Iso 45001 2018

ISO 45001:2018 is an internationally recognized standard designed to enhance workplace safety and health through effective Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems (OHSMS). Introduced in March 2018, this standard represents a significant advancement in global efforts to improve occupational health and safety (OH&S), helping organizations proactively reduce risks and improve overall employee well-being.

Published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), ISO 45001:2018 replaces earlier standards, such as OHSAS 18001. Organizations currently certified under OHSAS 18001 are required to transition to ISO 45001 by March 2021 to maintain their certification status. For detailed information on the certification process and transition requirements, consider downloading our complimentary whitepaper.

Key Benefits of ISO 45001 Certification

In today’s competitive marketplace, effective management of occupational health and safety risks is crucial for organizational success. Achieving ISO 45001 certification provides numerous benefits:

  1. Enhanced Employee Safety: A focus on risk reduction leads to fewer workplace injuries and incidents.
  2. Regulatory Compliance: Improve your organization’s ability to meet regulatory requirements and avoid penalties.
  3. Cost Reduction: Decrease the costs associated with health and safety incidents, including insurance premiums.
  4. Operational Continuity: Minimize downtime and disruptions to operations, enhancing productivity.
  5. Employee Engagement: Foster a culture of safety that boosts employee morale and satisfaction.
  6. Global Recognition: Gain international credibility in health and safety practices.

Features of ISO 45001:2018

While ISO 45001:2018 is a new standard, it builds on the foundation established by OHSAS 18001. Organizations already familiar with OHSAS can expect a smoother transition. Here are some notable features:

  • High-Level Structure: ISO 45001 follows a high-level structure that aligns with other management system standards like ISO 9001 (Quality Management) and ISO 14001 (Environmental Management), promoting integration across various management systems.
  • Management Responsibility: The standard emphasizes the role of senior management in promoting and supporting health and safety initiatives, a practice already seen in revised ISO standards.
  • Inclusivity: ISO 45001 extends its reach beyond permanent employees, explicitly including subcontractors and outsourced processes under the organization’s responsibility.
  • Focus on Opportunities: The standard introduces the concept of “opportunities” in addition to merely addressing risks, promoting a proactive approach to workplace health and safety.

Steps to Get ISO 45001 Certification

To successfully obtain ISO 45001:2018 certification, follow these essential steps:

  1. Top Management Commitment: Secure the commitment of senior management to support the implementation of the OHSMS.
  2. Familiarization: Understand the objectives and requirements of the ISO 45001 standard through training and resources.
  3. Gap Analysis: Conduct a thorough assessment to identify any gaps between current practices and ISO 45001 requirements.
  4. Implementation: Develop and implement measures to meet the standard’s requirements effectively.
  5. Documentation: Maintain comprehensive records of processes, procedures, and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to demonstrate compliance and effectiveness.

Certification Process with Compliance Calendar LLP

Compliance Calendar LLP is an internationally accredited certification body with extensive experience in auditing against ISO standards, including ISO 45001. Our certification process involves:

  • Document Review: Evaluating the organization’s documentation to ensure systematic control of processes relevant to ISO 45001.
  • On-Site Audit: Conducting interviews and inspections to verify that ISO 45001 requirements are effectively implemented in practice. This includes reviewing training records, complaint management systems, and improvement initiatives.

Upon successful completion of the audit, organizations receive the certification mark, a globally recognized symbol of quality and safety.

ISO 45001:2018 is essential for organizations aiming to enhance their occupational health and safety management. By committing to this standard, businesses can protect their employees, reduce risks, and foster a culture of safety, leading to long-term success. For further information on the certification process and how to get started, don’t hesitate to reach out or download our informative whitepaper

Have Queries? Talk to us!

  

Frequently Asked Questions

ISO 45001:2018 is an international standard that specifies requirements for an Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS), aimed at improving employee safety, reducing workplace risks, and enhancing overall organizational health and safety performance.

Organizations of any size and industry that want to improve their occupational health and safety practices can benefit from ISO 45001:2018 certification. This includes manufacturers, service providers, and contractors.

Key changes include a stronger emphasis on leadership and worker participation, a focus on the context of the organization, and the introduction of a risk-based approach that includes both risks and opportunities in managing health and safety.

The standard promotes proactive risk management, enhances worker involvement, and establishes a framework for continuous improvement, helping organizations identify and mitigate hazards before they result in incidents.

The process typically involves securing management commitment, conducting a gap analysis, implementing necessary changes to comply with the standard, documenting processes, and undergoing a certification audit by a recognized certification body.

The timeline for certification varies by organization but generally takes three to six months, depending on the complexity of the organization’s operations and the maturity of existing health and safety practices.

No, certification is not mandatory. However, many organizations pursue it to demonstrate commitment to employee safety and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, as well as to enhance their market competitiveness.

Organizations must undergo re-certification audits every three years to maintain their ISO 45001:2018 certification. Additionally, surveillance audits are typically conducted annually to ensure ongoing compliance.

Resources include ISO’s official publications, training courses, consultancy services, and guidelines from various organizations that can assist in understanding and applying the standard effectively.

Yes, small businesses can achieve ISO 45001:2018 certification. The standard is designed to be scalable, making it applicable and beneficial for organizations of all sizes and types.