What is ISO 45001 and Why is it Important for Occupational Health and Safety?
What is ISO 45001?
ISO 45001 is an international standard for occupational health and safety management systems (OHSMS). It provides a framework for organizations to manage and improve their occupational health and safety performance, including the management of hazards and risks, compliance with legal and other requirements, and the promotion of worker health and safety.
ISO 45001 was published in March 2018, and it replaced the previous standard, OHSAS 18001. It is applicable to organizations of all sizes and types, and it is designed to be integrated with other management systems, such as ISO 9001 (quality management) and ISO 14001 (environmental management).
Why is ISO 45001 important?
The implementation of ISO 45001 can help organizations to improve their OHSMS, reduce the incidence of work-related injuries and illnesses, and enhance their reputation with stakeholders, including employees, customers, and regulators.
What are the benefits of an ISO 45001 system?
- Improved safety performance: Implementing ISO 45001 helps organizations to identify, assess, and control occupational health and safety hazards, reducing the risk of workplace accidents, injuries, and illnesses.
- Legal and regulatory compliance: ISO 45001 provides a framework for organizations to comply with legal and regulatory requirements related to occupational health and safety.
- Better employee morale and engagement: A safe and healthy workplace promotes employee satisfaction, motivation, and engagement. Implementing ISO 45001 demonstrates an organization's commitment to employee safety and well-being.
- Reduced costs: By implementing ISO 45001, organizations can reduce the costs associated with workplace accidents, injuries, and illnesses, such as lost productivity, medical expenses, and workers' compensation claims.
- Improved reputation: ISO 45001 certification can enhance an organization's reputation and demonstrate its commitment to safety and health to stakeholders, including employees, customers, and investors.
- Overall, implementing ISO 45001 can help organizations to create a safer and healthier workplace, reduce costs, and enhance their reputation, among other benefits.
What steps are involved in the certification to ISO 45001?
- Familiarize yourself with the standard: Before beginning the certification process, it's important to understand the requirements of ISO 45001. You can find the standard online or purchase a copy from ISO or your national standards organization.
- Develop and implement an OH&S management system: The next step is to develop and implement an OH&S management system that meets the requirements of ISO 45001. This includes identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing controls to manage those risks.
- Conduct an internal audit: Once your OH&S management system is in place, you should conduct an internal audit to identify any areas that need improvement. This will help you identify any gaps in your system and make any necessary changes.
- Select a certification body: You will need to choose a certification body to audit your OH&S management system and issue your ISO 45001 certificate. Make sure you choose a reputable certification body that is accredited by a recognized accreditation body.
- Schedule and conduct an external audit: The certification body will schedule an external audit of your OH&S management system. During the audit, the auditor will review your documentation, interview your employees, and observe your processes to ensure that your OH&S management system meets the requirements of ISO 45001.
- Address any non-conformities: If the auditor identifies any non-conformities during the audit, you will need to address them before you can be certified to ISO 45001.
- Receive your ISO 45001 certificate: If your OH&S management system meets the requirements of ISO 45001 and you have addressed any non-conformities identified during the audit, the certification body will issue you an ISO 45001 certificate.
- Maintain your certification: Once you have been certified to ISO 45001, you will need to maintain your certification by conducting regular internal audits and external surveillance audits. This will ensure that your OH&S management system continues to meet the requirements of the standard.