Is there an ISO for health and safety?

In 2016/2017, poor health and safety accounted for 31.2 million working days which were lost due to work-related illness and workplace injury in the UK alone. Whether you are an employee, business owner or manager, it is clear that a consistent health and safety policy can safeguard yourself and your employees against harm.

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) provides a certification system that outlines measurable benefits and guides to ensure quality to numerous specific sectors and the ISO 45001 is a new specific standard for health and safety. It has been one of the most eagerly awaited standards in the world and has been recognised to be a milestone for companies for many reasons.

What is ISO 45001?

ISO 45001 is the first international standard and guide which deals directly with health and safety in the workplace as it focuses on occupational health and safety management systems. The focus is primarily on the employees’ physical and mental wellbeing at work as opposed to the quality management of the workplace systems and tools that are used.

Previous to ISO 45001’s introduction, the OHSAS 18001 was the most well-known benchmark for occupational health and safety. It is important to note, ISO 45001 is not a revised or updated version of the OHSAS 18001, but a completely new standard in itself. ISO 45001 focuses on the interaction between an organisation and its working environment, not simply the management of hazards. Fundamentally, it deals with both the risk and opportunities, whereas OHSAS 18001 deals solely with the risks presented by an organisation.

Why should you implement ISO 45001 in your workplace?

1. Applicable to businesses of any size

It was highly anticipated by employers and business owners as it can be applied to any type of organisation or business, whether you’re a start-up or an established company.

2. Integrates different aspects of H&S compared to other standards

By using the standard it enables your business to integrate other aspects of health and safety, such as your employees well-being, and use the most efficient measures to do so.

3. Good reputation

Integrating ISO 45001 into your organisation’s health and safety management systems will strengthen your company’s reputation as a safe place to work.

4. Low employee turnover and financially beneficial

The standard can offer businesses a variety of advantages, including: lower employee turnover rates, fewer incident-related costs (both financial and emotional), and fewer disruptions to your operations.

5. Improves employee morale

When the standard is used well within an organisation, it can improve company morale, as employers strive to show their commitment to both workplace safety, and the general well-being of their employees.

6. Worldwide compliance

By using the standard your organisation is compliant with current and updated legislation worldwide.

ISO 45001 represents a significant shift in the way health and safety is recognised. It works as a guide which looks at a companies’ health and safety procedures in a holistic way. It aims to take into account the risks, staff well-being, financial repercussions and opportunities that present themselves within your organisation. Used correctly, it can have a substantial impact on your organisation.