Occupational Safety and Health (OSH)
Ensuring the health and safety of employees is a legal and ethical responsibility for every organisation. This standard reviews how organisations monitor and improve their health and safety practices. It assesses compliance with legislation, risk assessments, training, reporting procedures, and governance structures that support ongoing safety and health in the workplace.
Assessors will look at how an organisation monitors and improves health and safety and looks for compliance with legislation and appropriate policies, considering risk assessments, training, reporting and governance structure are standards reviewed in OSH commitments.
There are three performance levels for each of the standards within the KeepWell Mark: Commitment, Achievement, and Excellence. To be accredited with the KeepWell Mark, the commitment level will need to be met for all 8 pillars. Once a company reaches commitment level, they can work towards reaching a higher level at their own pace and with guidance from our team of experts.
Commitment level
For companies that are starting out, the commitment level can act as a useful checklist to ensure legal obligations are met. There are seven standards that need to be met to obtain the commitment level for OSH. The topic guide that members receive gives insights and recommendations to assist in achieving this. An example of a standard and the required evidence can be seen below.
Standard: Relevant OSH policies and procedures are in place to demonstrate compliance with legislation.
Evidence: Evidence can include, but is not limited to: A Safety Statement which includes an OSH Policy, clear definition of roles and responsibilities and arrangements and details how OSH is managed in the workplace. Safety Statement should be signed and dated (reviewed annually - this review is dated within the last 12 months).
Achievement level
Having put the buildings blocks in place, companies that meet a further three standards can reach the achievement level.
Standard: Systems are in place for staff to raise and resolve OSH issues.
Evidence: An incident reporting system is in place and known to all employees. Evidence of action plans following incidents and accidents is apparent, including review of risk assessment.
Excellence level
To continue to build workplace wellbeing and by meeting an additional four standards, a company can work towards the excellence level, the highest achievement possible.
Standard: Appropriate (manager specific) health and safety training has been delivered to senior managers, directors and anyone responsible for managing people.
Evidence: Managers understand their responsibilities related to OSH, including:
- Awareness of current legislation and how it applies to them.
- Understanding of hazards and risks relating to their organisation.
- Monitoring of OSH performance, including accidents, incidents and other relevant metrics.
The Next Steps
The KeepWell Mark is the benchmark for national standards of workplace wellbeing in Ireland and the standards, guidance and resources to support understanding and implementation of these standards.
Benchmark your organisation by taking our free mini assessment or contact us to receive more information.