An Overview of ISO 45001

Danny Manimbo, principal and ISO practice leader at Schellman, answers the most frequently asked questions regarding ISO 45001 Certification, including its key elements, importance, and benefits.  

What is ISO 45001? 

ISO 45001 is an international standard that outlines requirements for an occupational health and safety (OH&S) management system. It provides a framework for organizations to manage risks and enhance OH&S performance through established criteria for policy, objectives, planning, implementation, operation, auditing, and review. 

Key elements of the standard include leadership commitment, worker participation, hazard identification and risk assessment, legal compliance, emergency planning, incident investigation, and continuous improvement. ISO 45001 employs the Plan-Do-Check-Act methodology to systematically address health and safety risks. 

 Additionally, ISO 45001 allows organizations to integrate aspects of health and safety, such as worker wellness and wellbeing. However, it does not cover product safety, property damage, or environmental impacts beyond risks to workers and other relevant parties. 

Why is ISO 45001 important? 

Implementing ISO 45001 offers significant benefits for organizations aiming to reduce workplace incidents and demonstrate their commitment to occupational health and safety (OH&S). Key advantages include: 

• International Framework: ISO 45001 provides a globally recognized framework for managing OH&S risks, allowing organizations to systematically assess hazards and implement control measures, leading to fewer workplace injuries and incidents. 
• Enhanced Commitment: Adopting the standard signals to employees and stakeholders that the organization prioritizes worker health, safety, and wellbeing, boosting reputation, morale, and retention. 
• Regulatory Compliance: The standard ensures adherence to OH&S regulations, promoting proactive risk management that can lower insurance premiums. 
• Emergency Preparedness: ISO 45001 strengthens organizational resilience by requiring protocols for emergency preparedness and response. 
• Continuous Improvement: Utilizing the Plan-Do-Check-Act framework allows organizations to continually enhance their OH&S systems, improving long-term health and safety performance. 

 In summary, ISO 45001 helps organizations better protect their workers and manage OH&S risks, making it an essential global standard. 

ISO 45001 Benefits: 

• Framework for systematically managing OH&S risks 
• Reduced workplace incidents and injuries 
• Demonstrated commitment to worker health and safety 
• Ensured compliance with OH&S regulations 
• Increased organizational resilience 
• Ongoing improvement of OH&S performance 

Who should adopt ISO 45001? 

ISO 45001 is suitable for any organization looking to establish, implement, and maintain an occupational health and safety (OH&S) management system. It aims to improve occupational health and safety, eliminate hazards, minimize OH&S risks (including system deficiencies), seize OH&S opportunities, and address nonconformities related to its activities. This standard is particularly beneficial for higher-risk industries such as construction, manufacturing, oil and gas, mining, and agriculture. 

 If you’re ready to pursue ISO 45001 certification or have additional questions about the requirements and process involved, contact us today and we’ll get back to you shortly.