Group Activity: Determining Scope and Context for OH&S Certification

🔍 Group Activity Title: #

“Determining Scope and Context for ISO Certification”

🧑‍🏫 Objective: #

To analyze a real company profile and simulate the process of determining its QMS, EMS or OH&S management system context, scope, and structure as per 4 Context of the organization of each standards

📝 Instructions: #

Group Formation:
Divide participants into small groups (3–5 per group).
Company Assignment:
Assign each group a company profile
a. Company 1
b. Company 2
c. Company 3
Provide basic info including:
- Business sector
- Core activities
- Locations
- Stakeholders (customers, workers, regulators)

🧩 TASK BREAKDOWN #

Step 1: Clause 4.1 & 4.2 – Analyze Context & Interested Parties #

✅ Deliverable: Group identifies and presents:

Internal Issues (e.g., manpower, production process complexity, resource availability)
External Issues (e.g., legal regulations, clients’ requirements, industry standards, global market pressure)
Interested Parties: List workers, regulatory bodies, clients, unions, shareholders, etc.
Needs & Expectations: Examples: safe working conditions, compliance assurance, reliable service, communication channels

Step 2: Identify Business Sector (EAC Code) #

✅ Deliverable: Group determines the EAC Code (based on IAF sector classification).
(You can refer to Module 1 Topic if needed.)

Step 3: Clause 4.3 – Propose Certification Scope Statement #

✅ Deliverable: Group writes a proposed scope of ISO Management System:

State activities, products, services
Define physical/organizational boundaries
Align with the needs, risks, and control mentioned earlier

Example:

“The IMS Management System applies to the design, manufacturing, and testing of electronic modules at the IMI Niš facility, in compliance with ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, ISO 45001:2018. It includes all staff, contractors, and processes under the organization’s control.”

Step 4: Clause 4.4 – Map Process Interactions #

✅ Deliverable: Draft a high-level process interaction diagram or list key process categories that interact with ISO management. Include:

Core IMS Process Categories (Integrated View) #

1. Risk & Opportunity Management #

Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment & Control (ISO 45001)
Environmental Aspects & Impact Assessment (ISO 14001)
Quality Risks & Opportunities (ISO 9001)
Business Continuity & Preventive Actions

2. Operational Planning & Control #

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
Process Control & Quality Assurance
Environmental Operational Controls (waste, emissions, resource use)
Safe Work Procedures (SWP) & Permit-to-Work

3. Incident, Nonconformity & Corrective Action #

Incident Reporting & Investigation (OSH)
Environmental Incidents (spill, discharge)
Product/Service Nonconformities (Quality)
Root Cause Analysis & Corrective Action

4. Emergency Preparedness & Response #

Workplace Emergencies (fire, injury)
Environmental Emergencies (chemical spill, pollution)
Business Disruption Scenarios
Testing & Drills

5. Legal & Compliance Obligations #

OSH Legal Register (OSHA, FMA, etc.)
Environmental Regulations (EQA, Scheduled Waste)
Customer & Regulatory Requirements (Quality)
Compliance Evaluation & Monitoring

6. Communication, Consultation & Participation #

Worker Participation (ISO 45001)
Customer Feedback & Satisfaction (ISO 9001)
Environmental Communication (stakeholders, authorities)
Internal & External Communication Channels

7. Supply Chain & Contractor Management #

Supplier Evaluation & Control (Quality)
Contractor Safety Management (OSH)
Environmental Requirements for Suppliers
Procurement Controls (including ESG considerations)

8. Competence, Training & Awareness #

Training Needs Analysis (TNA)
Competency for Quality, Environmental & Safety roles
Awareness Programs (policy, risks, impacts)
Certification & Licensing Requirements

9. Performance Monitoring & Measurement #

KPIs for Quality (defects, customer satisfaction)
Environmental Performance (emissions, waste, energy)
OH&S Performance (incidents, near misses)
Monitoring, Measurement & Data Analysis

10. Internal Audit & Management Review #

Integrated Internal Audit Program (QMS + EMS + OH&S)
Audit Findings & Follow-up
Management Review (strategic decisions, improvements)
Continual Improvement Actions