ISO 45001:2018 Training

ISO 45001:2018 is the international standard for occupational health and safety management systems. It was published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in March 2018 and replaced the previous standard, OHSAS 18001:2007. ISO 45001:2018 provides a framework that organizations can use to establish, implement, and maintain an effective occupational health and safety management system (OH&S MS).

The Key Elements of ISO 45001:2018 standard include:

 Context of the Organization

Organizations are required to understand their internal and external context, including the needs and expectations of stakeholders relevant to the OH&S management system.

 Leadership & Worker participation

Top management is expected to demonstrate leadership and commitment to the OH&S management system. Worker participation and consultation are also emphasized to ensure the involvement of employees in decision-making processes.

Planning

Organizations need to establish objectives and determine the actions needed to achieve them. Hazard identification, risk assessment, and risk control processes are integral to the planning stage.

Support

Adequate resources, competency development, communication, and documented information are necessary to support the implementation of the OH&S management system.

 Operation

This section outlines the implementation of the planned processes and controls, including emergency preparedness and response, operational planning, and the management of contractors and suppliers.

 Performance Evaluation

Organizations must establish processes to monitor and measure their OH&S performance, conduct internal audits, and conduct management reviews to assess the effectiveness of the OH&S management system.

Improvement

Continual improvement is a core principle of ISO 45001. Organizations are required to take corrective actions, implement preventive actions, and strive for ongoing improvement in their OH&S performance.

Why an OHSMS System Important for an Organization?

An Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS) is important for any organization for several reasons:

 Worker Safety & Well-being

The primary goal of an OHSMS is to ensure the safety, health, and well-being of employees and other stakeholders. By implementing effective safety measures and risk controls, organizations can prevent work-related injuries, illnesses, and fatalities, promoting a safe and healthy work environment.

 Legal Compliance

OHSMS helps organizations comply with applicable occupational health and safety laws, regulations, and standards. It ensures that the organization meets legal requirements and avoids penalties, fines, and legal liabilities associated with non-compliance.

 Reduced Workplace Accidents & Illnesses

An OHSMS enables organizations to identify workplace hazards, assess risks, and implement controls to mitigate them. This proactive approach helps reduce the likelihood of workplace accidents, injuries, and illnesses, resulting in fewer lost workdays, reduced workers’ compensation costs, and improved productivity.

Improved Organizational Reputation

Demonstrating a strong commitment to employee safety and well-being enhances an organization’s reputation both internally and externally. It shows stakeholders, including employees, customers, suppliers, and regulatory authorities, that the organization values safety and is responsible in its operations.

 Increased Employee Morale and Engagement

A safe and healthy work environment fosters employee morale and engagement. When employees feel safe and confident in their workplace, they are more likely to be motivated, productive, and loyal to the organization.

Cost Saving

Implementing an effective OHSMS can lead to cost savings for organizations. Fewer workplace accidents and illnesses result in reduced medical expenses, insurance premiums, workers’ compensation claims, and costs associated with production disruptions and retraining.

 Continual Improvement

OHSMS promotes a culture of continual improvement in occupational health and safety performance. By regularly reviewing and evaluating safety processes, organizations can identify areas for improvement, implement corrective actions, and enhance their safety performance over time.

Conclusion

ISO 45001:2018 provides a systematic approach to managing occupational health and safety risks, promoting worker well-being, and ensuring legal compliance. It is applicable to organizations of all sizes and sectors and can be used to align OH&S management systems with other ISO management system standards, such as ISO 9001 (quality management) and ISO 14001 (environmental management). Obtaining ISO 45001:2018 certification demonstrates an organization’s commitment to occupational health and safety and provides assurance to stakeholders regarding its OH&S performance.