Why was there a need for a global OH&S Standard?
People are the core of any organization. Their motivation and commitment allow businesses to thrive, with happy and healthy employees greatly contributing to ongoing success in any industry. Not only would these organizations flourish, they're also likely to see longer staff retention rates, high productivity and a drive to continually learn and develop skills.
There was a gap in knowledge for many companies, who needed guidance to support their employees the best they could. ISO 45001 was able to create comprehensive health and safety guidelines that could translate into all industries and allows for a consistent approach globally.
What is the ISO 45001 Standard?
ISO 45001 Occupational health and safety management systems - Requirements with guidance for use helps organizations place fundamental physical, mental and cognitive health strategies at its core. It enables organizations to provide safe and healthy work environments. This is achieved through preventing work-related injuries while also taking an ongoing, proactive approach in improving health and safety performance.
How does ISO 45001 work?
ISO 45001 is process based, not procedure based. Processes consist of many functions and defines step-by-step actions essential to accomplish the task at hand, whereas procedures outline a specific step.
It follows the Plan, Do, Check, Act (PDCA) methodology, using a proactive approach to health and safety at the workplace. ISO 45001 framework implementation must include identification of risks and opportunities as well as processes to address them with defined objectives.
In order to help prevent work-related injuries and poor physical and mental health, this OH&S Standard breaks up the process into sections. The sections are as follows:
Section 1: Scope
Section 2: Normative References
Section 3: Terms and Definitions
Section 4: Context of the Organization
Section 5: Leadership and Worker Participation
Section 6: Planning
Section 7: Support
Section 8: Operation
Section 9: Performance Evaluation
Section 10: Improvement
It requires a multi-level approach in discussions, including leaders and non-managerial workers (or someone who represents them). Implementation of this Standards requires support company-wide, with support from leadership essential.