ISO 45001:2018 is a standard developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) for occupational health and safety management systems. The bar provides a framework for organisations to manage and improve their occupational health and safety performance. This article will discuss what ISO 45001:2018 is and how it can benefit your business.

What Is ISO 45001:2018?

ISO 45001:2018 is an international standard that outlines the requirements for an occupational health and safety management system (OH&S). The bar is designed to help organisations of all sizes and industries to manage their health and safety risks and improve their performance.

ISO 45001:2018 replaces OHSAS 18001:2007, the previous international standard for occupational health and safety management systems. The new standard considers the latest developments in OH&S management practices and is aligned with other ISO management system standards.

Benefits of Implementing ISO 45001:2018

Implementing ISO 45001:2018 can provide several benefits for your business. Some of these benefits are:

Improved Occupational Health and Safety Performance

ISO 45001:2018 provides a framework for organisations to manage their occupational health and safety risks effectively. By implementing the standard, organisations can identify and control their health and safety hazards, prevent accidents and incidents, and improve their overall performance.

Compliance with Legal and Regulatory Requirements

Implementing ISO 45001:2018 can help organisations to comply with legal and regulatory requirements related to occupational health and safety. The standard requires organisations to identify and comply with applicable legal and regulatory requirements, reducing the risk of penalties and fines.

Increased Employee Engagement and Participation

ISO 45001:2018 encourages organisations to involve their employees in developing and implementing their OH&S management system. This can lead to increased employee engagement and participation, improving the system’s effectiveness and promoting a positive safety culture.

Enhanced Reputation and Brand Image

Implementing ISO 45001:2018 can enhance the reputation and brand image of an organisation. The standard demonstrates an organisation’s commitment to occupational health and safety and can be used as a marketing tool to attract customers and investors.

Reduced Costs and Increased Efficiency

ISO 45001:2018 can help organisations reduce their costs and increase efficiency by identifying and controlling their health and safety hazards. Organisations can reduce their insurance premiums, workers’ compensation costs, and downtime by preventing accidents and incidents.

Steps on Implementing ISO 45001:2018

Implementing ISO 45001:2018 requires a systematic approach to managing occupational health and safety risks. The standard provides a framework for organisations to develop and implement an OHS management system tailored to their needs.

The steps involved in implementing ISO 45001:2018 are:

Establishing a Management System

The first step in implementing ISO 45001:2018 is establishing an OH&S management system. This involves defining the scope of the system, identifying the relevant internal and external issues, and setting the OH&S policy and objectives.

Identifying Hazards and Assessing Risks:

The next step is identifying the hazards associated with the organisation’s activities, products, and services. This involves conducting a hazard identification and risk assessment process to identify potential health and safety hazards and assess the associated risks.

Developing Controls and Procedures:

Once the hazards and risks have been identified, the organisation needs to develop controls and procedures to manage them. This involves setting a hierarchy of powers, which includes eliminating the hazard, substituting it with a safer alternative, and implementing engineering controls, administrative controls, and personal protective equipment (PPE).

Implementing the System

The OH&S management system needs to be implemented across the organisation. This involves communicating the OH&S policy and objectives to all employees, providing training and awareness programs, and establishing procedures for monitoring and measuring the system’s performance.

Monitoring and Reviewing

The final step is to monitor and review the performance of the OH&S management system. This involves conducting internal audits, examining the effectiveness of the controls and procedures, and taking corrective actions to address any non-conformities.

Conclusion

ISO 45001:2018 is a standard that provides organizations with a framework to improve employee safety, reduce workplace risks and create better, safer working conditions. It provides a systematic approach to managing workplace health and safety, designed to help organizations protect their employees from harm and create a safe workplace. 

The standard focuses on continual improvement and on the organization’s internal practices and external influences to create a safer and healthier working environment. The standard is designed to apply to any organization, regardless of size, type or sector. Overall, ISO 45001:2018 is an important standard that provides organisations with the tools needed to protect their employees and create a safe and healthy working environment.

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