Should unique country or local legal requirements be more stringent than those of the OHS Manual, they will apply and be reflected in appropriate safety, industrial hygiene, and medical procedures. If country, region, or location legal requirements meet those of the OHS Manual, there is no need to replicate the OHS requirements.
Reconciliation between the OHS Manual and Local Procedures
There are two occurrences where there can be differences between the OHS Manual and local procedures - an adaptation and a deviation. The definition and process are specified as follows:
Adaptation: An alternate, equivalent method for compliance with a requirement or requirements of the OHS Manual. In no case, however, should adaptations compromise employee health and safety
1. The rationale for the proposed adaptation, including the alternate method for compliance, must be documented and submitted for approval to the location executive.
2. Once approved, by the location executive the documentation must be submitted to the CHQ Manager of OHS for awareness and review.
3. If there is disagreement on the effectiveness of the alternative measure the CHQ Manager of OHS will interface with the location OHS staff and management in order to resolve the issue.
4. If agreement and resolution of the issue cannot be achieved the matter will follow the normal business escalation process until resolution is achieved.
5. Once approved, adaptations should be reflected in the applicable country, region or local safety and health procedures within 15 working days.
6. Adaptations must also be documented in English, so they can be used as reference for auditing.