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4 min read

What is the ISO 45001 Standard?

Many businesses want their employees to feel safe at work. However, without the right framework, they often struggle to establish meaningful changes. As a globally recognised standard for OH&S, ISO 45001's adoption has successfully transformed safety practices for management, employees, and customers across industries.
Topics: ISO 45001:2018

Occupational health and safety management systems — Requirements with guidance for use
Published: 12-Mar-2018
Occupational health and safety management systems — General guidelines for the implementation of ISO 45001:2018
Published: 13-Feb-2023
Occupational health and safety management Psychological health and safety at work Guidelines for managing psychosocial risks
Published: 08-Jun-2021
Occupational health and safety management systems — Requirements with guidance for use — Amendment 1: Climate action changes
Published: 23-Feb-2024

Man in a suit pointing at a whiteboard on a construction site


So, 
what is ISO 45001, and how can it apply to your business operations? The Standard drives the creation and management of Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems (OHSMS), enabling organisations to identify and evaluate workplace risks and hazards effectively. This benchmark helps organisations reduce incidents, enhance compliance, and create a safer working environment by providing a structured, multifaceted approach to managing day-to-day health and safety risks. It's also designed for easy integration with other ISO management system Standards

 


Understanding ISO 45001: An Overview 

When the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) released ISO 45001 in March 2018, it marked a significant step forward in workplace safety management. Being the first internationally adopted ISO Standard for OH&S, ISO 45001 has created a baseline for organisations and employees around the world.

This Standard aims for industries to become proactive in instituting preventative measures for workplace accidents. It builds upon OHSAS 18001, incorporating new elements such as risk-based thinking, greater worker involvement, stronger leadership accountability, and a Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) methodology. The Standard can be applied industry-wide, providing a thorough yet adaptable approach to managing occupational hazards.

Understanding what the benefits of ISO 45001 are, and how to implement them effectively in your organisation will be explored in the following sections.

 


Does ISO 45001 Replace OHSAS 18001? 

Yes, OHSAS 18001 became invalid in March 2021, superseded by ISO 45001 in 2018. A key change between the two is how they handle workplace safety. OHSAS 18001 was primarily concerned with controlling hazards that were already present. ISO 45001, on the other hand, emphasises proactively managing risks and reducing potential losses.  

 


Why ISO 45001 Matters for Organisations?

So, what are the benefits of ISO 45001? The shift to proactive risk management brings numerous advantages for organisations of all sizes:

Improved Workplace Safety: This framework creates a proactive Plan, Do, Check, Act (PDCA) cycle to manage risks and mitigate accidents before they happen. 

Strengthened Legal Compliance: By implementing a compliant OH&S management structure, organisations can minimise the risk of legal penalties, costly legal action and reputational damage.  

Reduced Operational Costs: Workplace accidents and their associated consequences (including downtime, absenteeism, and staff turnover) impact productivity and profitability. ISO 45001 can help organisations reduce insurance premiums, legal expenses, and other compensatory-related costs.

Enhanced Global Credibility: Organisations that establish structured OH&S models, like ISO 45001 have a stronger competitive position with stakeholders, including customers, investors, suppliers, and employees worldwide.

Seamless ISO Integration: Designed with the Annex SL structure, ISO 45001 aligns perfectly with other ISO-integrated management systems 



Is ISO 45001 Mandatory or a Legal Requirement? 

Is ISO 45001 a legal requirement? Not exactly. ISO 45001 is a best-practice framework that complements legal compliance by guiding organisations to proactively manage risks and implement practical safety strategies, integrating leadership commitment, hazard identification, and continuous improvement.

 

2 Construction workers looking at documents on a building site


Key Features of ISO 45001 

So, what is ISO 45001 in practice? While its implementation varies across industries, the Standard is built on several core principles. 

These include: 

  • Understanding the Organisation and its Context
  • Leadership and Worker Participation
  • Operational Planning and Risk Management
  • Support and Communication
  • Performance Evaluations, Auditing, & Information Management
  • Continuous Improvement 



How to Implement ISO 45001 in Your Organisation

Now that we’ve outlined the core components, let's gain a deeper understanding of how to implement ISO 45001 within your organisation. 


Understanding the Organisation and its Context

Start with performing a gap analysis, assessing specific internal factors such as workforce skills and training, available equipment, and existing operational processes to align policies with legal and ISO 45001 requirements.


Operational Planning and Risk Management

Develop a plan by identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing solutions like retraining staff or upgrading equipment. Having a clear roadmap is crucial for operationalising ISO 45001.


Leadership and Worker Participation

An effective OH&S system requires strong leadership commitment and active worker participation. Establish policies, engage workers through consultation, and assign responsibilities that directly tackle the areas identified in your gap analysis.


Support and Communication

Successful implementation requires ongoing support and open communication. Provide necessary resources (financial, human, and infrastructural), ensure management actively oversees process and equipment changes, and establish clear communication channels to keep everyone informed.


Performance Evaluations, Auditing & Information Management

Maintaining a strong OH&S management system requires ongoing documentation. Regular internal and external audits should also be performed by trained, competent personnel or certified bodies with a full understanding of the ISO 45001 framework.


Continuous Improvement

Continuous improvement means turning setbacks into opportunities for growth. It's crucial to promptly identify the root cause of any incident, issue or nonconformity, take appropriate corrective action, and conduct changes to prevent recurrence.

Each step follows the PDCA cycle, creating a cohesive framework that’s easily adapted to meet any business needs. 

 

Construction worker smiling onsite

 

Common Challenges in ISO 45001 Implementation

Like any change in business operations, there may be difficulties. Challenges like resource allocation, budget constraints or even employee buy-in might hinder the implementation of OH&S objectives. Addressing these usually requires initiatives like securing early leadership commitment, demonstrating the ROI of improved safety, and actively involving employees in the OH&S process through training and feedback.


ISO 45001 Certification: What You Need to Know

To achieve certification, an independent certification body, like Intertek, will perform an audit to verify compliance with ISO 45001 and issue the certification. With Intertek’s tailored assurance, testing, inspection and certification services, organisations can navigate the certification process confidently while ensuring long-term compliance.

The audit process typically involves a two-stage process: a document review and an on-site assessment. After the on-site assessment, auditors compile a detailed report highlighting any instances of non-conformance. If found, the organisation must address them before certification can proceed. Once all requirements are met, the certification body grants ISO 45001 certification, valid for three years, with annual surveillance audits to ensure ongoing compliance.


Conclusion: The Importance of ISO 45001 for Workplace Safety

An ISO 45001 certification is a globally recognised, organisation-wide dedication to proactive management, open communication, strategic planning, consistent training, and a shared vision for workplace safety. If your team is ready for a safer workplace, visit the Intertek Inform and purchase ISO 45001:2018 today. 

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