ISO 45001 is the first internationally recognised standard for occupational health and safety management systems. An occupational health and safety management system provides a framework for organisations to manage risk and provide a safe workplace for employees.
It is structured around a set of 10 ‘clauses’, designed to be applicable to all organisations, regardless of size or industry.
ISO 45001 was first published in 2018, after years of consultations and reviews with expert bodies. It replaces past standards such as OHSAS 18001, which was retired in 2021. The standard was most recently reviewed in 2022 and is on its 1st edition.
As a member of the ISO (International Standards Organisation) family, ISO 45001’s structure aligns with other well know standards such as ISO 9001 (quality management systems) and ISO 14001 (environment management systems).
Since being published in 2018, ISO 45001 has been joined by:
- ISO 45002 (focused on implementing the standard in small to medium sized organisations)
- ISO 45003 (focused on psychosocial risk)
ISO 45001 certification is fast becoming a requirement for many service providers, with clients becoming more concerned with social responsibility in work practices.
While the standard itself is not mandatory, achieving it is an indication that your organisation places a high priority on workplace safety.
EcoOnline have compiled a comprehensive guide that will give you a detailed understanding of the theory behind the standard, what potential benefits it can bring, and the best way to position your organisation to achieve it.
