ISO 45001 is a globally recognized standard that outlines the necessary criteria for establishing an effective occupational health and safety (OH&S) management system. Its primary aim is to enhance the well-being and safety of employees and other individuals involved.
Officially introduced in March 2018, ISO 45001 represents a significant advancement in the ongoing endeavor to enhance occupational health and safety (OHS) practices on a global scale. Published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), this standard empowers organizations to take proactive measures in preventing injuries, reducing health risks, and safeguarding their long-term sustainability.
ISO 45001 replaces previous standards related to occupational health and safety, such as OHSAS 18001. To delve deeper into the transition process and certification requirements.
Here are some key aspects of ISO 45001:2018
While ISO 45001 is a new standard, it builds upon the foundations established by OHSAS 18001. Companies that have already implemented OHSAS 18001 and actively practice it can expect a smooth transition to ISO 45001.
Here are the key improvements:
- Common Framework: ISO 45001 adopts the “high level structure,” aligning it with other management systems like ISO 9001 and ISO 14001, providing a consistent framework for organizations.
- Senior Management Responsibility: ISO 45001 emphasizes the role of senior management, similar to the revised ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 standards, promoting their active involvement in occupational health and safety.
- Inclusion of Non-Permanent Workers: ISO 45001 explicitly includes individuals not permanently employed, such as subcontractors and outsourced processes, expanding the scope of responsibility for the organization/company.
- Integration of SCC Certificate Elements: ISO 45001 incorporates elements of the SCC certificate, addressing the occupational health and safety aspects of individuals working under the organization’s responsibility but not as permanent employees.
- Focus on Opportunities: ISO 45001 introduces the concept of “opportunities” in occupational health and safety, going beyond the traditional approach of risk elimination or minimization, encompassing broader issues.
ISO 45001 builds upon OHSAS 18001, aligns with other management systems, emphasizes senior management responsibility, includes non-permanent workers, integrates SCC certificate elements, and introduces a focus on opportunities in occupational health and safety.
What is the Key Benefits of Occupational Health and Safety Management?
ISO 45001 certification offers numerous advantages to organizations:
- Enhanced workplace safety: Implementing ISO 45001 helps organizations systematically identify and address occupational health and safety risks, leading to a safer work environment for employees and personnel.
- Legal compliance: ISO 45001 ensures organizations meet legal and regulatory requirements related to occupational health and safety, reducing the risk of penalties and legal issues.
- Improved employee well-being: ISO 45001 emphasizes employee engagement, consultation, and communication, promoting a culture of involvement and well-being in occupational health and safety matters.
- Increased productivity: By proactively managing occupational health and safety risks, organizations can reduce accidents, absenteeism, and downtime, resulting in improved productivity levels.
- Competitive advantage: ISO 45001 certification enhances an organization’s reputation and credibility, giving it a competitive edge when bidding for contracts and attracting customers who prioritize working with safety-conscious organizations.
- Cost savings: ISO 45001 helps organizations prevent accidents, injuries, and associated costs, such as medical expenses, compensation claims, and insurance premiums. Effective risk management also minimizes disruptions and downtime, leading to cost savings.
- International recognition: ISO 45001 is globally recognized, providing organizations with international recognition for their commitment to occupational health and safety. This recognition can facilitate business expansion and collaboration with international partners.
Overall, ISO 45001 certification ensures workplace safety, legal compliance, employee well-being, productivity gains, competitive advantage, cost savings, and international recognition for organizations.
STEPS TO YOUR ISO 45001 CERTIFICATION
Prior to commencing the certification process, it is essential for your organization to establish and implement a quality management system that adheres to the requirements of ISO 45001. Furthermore, it is crucial to thoroughly document the effectiveness of this system.
For the certification process itself, the following steps have been established:
- By submitting an inquiry form, you can help us identify the scope, size, and complexity of your firm. This information is crucial in determining the most suitable pricing options for you. Once we receive your inquiry, we will assign a dedicated client manager to assist you throughout the process.
- Amity TC conducts a thorough documentation review audit, evaluating your organization’s documentation and company records.
- Amity TC conducts an on-site audit to assess the alignment of your organization’s actual activities with ISO 45001 requirements and company records.
- Closing the gap entails your organization identifying and implementing measures to address the root cause of any non-conformances identified during the audit process.
- Amity TC grants the ISO 45001 certification along with the certification mark upon successful completion of the certification process.
- Surveillance audits are conducted annually to ensure the ongoing validity of the certification. These audits are a requirement for maintaining certification.
Accreditation
- Amity TC is accredited under ASCB Accreditation (Accreditation Service for Certifying Bodies) in accordance with the requirements of ISO/IEC 17021 Conformity assessment.