ISO 45001 is the new international standard for Occupational Health and Safety. It outlines the standards of practice for protecting employees in the workplace. Every organisation is responsible for providing a safe and healthy workplace for all staff and visitors. ISO 45001 is a set of guidelines for evaluating the OH&S requirements of the workplace and implementing operational controls for the management and maintenance of OH&S policies and procedures.
The aim of ISO 45001 is to improve staff morale, increase productivity, reduce workplace incidences and maintaining the health of staff members. It does this by using a top-down approach, beginning with management demonstrating their commitment to the health and safety of all members of the workplace. This in turn filters down through all the layers of the organisation.
ISO 45001 processes identify risks which highlight all possible areas in which workplace safety policies may need to be implemented. This defines the scope of the management system required. Procedures and responsibilities are then assigned to address the identified risks, and measurement procedures are put in place to ensure risks are safely managed. Like ISO 9001 and ISO 14001, ISO 45001 defines the process for non-conformance incidents. They are then documented and any changes or updates to the policies and procedures are implemented. This process creates a continual improvement cycle that ensures that the OH&S management system continues to remain relevant and appropriate to the environment.
ISO 9001, 14001 and 45001 operate as an integrated system of management for the organisation to ensure the workplace is responsible, safe, efficient, effective and that the products manufactured are of the highest quality.
ISO 45001 certification is conducted by ISO accredited companies. They work with your organization in implementing the OH&S management systems and audit the ongoing process and utilisation of the system. Once the ISO accredited company is satisfied with the evidence provided that the organisation is operating and correctly documenting and reviewing their ISO system, they will supply the company with an ISO certification.
Working for or with an ISO 45001 certified company means that the company is committed to the safety of their environment and their workers. This in turn means that workers, will be happier, safer, and more productive. It also reduces the companies’ overheads such as insurance and sick leave. Overall an ISO 45001 certified organisation is committed to their staff, visitors and contractors and guarantees a safer, more efficient and effective operating environment for all of its members.