SWOT analysis in ISO 45001: Benefits

How does the SWOT analysis function?

Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats are abbreviated as SWOT. The SWOT analysis is a methodical method used by organizations to determine their internal strengths and weaknesses as well as the external opportunities and threats that may impact them. This method is used in strategic planning to assess a company's competitive position, enabling you to spot issues that can be resolved to resolve the immediate problems and unlock possibilities for the future.

Typically, top management uses the process as a brainstorming session to identify their strengths and areas for improvement. Generally speaking, if a problem is internal and beneficial, it is an organization's strength; if it is internal and detrimental, it is a weakness. Similarly, if a problem is external and has the potential to be helpful, it is an opportunity; if it can be detrimental, it is a threat.

Once identified, the problems are evaluated. Is there a way the business can take use of this for its internal strengths? Does the business need to address its shortcomings in order to prevent harm to the organization? Does the business wish to take advantage of external chances to try to capture these positive changes, even if it means taking some risks to do so? Does the business need to take any precautions against threats, depending on the probable repercussions, in order to avoid these negative risks from materializing?

How can the ISO 45001 OHSMS be used with SWOT analysis?

The application of a SWOT analysis technique can be used for three clauses in ISO 45001:2018. Finding the internal and external issues that are pertinent to the OHSMS is required by clause 4.1, "Understanding the organization and its context." The second is clause 6.1.2.2, "Assessment of OH&S hazards and other dangers to the OH&S management system," which requests that you evaluate additional risks to the OH&S management system (referred to as "threats" in the SWOT analysis). Finally, you must evaluate what you will do regarding opportunities for enhancing OH&S performance in accordance with paragraph 6.1.2.3, Assessment of OH&S Opportunities and Other Opportunities for the OH&S Management System. SWOT analysis can be used to identify the risks and opportunities that need to be analyzed, even though it is not used to evaluate risks and opportunities.

Therefore, you can discover the internal and external factors that affect your OHSMS and your ability to fulfill your OH&S performance goals if you conduct the SWOT analysis with a focus on occupational health and safety. Additionally, you can pinpoint the threats and chances that should be taken into account for the OHSMS's future. A tool that can be used to detect and classify these various OHSMS aspects is the SWOT analysis.