Status of ISO 45001:2018 implementation in Seaports: A Case Study

Seaports are global players in the maritime industry with the responsibility of promoting the well-being of employees and customers in the workplace. However, over the past years safety performance of seaports operating within the West African sub-region has become a major concern due to the lack of enforcement of national occupational health and safety regulations. This has compelled some seaports to adopt the occupational health and safety management system (OHSMS) ISO 45001:2018 standard. The aim of this study is therefore to assess the progress seaports have made in the implementation of ISO 45001:2018 standard and discuss the challenges that need to be overcome when implementing ISO 45001:2018 standard in seaports. Through the use of questionnaire, observations and review of institutional document, data was gathered from workers and senior managers of export, container depot and the stevedoring sections of seaports operating in Ghana. The findings of this study revealed that seaports within Ghana have made some progress with regards to workers’ awareness of occupational health and safety issues, usage of personal protective equipment (PPEs) and safe working procedures. However, it was also established that a lot more needs to be done to improve the current levels of communication, safety training and resources in relation to health and safety management. The findings of this research are useful to maritime institutions wishing to migrate from OHSAS 18001:2007 certification to ISO 45001:2018 certification or seeking to improve on already existing system.