What is ISO 45001 and why is it Important?

WHAT IS ISO 45001
You may have read and heard about ISO 9001. This is the most famous among many standards released by ISO. We will talk about ISO- the organization in another blog topic. ISO 9001 is a quality management system standard that provides a framework for organizations to establish a system that ensures quality of products and services meets customers' needs.
If ISO 9001 focuses on quality, then ISO 45001 focuses on health and safety. The ISO 45001 standard helps organizations to establish a Safety Management System. The safety management system helps the organization to meet its safety goals & objectives.
Whatever the goals and objectives, successful and effective implementation of ISO 45001, should lead to reduced accident and incident rates. But, most importantly it allows employees to work safely without being seriously injured.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

​STRATEGIC LEVEL
As mentioned above, successful implementation of ISO 45001 shall lead to a reduction in the number of incidents, accidents, and injuries. Reduction in incidents, accidents and injuries will also lead to reduction in operational downtime, productive property damage and lower cost of medical treatment.
We are in a time where investors are looking to invest in companies that have a prominent level of commitment to ESG (Environment, Social and Governance), implementing ISO 45001 will help any organization to partially meet its commitment.
Another potential benefit in implementing ISO 45001 will help organizations to meet H&S legal and regulatory requirements (OSHA Compliance).

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​OPERATIONAL LEVEL
At operational level, the system guides you to establish and systematically improve your risk management process: -Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment and Risk Control. The power of ISO 45001 is that its framework and requirements are developed using PDCA (Plan,Do.Check and Act). The PDCA ensures the organization plans its activities well before implementation. Once implementation is done, it wants you to check if your objectives have been achieved. Based on your checking you will need to take action to ensure the achievement is sustainable.

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Both at strategic and operational level, there are lots of benefits to be gained by implementing ISO 45001. But the most important benefit is it shows the caring attitude of the management towards the health and safety of employees.