Here are three compelling reasons to implement ISO 23875 into your Occupational Health and Safety Management Program. (Spoiler alert: regulatory requirement is not on the list!)
1. International Consensus and Legal Defense
International mining companies drive the development of international consensus standards. When there is an international consensus standard like ISO 23875, it becomes the international best practice. In legal disputes, the best defense is compliance with international best practice. This is a double-edged sword: adopting the consensus standard represents the implementation of best practice, providing a compelling defense. Conversely, failing to adopt international best practice, particularly when it is a well-known international standard, weakens the defendant's case.
2. ISO 23875 is Auditable Under ISO 9001
ISO 23875 is an ISO standard auditable under ISO 9001. It contains a series of processes which, when implemented, protect the company because they are audited processes under ISO 9001. The result is a fully functioning, audited program of controls that continuously protects the operator and the mine owner. This represents the best possible approach to ensuring operator air quality integrity. ISO 23875 addresses the cab air quality system from initial engineering controls and manufacturing to performance testing and integration of the operator enclosure into site maintenance and the Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS). Because it is audited, there are regular opportunities to ensure the program is fully and successfully implemented throughout the organization by various stakeholders.
3. Adhering to Best Practices Beyond Local Regulations
Local regulations at the provincial, state, or federal level are not the most compelling reasons for international companies to adopt the standard. While occupational exposure thresholds for silica vary by jurisdiction, medical science, as articulated through the ACGIH total limit values, reflects occupational hygiene best practice. The 25 μg/m³ threshold limit represents the best practice for silica exposure. Local regulations with higher threshold limits are not compelling when best practice clearly indicates the insufficiency of the regulatory threshold. International companies are thus compelled to apply international best practice as a reasonable defense of their corporate practices.
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