Occupational safety and health are always leading criteria for employees when selecting a workplace and dedicating their efforts. Therefore, prioritizing the implementation of Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems according to ISO 45001:2018 is extremely important for organizations and enterprises. This reflects care and responsibility toward employees while improving organizational credibility.

ISO 45001 was developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and published in March 2018 based on conventions and guidelines of the International Labour Organization (ILO) and national standards. ISO 45001 replaces the OHSAS 18001 standard and includes requirements and guidance for organizations to build and establish an effective occupational health and safety management system.

General structure of ISO 45001

ISO 45001 has a common structure and approach similar to other management systems such as ISO 9001 and ISO 14001, including:

Part 1: Scope

Part 2: Normative references

Part 3: Terms and definitions

Part 4: Context of the organization

Part 5: Leadership and commitment

Part 6: Planning

Part 7: Support

Part 8: Operation

Part 9: Performance evaluation

Part 10: Improvement

Benefits of implementing the ISO 45001:2018 Occupational Health and Safety Management System

• Improved occupational safety and employee health: This is the most concerned benefit. The standard helps organizations focus on improving working conditions, reducing the risk of illness and occupational diseases, and protecting employees’ health, thereby contributing to a safer and more reassuring working environment.
• Increased productivity: By creating a safe working environment and encouraging employee participation, organizations can enhance productivity. Employees who feel safe and well cared for in terms of health tend to work more effectively.
• Legal compliance: Implementing ISO 45001 requires organizations to comply with legal and regulatory requirements related to occupational health and safety at local, national, and international levels. This helps organizations avoid potential legal issues and enhances trust from employees and local authorities.
• Efficient use of human resources and cost savings: With effective occupational safety and health measures, organizations can reduce absenteeism due to accidents or occupational diseases, as well as minimize costs related to compensation and insurance.
• Building trust and reputation: Organizations applying ISO 45001 can demonstrate their commitment to occupational health and safety, thereby building trust among customers, partners, and the community. This can improve organizational performance and strengthen business foundations.
• Better risk management: ISO 45001 requires organizations to identify and assess risks related to working conditions. This helps organizations clearly understand potential gaps and develop effective risk control measures.

ISO 45001 is an international management system; therefore, its implementation provides enterprises with more opportunities to integrate and cooperate with partners worldwide, gaining more opportunities in collaborative projects with customers.

The international standard ISO 45001:2018 is applicable to all types of organizations regardless of scope, size, or sector of operation: large and small organizations, private enterprises, non-profit organizations, government agencies, etc. The prerequisite is the organization’s desire to demonstrate commitment to creating a safe and professional working environment.

ISSQ Quality Institute is a designated certification body with competence in certifying management systems such as ISO 45001, ISO 9001, ISO 27001, ISO 20000, as well as product conformity certification.

ISO 45001 Certification Process

The certification process for ISO 45001:2018 in particular and other standards in general includes the following basic steps:

Step 1: Receiving certification application documents\

Step 2: Signing a science and technology service contract

Step 3: Conducting on-site surveys and assessments at the enterprise

Step 4: Completing documentation after assessment

Step 5: Reviewing documentation and issuing the certificate (if compliant)

Step 6: Conducting surveillance audits every 12 months

Step 7: Conducting recertification audits (certificate validity: 3 years)

It should be noted that implementing ISO 45001 is a long-term process requiring commitment and coordination across the entire organization. In return, the results bring improvements in employee safety and health and generate long-term benefits for the organization.

However, to achieve the most synchronized and comprehensive effectiveness, enterprises should consider integrating other quality management systems such as ISO 9001:2015 and Environmental Management System ISO 14001:2015 with ISO 45001.

We hope this article has provided useful and necessary information for readers.

ISSQ Quality Institute is always ready to accompany companies in the period of integration and development.

Please contact hotline: +84 981851111 or email vienchatluong@issq.org.vn | tcvn@issq.org.vn. We are honored to serve our valued customers.

Posted date: 20/09/2023