ISO 45001:2018 is a widely recognized international standard for Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) management systems. It provides a framework for organizations to effectively manage and improve their OH&S performance in a proactive and systematic manner. The standard is based on the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) model and includes the following key elements:
Policy: The organization must establish, implement, maintain, and communicate a OH&S policy.
Planning: The organization must identify OH&S hazards and risks, determine the legal and other requirements, set OH&S objectives and targets, and develop an action plan.
Implementation and operation: The organization must establish and implement the procedures and controls necessary to achieve the OH&S policy and objectives.
Evaluation and review: The organization must evaluate the OH&S performance and make necessary improvements, as well as conduct internal and external audits.
ISO 45001:2018 is suitable for all types of organizations regardless of size, type, and nature of their activities. It is meant to help organizations to protect the safety and health of their workers, as well as the safety and health of other interested parties who may be affected by the organization's activities.
Implementing the standard can lead to several benefits such as:
Reducing the risk of accidents and illnesses in the workplace
Enhancing legal compliance
Improving efficiency and productivity
Enhancing reputation and stakeholder trust
Improving communication and consultation with workers and other stakeholders
Enhancing ability to identify and manage OH&S risks and opportunities.
In summary, ISO 45001:2018 is a comprehensive and globally recognized standard that provides a framework for organizations to effectively manage and improve their OH&S performance, and offers numerous benefits for organizations that implement it.