (OH&S) considerations into the procurement process, specifically concerning external providers. ISO 45001:2018, Clause 8.1.4, mandates that an organization shall establish and maintain a documented process(es) to ensure that OH&S requirements are met when changes are made to the organization’s OH&S management system, and when new or modified requirements are needed. This extends to the procurement of goods and services. When procuring services, the organization must ensure that the OH&S requirements are communicated to the service provider and that the provider’s ability to meet these requirements is evaluated. This evaluation should occur *before* the contract is awarded. The process should also cover the ongoing monitoring of the service provider’s performance against these OH&S requirements throughout the duration of the contract. Therefore, the most effective approach to ensure OH&S is integrated into the procurement of services from external providers is to incorporate OH&S criteria into the selection process and to monitor their adherence during service delivery. This proactive and ongoing approach aligns with the systematic risk management framework of ISO 45001.

The core principle here is the organization’s responsibility to ensure that outsourced processes and services conform to the OH&S management system requirements. This is explicitly addressed in clause 8.1.4 of ISO 45001:2018, which focuses on procurement. When an organization procures products or services, it must establish a process to ensure that they are conforming to the OH&S management system. This involves communicating relevant OH&S requirements to suppliers and contractors. The process should also consider the potential OH&S risks and opportunities associated with the procured items or services throughout their lifecycle, from acquisition to disposal. This proactive approach is crucial for preventing hazards and enhancing OH&S performance. The organization needs to determine the controls necessary to apply to the outsourced processes and services, considering the potential impact on its own OH&S performance. This includes defining criteria for evaluating suppliers and contractors based on their ability to meet OH&S requirements, and ensuring that these requirements are integrated into contracts and agreements. Furthermore, the organization must monitor and review the performance of its suppliers and contractors concerning OH&S, taking corrective actions as necessary. The emphasis is on maintaining control over outsourced activities to ensure they do not compromise the overall OH&S objectives and commitments of the organization.

The core principle here is that an organization must ensure that outsourced processes and services conform to the requirements of ISO 45001:2018. This is achieved by establishing controls over these outsourced activities. Clause 8.1.4 of ISO 45001:2018, “Procurement,” specifically addresses this. It mandates that the organization shall determine the controls necessary to ensure that outsourced processes and services conform to the OH&S management system. This includes establishing criteria for the evaluation, selection, performance monitoring, and re-evaluation of external providers. When procuring goods or services, the organization must communicate its OH&S requirements to the supplier. This communication can take various forms, such as contractual clauses, purchase orders, or specific technical specifications. The objective is to ensure that the external provider understands and can meet the organization’s OH&S expectations. Therefore, the most effective method to ensure conformity and communicate these expectations is through clearly defined contractual obligations and explicit OH&S requirements integrated into procurement documentation. This approach provides a legally binding framework and a clear reference point for both parties.

The core principle of ISO 45001:2018 clause 8.1.4, “Contractors,” is to ensure that work carried out by or on behalf of the organization is conducted under the same occupational health and safety (OH&S) policies and procedures as the organization itself. This involves establishing and maintaining processes to identify and control OH&S risks associated with contractors. When procuring goods or services, the organization must consider the OH&S implications of the entire lifecycle, from design and manufacturing to use and disposal. This includes ensuring that suppliers and contractors are competent to provide goods and services that meet the organization’s OH&S requirements. A critical aspect is the communication of relevant OH&S requirements to contractors and ensuring they understand and comply with them. Furthermore, the organization must monitor and review the performance of contractors concerning OH&S. The question probes the understanding of how to integrate OH&S considerations into the procurement process, specifically focusing on the proactive measures taken before a contract is awarded. The correct approach involves establishing clear OH&S criteria within the procurement documentation and evaluating potential contractors against these criteria to ensure they can meet the organization’s standards and legal obligations. This proactive evaluation is fundamental to preventing OH&S incidents arising from outsourced activities.

The core principle guiding the selection and management of outsourced services under ISO 45001:2018, particularly concerning occupational health and safety (OH&S), is the organization’s responsibility to ensure that the outsourced activities do not negatively impact its own OH&S performance or the OH&S of others within its sphere of influence. Clause 8.1.4, “Contractors,” and Clause 8.2, “Outsourcing,” of the standard are central to this. These clauses mandate that an organization must establish a process to ensure that OH&S requirements are considered when procuring products and services, and when engaging contractors or outsourcing activities. This includes communicating relevant OH&S requirements to contractors and ensuring that contractors are competent to perform the work safely. Furthermore, the organization must maintain control over outsourced processes and ensure they conform to the OH&S management system. The most effective way to achieve this is by integrating OH&S criteria into the procurement and outsourcing decision-making process from the outset. This involves evaluating potential suppliers and contractors not only on cost and quality but also on their demonstrated commitment to OH&S, their existing OH&S management systems, and their ability to meet the organization’s specific OH&S requirements. This proactive approach ensures that OH&S is a fundamental consideration throughout the lifecycle of the relationship, from selection to ongoing management, thereby fulfilling the organization’s duty of care and its obligations under the standard.

The core principle of ISO 45001:2018 regarding procurement, contractors, and outsourced processes is to ensure that these external activities do not negatively impact the organization’s ability to achieve its intended outcomes concerning occupational health and safety (OH&S). Clause 8.1.4, “Contractors,” and Clause 8.2, “Outsourcing,” mandate that the organization must establish a process to ensure that OH&S requirements are considered when procuring products, services, or when outsourcing activities. This involves communicating relevant OH&S requirements to contractors and outsourced providers, and ensuring that the organization retains the ability to influence their OH&S performance. Furthermore, the organization must ensure that outsourced processes are controlled to the extent necessary to achieve its OH&S objectives. This control mechanism is not about directly managing the contractor’s internal OH&S system but rather about ensuring that the contracted work is performed in a manner that aligns with the organization’s OH&S policy and objectives, and that potential risks associated with the contractor’s activities are identified and mitigated. This includes verifying that the contractor has appropriate OH&S competence and that their work does not create new hazards or exacerbate existing ones within the organization’s workplace. The emphasis is on the integration of OH&S considerations into the procurement and outsourcing lifecycle, from planning and selection to ongoing monitoring and evaluation.

The core principle of ISO 45001 regarding external providers, including contractors and outsourced processes, is to ensure that the organization maintains control over activities that could impact its OH&S performance. Clause 8.1.4, “Contractors,” and Clause 8.2, “Outsourcing,” are central to this. When an organization outsources a process or activity that could affect its OH&S objectives, it must ensure that the OH&S requirements are addressed in the outsourcing arrangements. This involves establishing criteria for the selection of external providers, defining the OH&S responsibilities of both the organization and the contractor/outsourced service, and monitoring their performance. The organization retains ultimate responsibility for ensuring that the outsourced process or contractor’s activities do not compromise the overall OH&S management system. Therefore, the most effective approach to ensure compliance and effective OH&S management is to integrate OH&S requirements directly into the procurement and contractual agreements with these external parties, thereby establishing clear expectations and accountability from the outset. This proactive integration is more robust than relying solely on post-engagement monitoring or general site rules, which might not fully capture the specific OH&S risks associated with the outsourced activity.

The core principle guiding the selection and management of outsourced services under ISO 45001:2018, particularly concerning occupational health and safety (OHS), is the organization’s responsibility to ensure that outsourced activities do not negatively impact its own OHS performance or the OHS of others. Clause 8.1.4, “Contractors,” and Clause 8.2, “Outsourcing,” of the standard mandate that organizations must establish processes to ensure that contractors and outsourced activities are managed in a way that is consistent with the organization’s OHS policy and objectives. This involves identifying and controlling OHS risks associated with these arrangements.

When an organization outsources a process that could significantly affect its OHS performance, it must retain the responsibility for ensuring that the outsourced process conforms to the OHS management system requirements. This means the organization cannot simply delegate its OHS obligations. Instead, it must implement controls to manage the OHS risks arising from the outsourced activity. This includes defining the OHS requirements for the contractor or outsourced service provider, communicating these requirements, and verifying their implementation and effectiveness. The organization must also consider how the outsourced activity integrates with its own operations and how potential OHS impacts are managed throughout the lifecycle of the arrangement. Therefore, the most appropriate approach is to ensure that the outsourced process is subject to the same level of OHS control as if it were performed internally, thereby maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of the overall OHS management system.

The core principle of ISO 45001:2018 Clause 8.1.4, “Contractors,” is to ensure that work carried out by contractors is performed under the organization’s control. This involves establishing and maintaining processes to identify and manage the OH&S risks associated with contractors and their activities. A critical aspect of this is ensuring that contractors are competent to perform the work safely and that their activities do not adversely affect the organization’s own OH&S performance. This requires the organization to have processes for evaluating contractor competence, communicating OH&S requirements to them, and monitoring their performance. The organization must also ensure that its own OH&S policies and objectives are considered when contracting out activities. Therefore, the most effective approach to integrate OH&S requirements into the procurement process for services that could impact the organization’s OH&S performance is to embed these requirements directly into the contract specifications and to verify their implementation through contractor selection and ongoing monitoring. This ensures that OH&S considerations are a fundamental part of the contractual agreement and are actively managed throughout the service delivery lifecycle.

The core principle being tested here is the integration of occupational health and safety (OH&S) requirements into the procurement process, specifically concerning external providers. ISO 45001:2018, Clause 8.1.4, mandates that an organization shall establish and maintain a documented process(es) to ensure that OH&S requirements are met when procuring products and services, and when contracting out activities. This involves considering the OH&S performance of external providers and communicating relevant OH&S requirements to them. The most effective way to achieve this is by incorporating these requirements directly into the contractual agreements. This ensures that the external provider is legally and contractually bound to adhere to the specified OH&S standards, thereby providing a clear framework for accountability and oversight. Simply relying on pre-qualification questionnaires, while a useful initial step, does not guarantee ongoing compliance. Auditing is a verification mechanism, not a proactive contractual control. Establishing separate OH&S procedures for contractors without embedding them in the contractual framework can lead to ambiguity and a lack of enforceability. Therefore, the most robust and compliant approach is to integrate these requirements into the contract itself.

The core principle of ISO 45001:2018 clause 8.1.4, “Contractors,” is to ensure that work carried out by or on behalf of the organization is conducted under the same occupational health and safety (OH&S) policies and procedures as the organization itself. This involves establishing processes to identify, assess, and control OH&S risks associated with contractors. When an organization outsources activities, it retains responsibility for ensuring that these outsourced activities do not adversely affect the organization’s ability to achieve its OH&S objectives. This means the organization must apply appropriate controls to outsourced processes and activities, considering their potential impact on workers, the workplace, and the overall OH&S management system. The organization must also communicate relevant OH&S requirements to contractors and ensure they have the competence to meet them. The ultimate goal is to maintain a consistent level of OH&S performance regardless of whether activities are performed internally or externally. Therefore, the most effective approach is to integrate OH&S requirements into the procurement and contracting process from the outset, ensuring that the chosen contractors can meet the organization’s standards and legal obligations. This proactive integration is crucial for preventing incidents and ensuring compliance.

The core principle tested here relates to the proactive identification and management of occupational health and safety (OH&S) risks associated with external providers, as mandated by ISO 45001:2018, specifically Clause 8.1.4. This clause requires organizations to establish, implement, and maintain a process to ensure that OH&S requirements are met when procuring products and services, and when contracting out activities. The process must consider the OH&S impacts of the procured products and services throughout their lifecycle, and the OH&S performance of contractors and other external providers. This involves integrating OH&S considerations into the procurement and contracting processes, from initial planning and supplier selection to ongoing monitoring and evaluation. The correct approach involves a systematic review of the OH&S risks inherent in the outsourced activity or procured product/service, considering factors such as the nature of the work, the competence of the contractor, the potential for exposure to hazards, and the control measures that will be implemented. This review should inform the selection criteria and the contractual terms, ensuring that the external provider is capable of meeting the organization’s OH&S standards and legal obligations. The focus is on preventing harm by ensuring that OH&S is a fundamental consideration before and during the engagement with external parties, rather than merely a reactive measure.

No calculation is required for this question as it assesses conceptual understanding of ISO 45001:2018 requirements related to managing outsourced processes. The standard mandates that an organization shall ensure that outsourced processes that affect its OH&S performance are controlled. This control is achieved by establishing a process for the procurement of goods and services that considers OH&S risks and opportunities. When procuring services, the organization must define the OH&S requirements for the service provider. This includes communicating relevant OH&S policies and procedures, ensuring the provider has the competence to deliver the service safely, and verifying that the provider’s activities do not negatively impact the organization’s own OH&S objectives. The primary objective is to maintain control over activities that could introduce new hazards or exacerbate existing ones, thereby ensuring the overall integrity of the organization’s OH&S management system. This involves a proactive approach to risk assessment and management throughout the procurement lifecycle, from initial specification to ongoing monitoring. The emphasis is on ensuring that the chosen provider’s operations are compatible with the organization’s commitment to providing a safe and healthy workplace.

The core principle of ISO 45001:2018 Clause 8.1.4, “Contractors,” is to ensure that work carried out by or on behalf of the organization is conducted under the organization’s control and influence, and that the occupational health and safety (OH&S) requirements are met. This involves establishing processes to identify, assess, and control OH&S risks associated with contractors. When considering the procurement of services, the organization must ensure that OH&S requirements are communicated to contractors and that contractors are competent to perform the work safely. This includes evaluating their OH&S management systems, past performance, and their ability to comply with relevant legal and other requirements. The organization must also monitor and review the performance of contractors in relation to OH&S. Therefore, the most effective approach to integrating OH&S considerations into the procurement process for external services, as mandated by the standard, is to proactively incorporate these requirements into the selection criteria and contractual agreements. This ensures that OH&S is a fundamental aspect of the decision-making process from the outset, rather than an afterthought. The organization must also ensure that it maintains its own OH&S responsibilities, even when delegating work to contractors. This involves understanding the scope of control and influence the organization has over the contractor’s activities.

The core principle here is the integration of occupational health and safety (OH&S) requirements into the procurement process, specifically concerning contractors. ISO 45001:2018, Clause 8.1.4, addresses “Contractors” and mandates that an organization shall ensure that OH&S requirements are met by contractors and by subcontractors. This involves establishing and maintaining a process to identify and control OH&S risks associated with contractors working on behalf of the organization, or in its workplace. The process should cover the entire lifecycle of the contractor relationship, from selection and engagement through to the completion of work.

When evaluating a contractor’s suitability, an organization must consider their demonstrated capability to manage OH&S risks relevant to the work being performed. This includes reviewing their OH&S management system, their track record, and their proposed methods for controlling hazards. Furthermore, the organization must communicate its own OH&S requirements to contractors and ensure they understand and comply with them. This communication is crucial for preventing incidents and ensuring a safe working environment for all. The selection criteria should therefore reflect a thorough assessment of the contractor’s OH&S performance and their commitment to meeting the organization’s standards, rather than solely focusing on cost or delivery timelines. A robust process would involve pre-qualification, ongoing monitoring, and performance evaluation, all underpinned by clear contractual clauses that specify OH&S responsibilities.

The core principle being tested here is the proactive integration of occupational health and safety (OHS) considerations into the procurement process, specifically concerning external providers. ISO 45001:2018, Clause 8.1.4, mandates that organizations shall ensure that OHS requirements are considered when procuring goods and services. This involves establishing criteria for the selection of external providers based on their ability to manage OHS risks associated with their activities and products. The process should not merely be a post-contractual review but an integral part of the selection criteria. Therefore, the most effective approach is to embed OHS performance indicators and compliance evidence as mandatory prerequisites within the tender evaluation framework. This ensures that potential providers are assessed not just on cost and quality, but critically on their demonstrated commitment and capability to uphold OHS standards relevant to the contracted work. This proactive stance aligns with the standard’s emphasis on preventing work-related injury and ill health by controlling risks throughout the organization’s value chain, including those introduced by external parties.

The core principle guiding the selection and management of outsourced services under ISO 45001:2018, particularly concerning occupational health and safety (OH&S), is the organization’s responsibility to ensure that the outsourced activities do not adversely affect its ability to achieve its OH&S objectives. Clause 8.1.4 of ISO 45001:2018, “Contractors,” and Clause 8.2, “Outsourcing,” are central to this. When an organization outsources a process or activity that can impact its OH&S performance, it must retain accountability for ensuring that the outsourced function is managed in a way that is consistent with the organization’s OH&S management system. This involves establishing criteria for the selection of contractors and outsourced service providers that include their OH&S capabilities and performance. Furthermore, the organization must communicate its OH&S requirements to these external parties and monitor their performance against these requirements. The objective is to maintain control over potential OH&S risks associated with these external relationships, ensuring that the organization’s commitment to providing a safe and healthy workplace extends to all operations under its influence or control, regardless of whether they are performed by internal personnel or external entities. This proactive approach prevents a diffusion of responsibility and ensures a comprehensive OH&S framework.