Global Standards Assurance (GSA)
Safety First, Success
Always: Empowering
Workplaces with
ISO 45001
ISO 45001, the global benchmark for occupational health and safety, revolutionises the way organisations prioritise their most valuable asset – their people – by fostering a culture of safety excellence, ensuring legal compliance, empowering sustainable growth, and inspiring a future where every workplace becomes a sanctuary of protection and well-being.
WHAT IS ISO 45001?
ISO 45001 is a globally recognised standard for occupational health and safety management systems released in March 2018. Developed by ISO, it provides a robust framework for effectively managing workplace health and safety. With a proactive approach, it emphasises risk-based thinking, worker participation, and continual improvement. ISO 45001 is adaptable to various industries and sizes of organisations, ensuring its relevance worldwide.
It enhances employee well-being, reduces workplace incidents, improves compliance with health and safety regulations, and fosters a culture of safety. By following the guidelines of ISO 45001, organizations can effectively manage occupational health and safety risks, protect their workforce, and demonstrate their commitment to a safe working environment.
WHAT IS ISO 45001:2018 CERTIFICATION?
ISO 45001:2018 is a certification standard for occupational health and safety management systems. It ensures organisations proactively manage risks and prioritize employee well-being. Achieving ISO 45001 certification involves a comprehensive assessment by an accredited body, evaluating the organisation’s management system against the standard’s requirements. This certification showcases the organization’s commitment to safety and compliance, providing a competitive advantage and enhancing its reputation.
ISO 45001:2018 certification signifies an organisation’s dedication to employee health and safety. It demonstrates compliance with legal obligations, improves operational performance, and boosts its standing in the market. The certification is valid for a specified duration and involves periodic audits to ensure continued adherence to the standard.
THE BENEFITS OF ISO 45001
Improved worker safety
ISO 45001 focuses on identifying and addressing hazards, assessing risks, and implementing controls to minimize the likelihood of accidents, injuries, and occupational illnesses.
Legal and regulatory compliance
It helps streamline processes, reduce waste, and enhance resource utilization, leading to improved productivity and cost savings.
Reduced incidents and downtime
ISO 9001 certification opens doors to new markets, contracts, and tenders that require or prefer certified suppliers, expanding business opportunities.
Enhanced reputation
It enhances an organisation's reputation, both internally and externally. Commitment to ISO 45001 shows that the organisation values its employees' well-being and provides a safe working environment.
Enhanced risk management
ISO 45001 promotes a systematic approach to identify, assess, and control risks in the workplace. Small businesses can proactively manage potential hazards, reducing the likelihood of accidents, injuries, and business disruptions.
Reduced absenteeism and staff turnover
ISO 45001 helps minimise workplace injuries and illnesses, leading to decreased employee absenteeism. Additionally, a focus on worker well-being improves job satisfaction and reduces staff turnover, saving small businesses recruitment and training costs.
HOW WE CAN HELP YOU ACHIEVE ISO 45001 CERTIFICATION
Education and Awareness:
Offer educational resources, seminars, and webinars to create awareness about ISO 45001 and its benefits. Educate businesses on the requirements, implementation process, and the value of obtaining certification.
Gap Analysis:
Conduct a thorough assessment of the business’s existing health and safety management system against the ISO 45001 standard. Identify gaps and areas that require improvement to meet the certification requirements.
Documentation Guidance:
Assist businesses in developing and implementing the necessary documentation, including policies, procedures, risk assessments, and records. Provide templates and guidelines to simplify the documentation process and ensure compliance with ISO 45001.
Training and Workshops:
Provide training programs and workshops tailored to the needs of businesses seeking ISO 45001 certification and offer guidance on implementing effective health and safety practices.
Implementation Support:
Offer guidance and consultation throughout the implementation phase of ISO 45001. Help businesses establish and integrate processes for hazard identification, risk assessment, incident reporting, and control measures.
Pre-certification Audit:
Conduct a pre-certification audit to assess the readiness of the business for ISO 45001 certification. Evaluate the implementation of the health and safety management system and provide recommendations for improvement.
Certification Audit:
Perform the formal certification audit to evaluate the business’s compliance with ISO 45001 requirements. Assess the effectiveness of the health and safety management system and provide a certification decision based on the audit findings.
Ongoing Support:
Provide post-certification support to businesses to ensure the continual improvement of their health and safety practices. Offer guidance on conducting management reviews, monitoring performance indicators, and addressing non-conformities.
Regulatory Updates:
Keep businesses informed about any updates or changes in health and safety regulations relevant to ISO 45001. Provide guidance on adapting the management system to meet evolving requirements.
Promotion and Recognition:
Promote businesses that have achieved ISO 45001 certification through your marketing channels. Showcase their success stories to inspire other businesses and demonstrate the credibility and value of certification.
WHY GLOBAL STANDARDS ASSURANCE (GSA)
Competitive Pricing
We understand the financial considerations for businesses, especially small businesses. We offer competitive pricing for our certification services, ensuring that you receive exceptional value for your investment. Our pricing structure is designed to be cost-effective and suitable for organisations of various sizes and budgets.
Tailored Solutions
We understand that each business has unique needs and challenges. We offer tailored certification solutions to meet your specific requirements, ensuring that the certification process is aligned with your resources and objectives. Our flexible approach ensures a customized experience that suits your organisation's size, industry, and goals.
Expert Support and Guidance
Switching to us provides small businesses with access to our experienced team of auditors and experts who will guide you through the certification process. We offer personalised support, answering their questions and providing assistance at every step.
Marketing and Branding Support
We provide marketing and branding support to small businesses by highlighting their ISO 45001 certification on our website, marketing materials, and social media platforms. This increased visibility helps them attract customers who prioritize sustainability.
Value-Added Services
Beyond certification, we offer a range of value-added services to support your environmental management efforts. These may include training programs, workshops, guidance on best practices, and continuous improvement initiatives. We aim to be your long-term partner in enhancing your environmental performance and achieving sustainability goals.
Simplified Process
Our certification process is designed to be streamlined and efficient, minimising disruption to your organisation's operations. We provide clear guidance on the requirements and steps involved, making the certification process straightforward and manageable for your team.
ISO 45001:2018 CERTIFICATION PROCESS
Preparation
Familiarize with ISO 45001 requirements and conduct a gap analysis.
Documentation and Implementation
Develop and implement the OH&S MS to align with ISO 45001.
External Audit
Undergo an on-site audit by an accredited certification body.
Corrective Actions
Address any identified non-conformities through corrective actions.
Certification Decision
Receive ISO 45001 certification based on the audit results.
Surveillance
Participate in periodic audits to ensure ongoing compliance.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
ISO 45001 is relevant for organisations across industries that prioritize employee health and safety. It helps establish effective safety management systems, prevent accidents, comply with regulations, and improve overall safety performance. Certification demonstrates a commitment to employee well-being and enhances the organization’s reputation.
To prepare for ISO 45001 certification, organisations should familiarize themselves with the standard, conduct a gap analysis to identify areas of improvement, develop an implementation plan, gain leadership commitment, engage employees, update documentation to align with ISO 45001 requirements, implement operational controls, provide employee training, conduct internal audits, consider external assistance if needed, perform a pre-certification audit, and finally, engage an accredited certification body for the official certification audit. Following these steps will help organisations effectively prepare for ISO 45001 certification and ensure a successful implementation of the standard.
The main difference between OHSAS 18001 and ISO 45001 is that ISO 45001 follows a structure aligned with other ISO management system standards, utilizes a risk-based approach with a stronger focus on hazard identification and risk assessment, emphasizes the organization’s context and stakeholder needs, promotes worker involvement and participation, and places greater emphasis on continual improvement of occupational health and safety performance. ISO 45001 provides a more comprehensive and internationally recognized framework for managing occupational health and safety compared to the now-withdrawn OHSAS 18001.
ISO 45001 sets itself apart from other health and safety standards through its integration-friendly structure, proactive risk-based approach, emphasis on the organization’s context, strong focus on worker involvement, commitment to continual improvement, and international recognition. By adopting ISO 45001, organisations can benefit from a comprehensive framework that integrates seamlessly with other management systems, prioritizes risk management, considers the organisation’s specific context, promotes worker engagement, drives continual improvement, and demonstrates compliance with globally recognized best practices in occupational health and safety.
The time it takes to achieve ISO 45001 certification varies depending on several factors, including the size and complexity of the organization, the existing health and safety management system in place, and the level of readiness for compliance with ISO 45001 requirements. Generally, the process can take from 30 days to a year or more. It involves activities such as conducting a gap analysis, implementing necessary changes, developing documentation, training employees, conducting internal audits, and engaging with an accredited certification body for the official certification audit. The timeline also depends on the organization’s commitment, resources allocated, and the efficiency of the implementation process. Engaging experienced consultants or experts can help streamline the process and expedite certification readiness.
ISO 45001 is applicable to a wide range of industries and sectors. The standard is designed to be flexible and adaptable, ensuring its relevance to organisations of all sizes and types. Whether your industry is construction, manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, service-based, or any other sector, ISO 45001 provides a framework for establishing an effective occupational health and safety management system. By identifying and mitigating risks, complying with legal requirements, and promoting a safe working environment, ISO 45001 can help organisations in any industry improve their health and safety performance and ensure the well-being of their employees.
Selecting a certification body for ISO 45001 certification requires careful consideration. Start by identifying certification bodies that are accredited and recognized by relevant accreditation bodies. Research their reputation, experience, and expertise in conducting ISO 45001 audits. Consider factors such as geographical coverage, industry-specific knowledge, cost, and the level of customer support they offer. Request and compare quotes, review client testimonials, and seek recommendations from other organizations in your industry. Ultimately, choose a certification body that aligns with your organization’s needs, values, and goals, and can provide a reliable and credible certification process for ISO 45001.
Yes, ISO 45001 certification is recognised internationally. ISO (International Organisation for Standardisation) is a globally recognised standard-setting body, and ISO 45001 is one of its widely adopted standards. Organisations that achieve ISO 45001 certification demonstrate their commitment to managing occupational health and safety risks and complying with internationally recognized best practices. The certification is recognized and respected by businesses, governments, regulatory bodies, and stakeholders worldwide. It enhances an organization’s credibility, facilitates international trade, and demonstrates compliance with globally accepted standards for occupational health and safety management.
Yes, it is possible for organisations with limited resources or a small team to achieve ISO 45001 certification. The standard is designed to be adaptable to organisations of all sizes. While larger organisations may have more resources at their disposal, smaller organisations can still implement the necessary processes and controls to meet the requirements of ISO 45001. It may require careful planning, effective resource allocation, and leveraging external support or consulting services if needed. By focusing on the key elements of the standard and prioritising risk management and worker involvement, small teams or limited-resource organisations can successfully implement an occupational health and safety management system that meets the requirements of ISO 45001 and achieve certification.
ISO 45001 certification can greatly assist your organisation in securing new business and attracting clients. Holding this globally recognised certification showcases your dedication to upholding a safe and healthy workplace. It instils confidence in prospective clients, assuring them that your operations adhere to stringent health and safety standards. ISO 45001 certification sets your organisation apart from competitors, strengthens your reputation, and provides a competitive edge during tender processes. Clients are more inclined to choose a certified supplier as it reduces risks and demonstrates your ability to deliver excellent services while prioritising the welfare of your workforce.
Yes, ISO 45001 can be seamlessly integrated with other management systems. The standard follows the Annex SL structure, a consistent framework shared by various ISO management system standards such as ISO 9001 (Quality Management) and ISO 14001 (Environmental Management). This alignment enables organisations to harmonise their management systems, creating a unified approach to quality, environment, and health and safety. By integrating ISO 45001 with other systems, organisations can capitalise on synergies, eliminate redundancies, and achieve greater operational efficiency, leading to enhanced overall organisational performance.