28
© ISO 2007 - all rights reserved
1317
Box 3 Joint labour-management health and safety committees
1318 For many organizations, joint labour-management health and safety committees are the most valuable part
1319 of the organizations health and safety program. Joint committees can perform important roles such as
1320 information gathering, the development of safety manuals and training programs, the reporting, recording
1321 and investigation of accidents, inspections and responding to problems raised by employees. Worker
1322 representatives on these committees should not be appointed by management but elected by the workers
1323 themselves. Membership in these committees should be equally divided among management and worker
1324 representatives. The committees should be of sufficient size for all shifts, sections and locations to be
1325 represented.
1326 1327
6.4.7 Labour practices issue 5: Human [resource] development
1328
6.4.7.1 Description of the issue
1329 Human development is the process of enlarging peoples choices by expanding human capabilities and
1330 functioning, thus enabling people to lead long and healthy lives, to be knowledgeable and to have a decent
1331 standard of living. Human development also refers to political, economic and social opportunities for being
1332 creative and productive and enjoying self-respect and a sense of belonging to a community.
1333 [With respect to labour practices, human development][As part of human development, human resource
1334 development] includes increasing the capacity and employability of individuals. Employability refers to the
1335 experiences, competencies and qualifications that increase an individual’s capacity to secure and retain
1336 decent work. As employers, organizations can play a major role in enhancing the employability of workers
1337 and can use workplace policy and practice to address important social issues, such as fighting
1338 discrimination, balancing family responsibilities and promoting health and well-being.
1339
6.4.7.2 Related actions or expectations 1340
An organization should: 1341
Provide access to skills development and training and opportunities for career advancement to workers
1342 on an equal and non-discriminatory basis;
1343
Respect the family responsibilities of workers by providing reasonable working hours and through other 1344
policies, such as childcare facilities and parental leave, that can help workers achieve a proper work- 1345
life balance; 1346
Not discriminate on any basis in employment practices; this includes recruitment, selection, access to
1347 training, promotion and termination;
1348
Take positive actions to provide for the protection and advancement of vulnerable groups such as 1349
indigenous and migrant workers as well as workers with disabilities; 1350
Establish or participate in appropriate programmes that address issues such as youth unemployment
1351 or the underemployment of women; and
1352
Establish joint labour-management programmes that promote health and well-being. The impact of 1353
infectious disease and substance abuse, for example, affect both the performance of the organization 1354
and the overall health of society. 1355
© ISO 2007 - all rights reserved
29
6.5. The environment
1356
6.5.1 Rationale
1357 The world is facing a host of environmental challenges, many of which are linked to population growth and
1358 development, such as the depletion of natural resources, climate change, pollution and the destruction of
1359 ecosystems.
1360 Environmental issues - from local to global - are interconnected, and addressing them requires a
1361 comprehensive approach. Environmental problems pose a threat to human security and the well-being of
1362 society. Environmental issues are closely linked to human rights, social development and other core issues
1363 of social responsibility. Many environmental issues transcend national boundaries, and no single state or
1364 sector of society can meet the challenge alone. All members of society should gather their collective
1365 resources and confront the issues with a spirit of unity and cooperation.
1366 Addressing environmental issues is not only a precondition for the survival and prosperity of our generation;
1367 it is a responsibility our generation should fulfil so as to enable future generations to enjoy a sustainable
1368 global environment. [An organization should be mindful that environmental responsibility is a part of the
1369 social responsibility of any organization.]
1370
6.5.2 Principles and considerations 1371
In addressing environmental issues, all organizations should respect and promote the following principles. 1372
[They are encouraged to fulfil their responsibilities as completely as feasible.] 1373
6.5.2.1 Environmental responsibility 66
1374 An organization should assume responsibility for harm to the environment caused by activities within its
1375 control or sphere of influence. [Society expects private and public organizations to be good neighbours.]
1376 Key elements that contribute to environmental responsibility include the following:
1377
Applying a precautionary approach; 1378
Acting to bring about compliance with nationalstatelocal laws, and where the laws are not sufficiently
1379 protective of the environment or not effectively enforced, operate in adherence to accepted
1380 international norms;
1381
Integrating environmental standards, codes and criteria in supply-chain management; 1382
Facilitating environmental technology development and transfer;
1383
Advancing environmental awareness, performance management and reporting in operations and 1384
locations; 1385
Communicating and maintaining dialogue with the local community on environmental impacts; and
1386
Sharing benefits equitably. 1387
6.5.2.2 Precautionary approach 69
1388 An organization should, wherever possible, apply the precautionary approach to protect human health and
1389 the environment. Where there are threats of serious or irreversible damage, lack of full scientific certainty
1390 should not be used as a reason for postponing cost-effective measures to prevent potential health impacts
1391 or environmental degradation. [In conditions of uncertainty, the use of tools such as life cycle analysis,
1392 environmental risk assessment and environmental impact assessment is particularly relevant.]
1393
