In today’s ever-evolving and competitive business landscape, organisations recognise the importance of implementing robust safety management systems to safeguard their employees’ well-being and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. One such internationally recognised standard is ISO 45001:2018.

Today, we will aim to provide a brief understanding of ISO 45001:2018 and how it can be effectively used as part of your organisation’s safety management system within the Australian context:

What Is ISO 45001:2018?

ISO 45001:2018 is an international standard set by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) that provides a framework for organisations to establish, implement, maintain and continually improve an occupational health and safety (OH&S) management system. It replaces the older standard, OHSAS 18001, and is designed to work in harmony with other ISO management system standards, such as ISO 9001 (Quality Management) and ISO 14001 (Environmental Management).

The purpose of ISO 45001:2018 is to enable organisations to proactively improve their OH&S performance by:

  • Preventing work-related injuries, ill health and fatalities
  • Reducing OH&S risks and hazards
  • Enhancing employee well-being and satisfaction
  • Complying with relevant legal and regulatory requirements

Integrating ISO 45001:2018 into Your Safety Management System

Here are the steps you can take to integrate ISO 45001:2018 into your safety management system:

1. Obtain Top Management Commitment

Successful implementation of ISO 45001:2018 requires strong leadership and commitment from top management. They should actively promote a positive safety culture, allocate adequate resources and ensure effective communication throughout the organisation.

2. Establish a Project Team

Form a dedicated team comprising representatives from different departments and levels of the organisation. This team will be responsible for planning, implementing and monitoring the OH&S management system in line with ISO 45001:2018 requirements.

3. Conduct a Gap Analysis

Compare your existing safety management system with ISO 45001:2018 requirements to identify areas of improvement. Your goal is to develop an action plan to address the gaps and align your system with the standard.

4. Develop Policies and Procedures

Develop an OH&S policy that reflects your organisation’s commitment to providing a safe and healthy work environment. You must establish procedures to identify hazards, assess risks, implement controls, monitor performance and continually improve the OH&S management system.

5. Provide Training and Awareness

Ensure employees at all levels are aware of the OH&S policy, their roles and responsibilities, and the importance of their contribution to the system’s effectiveness. As such, provide training on the standard’s requirements, hazard identification, risk assessment and other relevant topics.

6. Implement the System

Execute the planned actions, integrate the OH&S management system into your organisation’s processes and ensure its effectiveness through regular monitoring and measurement.

7. Conduct Internal Audits and Management Reviews

Finally, regularly assess your OH&S management system’s performance against ISO 45001:2018 requirements through internal audits and management reviews. That way, you have a better understanding of what’s needed to be done and what can be improved upon.

Conclusion

All in all, implementing an OH&S management system that complies with ISO 45001:2018 can greatly benefit an organisation by improving workplace safety, reducing risks and accidents, and ensuring compliance with legal requirements. This process, as you can see, involves many steps, from identifying hazards and risks to assigning roles and responsibilities. Regardless, by following these steps, organisations can create a safer and healthier work environment for their employees while also demonstrating their commitment to maintaining high standards of occupational health and safety.

The ISO Council is a specialised consulting agency consisting of a group of experts with experience in top industry organisations. We offer comprehensive ISO certification solutions, focusing on creating, executing, and sustaining ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and other sector-specific standards. If you are looking for ISO experts in Australia, work with us today!