The Role of the Occupational Health and Safety Management System ISO 45001:2018 in Developing University Institutional Performance: A Case Study at the University of Kut

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the extent of implementing the Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS) in accordance with the requirements of the international standard ISO 45001:2018 at the University of Kut, by evaluating the reality of institutional performance related to occupational health and safety and measuring the level of compliance with risk prevention practices and the improvement of the university work environment. The study relied on a standardized checklist supported by a seven-point Likert scale to analyze the level of implementation and documentation. The results of the analysis showed that the level of implementation reached 69.8%, with a weighted mean of 4.19, reflecting a relatively advanced level of institutional maturity in adopting the requirements of the standard. Most of the system’s clauses are effectively implemented at the university, either through full implementation with partial documentation or full implementation without documentation. In contrast, the gap size amounted to 30.2%, which represents a development and improvement gap rather than a gap of absence, mainly concentrated in systematic documentation, specialized training programs, and the measurement and analysis of occupational health and safety performance. The study also revealed several strengths, most notably the commitment of university leadership to supporting the occupational health and safety management system, the adoption of clear policies, the existence of initial procedures for risk management and emergency response, as well as notable effectiveness in internal and external auditing and follow-up of review results, which enhances the credibility of the system and its capacity for continuous improvement. Conversely, the findings identified key weaknesses, particularly the limited comprehensive documentation of procedures and policies, the lack of regular training and awareness programs to promote a safety culture among academic and administrative staff, and a relative deficiency in linking occupational health and safety performance indicators with the overall institutional performance of the university. Accordingly, the study concludes that the University of Kut has moved beyond the initial adoption phase of ISO 45001:2018 and entered the phase of actual implementation. However, achieving full compliance requires additional efforts to strengthen documentation, build human capacities, and develop measurement and analysis mechanisms, thereby contributing to the improvement of university institutional performance, the achievement of a safe and sustainable educational work environment, and the support of the transition toward integrated institutional management based on international quality and occupational health and safety standards.