What is ISO 45001:2015 Certification?
ISO 45001:2018 is an international standard for occupational health and safety (OH&S) management systems. It provides a framework and a set of requirements that organizations can follow to establish, implement, maintain, and continually improve their occupational health and safety management processes. ISO 45001:2018 certification signifies that an organization has met the criteria outlined in the standard.
1. Scope and Applicability: ISO 45001:2018 specifies the general requirements for an OH&S management system that can be applied to any organization, regardless of its size, type, or the industry it operates in.
2. Health and Safety Management Principles: The standard is based on a set of OH&S management principles, including a commitment to protecting the health and safety of employees and others affected by the organization's activities, compliance with legal requirements, hazard identification and risk assessment, and continual improvement.
3. Structure: ISO 45001:2018 follows a high-level structure known as Annex SL, which aligns it with other ISO management system standards. This structure makes it easier for organizations to integrate multiple management systems, such as quality (ISO 9001) and environmental (ISO 14001) management systems.
4. Leadership and Commitment: Top management is expected to demonstrate leadership and commitment to the OH&S management system. This includes setting an OH&S policy, ensuring that OH&S objectives are established, and integrating OH&S considerations into the organization's overall business processes.
5. Risk-Based Approach: ISO 45001:2018 emphasizes a risk-based approach to OH&S management. Organizations are required to identify hazards, assess risks, and take appropriate actions to eliminate or control these risks.
6. Employee Participation: The standard encourages the active involvement of employees in OH&S matters. This involvement can include participation in hazard identification, risk assessment, and decision-making processes.
7. Legal Compliance: Organizations must identify and comply with legal and regulatory OH&S requirements applicable to their activities, products, and services.
8. Continuous Improvement: ISO 45001:2018 places a strong emphasis on continual improvement in OH&S performance. Organizations are expected to regularly evaluate their OH&S management system and take actions to enhance their performance.
9. Emergency Preparedness and Response: Organizations are required to plan for and respond to emergencies and incidents that could have an impact on the health and safety of workers and others.
10. Performance Evaluation: ISO 45001:2018 requires organizations to monitor, measure, analyze, and evaluate their OH&S performance. This includes conducting internal audits and management reviews.
11. Documentation and Communication: Organizations must maintain documented information to support the operation of the OH&S management system. Effective communication both internally and externally is essential for sharing OH&S information and concerns.
ISO 45001:2018 certification is not mandatory, but organizations may choose to pursue it to demonstrate their commitment to ensuring a safe and healthy workplace, reducing occupational risks, and complying with legal requirements. Certification involves audits by accredited certification bodies to assess compliance with the standard's requirements. Certification can enhance an organization's reputation, improve workplace safety, and reduce the likelihood of accidents and injuries.