ISO 45001 - OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
Achieving a Safer Workplace for Organizational Success
ISO 45001:2018 is an internationally recognized standard for Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems (OHSMS). It provides a framework for organizations to identify and manage work-related risks to employees while proactively improving their Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) performance.
Everyone deserves a safe place to work in. Implementing ISO 45001 standards is not only beneficial but essential for fostering a safer and healthier work environment. Organizations must systematically assess hazards and implement risk control measures to achieve the certification.
The ISO 45001 certification is suitable for organizations of all sizes and industries, as occupational health and safety affects every employee within the company. This certification reflects your organization’s commitment to safety, providing a competitive advantage and demonstrating social responsibility. In today’s dynamic environment, adopting ISO 45001 can position your organization for sustained success, and SQC is here to support you every step of the way!
Key Elements of ISO 45001:2018
ISO 45001:2018 provides a structured framework for managing occupational health and safety to create a safe and healthy working environment. The key elements include:
Leadership commitment
Top management must take an active role in promoting and supporting the Occupational Health and Safety Management System.
Worker participation
Involve all workers in hazard identification, risk assessments, and decision-making processes, fostering a collaborative and inclusive approach to safety management.
Hazard identification and risk assessment
Organizations must systematically identify workplace hazards and evaluate associated risks to ensure appropriate measures are implemented to create a safer working environment.
Legal and regulatory compliance
Organizations must comply with applicable laws, regulations, and other requirements related to occupational health and safety.
Emergency planning
Organizations must establish and maintain procedures to prepare for and respond to potential emergencies.
Incident investigation
Thorough investigations of workplace incidents are conducted to identify root causes, improve the system, and prevent recurrence.
Continual improvement
Organizations must proactively seek opportunities to improve workplace safety and health practices.
By addressing these key elements, organizations can systematically manage occupational health and safety risks, ensuring a safer workplace for employees and stakeholders.
Benefits of Implementing ISO 45001
Implementing an ISO 45001 Occupational Health & Safety Management System offers significant advantages for your organization:
- Enhanced Reputation & Credibility: Achieving ISO 45001 certification highlights an organization’s strong commitment to health and safety. It assures stakeholders, fosters trust, and strengthens your company’s reputation as a responsible organization dedicated to maintaining a safe and secure workplace.
- Reduced risk of workplace injury: Implementing ISO 45001 standards enables an organization to identify and control workplace hazards, significantly reducing the risk of workplace injuries. This leads to increased productivity and lower costs associated with workplace incidents.
- Reduced Cost of Insurance Premiums: Organizations that adhere to ISO 45001 and demonstrate a strong commitment to occupational health and safety may qualify for reduced insurance premium costs.
- Regulatory Compliance: ISO 45001 helps ensure organizations comply with occupational health and safety laws and regulations, reducing the risk of penalties, fines and legal issues.
- Continual improvement of OH&S performance: Foster a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring long-term worker health and safety performance for sustainable success.
- Competitive advantage: By demonstrating the organization’s commitment to maintaining a safe working environment, ISO 45001 helps differentiate your organization from competitors. It positions your organization as responsible and reliable, making it more attractive to stakeholders.
ISO 45001 Framework and Requirements
ISO 45001:2018 has ten sections. Three sections are general information for your company about the standard and are not auditable. The certification focuses on the remaining seven key auditable sections:
- Context of the organization
- Leadership
- Planning
- Support
- Operation
- Performance evaluation
- Improvement
The evolution of the standard brought increased requirements for companies to demonstrate continual improvement, reduced risk, and provided overall focus on enhancing occupational health & safety performance using a process approach.
ISO 45001 — The Plan-Do-Check-Act Cycle (PDCA)
The Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle is the operating principle of all ISO management system standards, including ISO 45001:2018. This essential framework ensures that an organization’s occupational health and safety objectives are effectively addressed and supports continuous improvement.
Plan
The planning phase requires organizations to identify OH&S risks and assess their impacts in order to establish OH&S objectives, measurable goals and targets.
Do
During this stage, organizations identify the resources needed and assign personnel responsible for implementing and managing the OH&S, before executing the processes defined in the planning stage.
Check
During the checking stage, occupational health and safety performances are monitored and measured to ensure that the organization’s operational health and safety targets and objectives are met. Internal audits are also conducted at planned intervals.
Act
Based on the results from the checking stage, organizations conduct a management review to identify opportunities for improvement and implement changes to enhance the occupational health & safety management system continuously.
Professional ISO 45001 Consultant in Malaysia
At SQC, our comprehensive ISO 45001:2018 consulting services guide your business through each step of the certification, ensuring compliance with the ISO 45001:2018 standard and setting your organization up for long-term success. Our process includes:
Initial Consultation and Assessment
We conduct a thorough analysis to understand your organization’s goals, current practices, and desired outcomes with ISO 45001 standards. This helps us identify your unique needs and expectations.
Planning and Customization
We assist in developing a tailored plan for ISO implementation. This includes defining the implementation scope across relevant departments, setting timelines, and collaborating with your team to establish an effective schedule.
Gap Analysis and Policy Development
Our consultants conduct a thorough gap analysis, comparing existing processes with ISO 45001 requirements. We then assist in creating a customized documentation framework, revising policies, and aligning procedures to bridge identified gaps.
Training and Implementation
Working alongside your team, we support the rollout of new processes identified in the gap analysis. We will provide targeted training to ensure employees understand ISO 45001 standards, the importance of compliance, and their role in maintaining an occupational health and safety management system. We also establish an internal audit program to monitor progress.
Pre-Certification and Audit Support
Before the certification audit, we conduct a pre-certification audit to evaluate your organization’s ISO 45001 readiness. Our team helps implement corrective actions if needed and supports your selection of a reputable certification body. We will guide you through the final certification audit process to ensure success.
Continuous Support and Improvement
After achieving ISO 45001 certification, we will work with your organization to foster a culture of continuous improvement, conducting periodic reviews to maintain compliance. Our ongoing support ensures your OHSMS adapts effectively to changing needs and industry standards.
FAQs on ISO 45001 Occupational Health & System Management Systems
What is ISO 45001:2018 OHS Management Systems?
ISO 45001 is a globally recognized standard for Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems, providing a framework to manage and continuously improve Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) within an organization.
Why is ISO 45001 important for my business?
By creating a safer and healthier working environment, the standard enables organizations to eliminate or minimize potential risks, leading to reduced costs and improved operational efficiency.
What are the requirements for ISO 45001 certification?
To achieve ISO 45001 certification, companies must meet several requirements, including Context of the Organization, Leadership, Planning, Support, Operation, Performance Evaluation, and Improvement. These ensure a systematic approach to environmental management. Get in touch with our consultants to find out more.
How long does it take to achieve ISO 45001 certification?
The time required to achieve ISO 45001 certification typically varies from 6 months to 2 years, depending on the size and complexity of the organization. Get in touch with our consultants to find out more.
What is the difference between ISO 45001 and OHSAS 18001?
Both standards aim to improve workplace health and safety, but they differ in approach. OHSAS 18001 (Occupational Health and Safety Assessment Series) focuses primarily on risk management, while ISO 45001 expands its scope to include both risk and opportunity. OHSAS 18001 has been replaced by ISO 45001 and the transition deadline to ISO 45001 was in March 2021. Organizations that previously implemented OHSAS 18001 but did not transition before the deadline must restart the certification process to comply with the updated standard.
Can I apply for ISO 45001 without a consultant?
While it is possible to obtain ISO 45001 certification without a consultant, many organizations find that working with a consultant can streamline the process. Consultants provide expertise and resources, helping companies save time and ensure smooth implementation and certification.
Can ISO 45001 be integrated with other ISO standards?
Yes, ISO 45001 can be easily integrated with other ISO management systems as they all use the Annex SL structure. The most common integration is ISO 9001(Quality Management System) and ISO 14001 (Environmental Management Systems), allowing for a unified and efficient management approach across your company.
What is the cost of ISO 45001 certification in Malaysia?
The cost of ISO 45001 certification in Malaysia varies based on factors like company size, scope, and certification body fees. Consulting fees may also vary depending on the level of support needed, generally ranging around several thousand Ringgit Malaysia. Contact us to find out more.
Ensure Workplace Safety with ISO 45001 Certification
Protect your employees and ensure a safer working environment with ISO 45001 certification from SQC. Our expert consultants will guide you through the certification process, helping you reduce risks, improve safety protocols, and comply with international health and safety standards.
Ready to elevate your workplace safety? Contact us today to get started!