ISO 45003:2021 pdf download Occupational health and safety management — Psychological health and safety at work — Guidelines for managing psychosocial risks
5.3 Organizational roles, responsibilities and authorities Top management is responsible for the functioning of the OH&S management system and should clarify roles, responsibilities and authorities for managing psychosocial risk in the workplace. The effective management of psychosocial risks within a workplace requires workers with different roles to work together effectively (e.g. human resources, line managers, workers with specific OH&S responsibilities).
The organization should promote and support worker involvement in actively managing psychosocial risks. 5.4 Consultation and participation of workers Consultation and participation of workers and, where they exist, worker representatives is essential for the development, planning, implementation, maintenance, evaluation and continual improvement of healthy and safe workplaces and the success of the process(es) to manage psychosocial risk. In addition to the general requirements in ISO 45001 :201 8, 5.4, the organization should:
a) provide opportunities for feedback by workers to help the organization determine the effectiveness of the management of psychosocial risks;
b) encourage participation and engagement, e.g. in health and safety committees or peer-to-peer support networks if appropriate to the size and context of the organization. In smaller organizations, where formal worker representation can be lacking, this consultation process should be undertaken directly with workers. Consultation between the organization and workers should take place at all stages of managing psychosocial risk, taking into account the experience and expertise of workers. Both the organization and its workers have specific roles and responsibilities. Health and safety committees, work councils or other representation bodies also have an important role to play. Involvement in decision-making processes can increase a worker’s motivation and commitment to contribute to psychologically healthy and safe workplaces.
Being encouraged and supported to participate, rather than feeling forced to take part, is more likely to be effective and sustainable. Some of the concerns about engaging workers can include worries about pushback, negative attitudes, apathy and the sensitive nature of the impact of psychosocial hazards. Any of these concerns can come from unsuccessful past initiatives. For these reasons, care should be taken to address the concerns of workers and other interested parties when establishing the OH&S management system, and participation and consultation should be encouraged. Engaging worker representatives, where they exist, can help prevent or minimize worker concerns.

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