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What is ISO 45001? A Step-by-Step Guide to Health and Safety Management
Are you wondering what ISO 45001 is? If so, you’re not alone. Many people ask this question, and this guide will give you a clear and simple answer. We’ll cover the benefits of ISO 45001, its structure, key requirements, and how to achieve certification.
The Origins of ISO 45001
ISO 45001 is a global standard for Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems. It was introduced in 2018 to replace the older OHSAS 18001:2007 standard.
Before its development, a study was conducted to justify the need for this standard. The research identified a strong demand for a modernized framework.
This need stemmed from organizations wanting better alignment between management system standards. This led to the adoption of a “High-Level Structure” (known as Annex SL). It provides a shared framework for all management system standards, including ISO 45001.
According to a 2011 survey, more than 90,000 OHSAS 18001 certificates were issued across 127 countries. This proved the need for an updated and universal standard.
ISO 45001 was designed to:
- Help organizations provide safer workplaces.
- Be flexible enough to apply to any organization, regardless of size, type, or location.
- Specify key elements of a health and safety management system.
- Assist organizations in managing risks, improving safety, and complying with legal requirements.
- Align with other standards, such as ISO 14001 for environmental management.
What Is an Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OH&SMS)?
An OH&SMS is a framework that helps organizations care for the health and safety of their employees. It includes rules, policies, and processes for identifying and managing workplace hazards.
Every organization’s OH&SMS is unique. It must comply with legal requirements and address specific workplace risks. ISO 45001 provides guidance to help organizations create and maintain an effective OH&SMS.
Why Is ISO 45001 Important?
Workplace safety is a top priority for any organization. ISO 45001 helps reduce risks, prevent accidents, and protect employees.
Being certified in ISO 45001 shows that your organization values its employees. This improves your reputation with customers, partners, and the community. It also has financial benefits, such as reducing insurance costs and minimizing workplace incidents.
What Does ISO 45001 Include?
ISO 45001 has 11 sections. The first three cover the basics: its purpose, scope, and references. The next seven contain the standard’s core requirements:
Context of the Organization: Identifies internal and external factors that affect workplace safety. Includes the needs of stakeholders and defines the scope of the system.
Leadership: Requires top management to show commitment, set policies, and assign roles and responsibilities.
Planning: Focuses on identifying risks and opportunities. Includes hazard assessments, legal compliance, and setting goals.
Support: Covers the resources needed for the system, including staff training, communication, and documented procedures.
Operation: Focuses on controls to eliminate hazards and manage emergencies.
Performance Evaluation: Sets requirements for monitoring, measuring, and auditing the system.
Improvement: Outlines how to address nonconformities, take corrective actions, and continuously improve.
These sections follow the Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle. This approach ensures constant improvement in workplace safety practices.
How Can ISO 45001 Benefit Your Organization?
Implementing ISO 45001 offers many advantages, including:
- Better Reputation: Certification shows you prioritize employee safety, which improves relationships with customers and the public.
- Cost Savings: Reducing workplace incidents can lower costs related to insurance, lawsuits, and lost productivity.
- Data-Driven Decisions: Using accurate data for decision-making improves the effectiveness of safety measures.
- Continuous Improvement: The system encourages regular evaluations and improvements to safety practices.
- Employee Engagement: A safe workplace fosters loyalty and retention.
Transitioning from OHSAS 18001 to ISO 45001 brings additional benefits. These include better integration with business processes, stronger leadership involvement, and more focus on risk-based thinking.
Steps to Become ISO 45001 Certified
To achieve ISO 45001 certification, your organization must first implement a compliant Occupational Health and Safety Management System. Then, a certification body will perform an audit to verify compliance.
Here are the key steps:
- Management Support: Secure commitment from leadership to implement ISO 45001.
- Legal Requirements: Identify all legal obligations related to workplace safety.
- Scope and Objectives: Define the system’s boundaries and set safety goals.
- Hazard Identification: Identify and assess risks in your workplace.
- Document Procedures: Create policies and processes that meet ISO 45001 requirements.
Once the system is in place, it must operate for a period to demonstrate its effectiveness. During this time, records are generated to show compliance.
Final Steps Before Certification
Before the official certification audit, your organization must:
- Conduct an Internal Audit: Review your system to identify weaknesses and nonconformities.
- Perform a Management Review: Leadership evaluates the system’s performance and decides on improvements.
- Take Corrective Actions: Address any issues found during the internal audit or management review.
The certification process has two stages:
- Stage One: Auditors review your system’s documentation.
- Stage Two: Auditors assess your organization’s operations and compliance through interviews and observations.
Training Options for Individuals
If you’re an individual seeking ISO 45001 training, there are several options:
- Lead Auditor Course: A comprehensive course for those who want to conduct certification audits.
- Internal Auditor Course: A shorter course for individuals performing audits within their own organizations.
- Awareness and Implementation Courses: These provide an overview of ISO 45001 and practical advice for implementation.
These courses vary in length and depth, depending on your needs and goals.
