Implementation of ISO 45001:2018 at Henry Chehab Laboratory Beirut

Abstract

The laboratory workplace is an equipped place used for testing, analysis and experimental studies. It is concerned in clinical specimen’s tests in order to get information about patient’s health and aid in the disease’s diagnosis, treatment and prevention. In Beirut, there are more than 60 licensed laboratory and one of them is the Henry Chehab laboratory in Jnah area established in 2012. This laboratory is striving to become a leader in its own area and is aiming for quality excellence. So we are working together in order for it to become assessed against and certified to the newly published and developed ISO 45001:2018 standard. This standard consists of creating a safer and better workplace for all employees by eliminating hazards and risks present in the workplace and hence reducing workplace illness and injury. The aim of this study was to aid Henry Chehab laboratory fulfill the requirements of the ISO 45001:2018 standard. This is done by helping to identify and prevent the occupational risks and hazards present in the different laboratory units. An observation was conducted during a three month residency and rotation in the different sections of this laboratory. A gap analysis was conducted as a result of the observations. This gap analysis was done by comparison to the ILO Encyclopedia of OHS- laboratory labor standards-, the OSHA standards and the WHO’s laboratory biosafety manual. As a consequence an action plan aiming to improve the occupational health and safety management system at Henry Chehab was proposed.