ISO 45001:2018 – Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS)
Introduction
ISO 45001:2018 is the international standard for Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems (OHSMS). Published in March 2018, it replaces OHSAS 18001 and provides a framework for organizations to improve employee safety, reduce workplace risks, and create better, safer working conditions.
The standard follows the High-Level Structure (HLS) common to other ISO management system standards (such as ISO 9001 and ISO 14001), making it easier to integrate with existing management systems.
This document provides a detailed explanation of ISO 45001, including its key clauses, requirements, and benefits.
Key Principles of ISO 45001
ISO 45001 is based on the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle, which ensures continuous improvement in occupational health and safety (OH&S) performance. The key principles include:
- Leadership and worker participation – Top management must demonstrate commitment, and workers must be involved in OH&S decisions.
- Hazard identification and risk assessment – Organizations must proactively identify hazards and assess risks.
- Legal and regulatory compliance – Organizations must comply with applicable OH&S laws.
- Continuous improvement – The system must evolve to enhance OH&S performance.
- Emergency preparedness and response – Procedures must be in place to handle emergencies.
Clause-by-Clause Explanation of ISO 45001
ISO 45001 consists of 10 clauses, with clauses 4 to 10 containing the main requirements. Below is a detailed breakdown:
1. Scope
Defines the applicability of the standard, stating that it is intended for any organization seeking to implement an OH&S management system to improve worker safety.
2. Normative References
Lists other standards referenced in ISO 45001 (currently, there are none).
3. Terms and Definitions
Provides definitions of key terms used in the standard, such as:
- Workers – All persons working under an organization’s control.
- Hazard – A source with the potential to cause injury or ill health.
- Risk – The combination of the likelihood and severity of harm from a hazard.
4. Context of the Organization
4.1 Understanding the Organization and Its Context
The organization must identify internal and external factors that affect its OH&S performance (e.g., industry regulations, workforce demographics).
4.2 Understanding the Needs and Expectations of Workers and Other Interested Parties
Organizations must consider the requirements of workers, regulators, customers, and suppliers.
4.3 Determining the Scope of the OH&S Management System
The scope defines the boundaries of the OH&S system, including locations, activities, and exclusions (with justification).
4.4 OH&S Management System
The organization must establish, implement, maintain, and continually improve the OH&S system.
5. Leadership and Worker Participation
5.1 Leadership and Commitment
Top management must demonstrate leadership by:
- Taking accountability for OH&S performance.
- Ensuring resources are available.
- Promoting a positive safety culture.
5.2 OH&S Policy
The policy must:
- Be appropriate to the organization’s hazards and risks.
- Include a commitment to worker consultation.
- Be communicated to all workers.
5.3 Organizational Roles, Responsibilities, and Authorities
Clear roles must be assigned for OH&S responsibilities.
5.4 Consultation and Participation of Workers
Workers must be involved in:
- Hazard identification.
- Incident investigations.
- OH&S policy development.
6. Planning
6.1 Actions to Address Risks and Opportunities
6.1.1 General
Organizations must plan actions to address risks (e.g., hazards) and opportunities (e.g., improving safety culture).
6.1.2 Hazard Identification and Assessment of Risks and Opportunities
- Identify hazards (physical, chemical, ergonomic, psychosocial).
- Assess risks and determine controls.
6.1.3 Determination of Legal and Other Requirements
Identify applicable OH&S laws and ensure compliance.
6.1.4 Planning Action
Develop plans to eliminate hazards or reduce risks (e.g., engineering controls, training).
6.2 OH&S Objectives and Planning to Achieve Them
- Set measurable OH&S objectives (e.g., reduce workplace injuries by 20%).
- Define responsibilities, timelines, and resources.
7. Support
7.1 Resources
Ensure adequate resources (people, infrastructure, financial) for the OH&S system.
7.2 Competence
Workers must be competent for their roles (via training, education, or experience).
7.3 Awareness
Workers must be aware of:
- OH&S policies.
- Hazards and risks.
- Emergency procedures.
7.4 Communication
Establish processes for internal and external OH&S communication.
7.5 Documented Information
Maintain documented procedures and records, including:
- OH&S policy.
- Risk assessments.
- Incident reports.
8. Operation
8.1 Operational Planning and Control
Implement controls for hazards, including:
- Safe work procedures.
- Contractor management.
- Emergency preparedness.
8.2 Emergency Preparedness and Response
- Identify potential emergencies (fires, chemical spills).
- Conduct drills.
- Review response plans.
9. Performance Evaluation
9.1 Monitoring, Measurement, Analysis, and Evaluation
- Track OH&S performance (e.g., injury rates, audit findings).
- Evaluate compliance with legal requirements.
9.2 Internal Audit
Conduct periodic audits to assess OH&S system effectiveness.
9.3 Management Review
Top management must review the OH&S system for suitability, adequacy, and effectiveness.
10. Improvement
10.1 Incident, Nonconformity, and Corrective Action
- Investigate incidents and near-misses.
- Implement corrective actions.
10.2 Continual Improvement
Enhance the OH&S system through ongoing risk reduction and policy updates.
Benefits of ISO 45001 Certification
- Reduced Workplace Injuries – Proactive hazard control minimizes accidents.
- Legal Compliance – Helps meet OH&S regulations.
- Improved Reputation – Demonstrates commitment to worker safety.
- Increased Productivity – Fewer disruptions due to accidents.
- Cost Savings – Lower insurance premiums and compensation claims.
Conclusion
ISO 45001 provides a structured approach to managing workplace health and safety. By following its clauses—Context, Leadership, Planning, Support, Operation, Performance Evaluation, and Improvement—organizations can create safer workplaces, comply with regulations, and enhance overall efficiency.
Certification to ISO 45001 is not mandatory, but it demonstrates an organization’s commitment to worker well-being and operational excellence.
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