Occupational Health and Safety in the spotlight

The work of ISO/TC 283, the ISO committee for Occupational Health and Safety Management, has been recognised with the prestigious Lawrence D. Eicher Award 2022. The award was presented by Ulrika Francke, ISO President and Sergio Mujica, Secretary General, at the ISO General Assembly in Abu Dhabi on 22nd September.

The award recognizes the significant contribution and superior performance of an ISO technical committee or subcommittee to the development of ISO International Standards. 

Some of the points highlighted during the deliberations of the nomination committee specific to ISO/TC 283 included:

• the best practices the committee has developed, particularly in terms of project management
• stakeholder engagement marked by a steady increase in participating countries including many developing countries
• development of ISO PAS 45005 in a record time (with involvement from 70 countries) highlighting ISO’s capacity to respond rapidly to important emergent issues such as COVID-19
• the committee’s effort to build skills and resilience amongst the leaders
• guidance material developed by the TC for members, on drafting for inclusivity and accessibility.

Responding to news of the award, committee chair and former LRQA colleague, Martin Cottam said: “I feel very privileged to work with such a great team of colleagues. I hope our whole committee will be motivated and inspired by this recognition, to redouble our efforts and maximise our impact, as there is so much more to do to help make the world of work safer and healthier”. 

Sally Swingewood added: “This award reflects real and sustained team effort by our members, many of whom have participated in large numbers of virtual meetings, often at antisocial times, to keep all of our projects on track. This committee constantly shows flexibility and a willingness to innovate.”  

Congratulations to Martin, Sally and the TC 283 team.