There are benefits of ISO 45001 certification for organisations of all types and sizes. This globally recognised standard provides a systematic framework for managing health and safety risks to protect employees, contractors and visitors.
By achieving ISO 45001 certification, organisations demonstrate a strong dedication to reducing incidents and accidents to safeguard the wellbeing of their workforce and improve overall safety performance.
What is ISO 45001 certification?
ISO 45001 is an international health and safety standard that helps organisations to thoroughly manage risks and comply with health and safety laws.
The standard covers:
- Leadership and worker participation. Emphasizes the involvement of top management in the establishment and maintenance of the occupational health and safety management system. It also encourages active participation and consultation with workers at all levels.
- Planning. Outlines requirements for identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing controls to eliminate or minimise risks.
- Support. Requires organisations to provide the resources, competence, awareness, communication and documented information to support the effective implementation and maintenance of the health and safety management system.
- Operation. Focuses on implementing the plans and controls established to managed health and safety risks. It includes requirements for managing changes, procurement, outsourcing and emergency preparedness and response.
- Performance evaluation. Organisations must monitor, measure, analyse and evaluate their health and safety performance, including compliance with legal requirements.
- Improvement. The standard requires organisations to continually improve their health and safety performance by taking corrective actions to address nonconformities and enhance the effectiveness of the health and safety management system.
ISO 45001 follows the Plan-Do-Check-Act approach to managing health and safety risks so processes are continuously efficient and effective.
Who needs ISO 45001 certification?
Any organisation that wants to maintain and demonstrate high standards of health and safety can benefit from ISO 45001 accreditation. It is particularly beneficial for high-risk industries like agriculture, construction and manufacturing.
Upholding high standards of health and safety is in everyone’s interests because, as well as the human costs, accidents at work cost organisations thousands of pounds every year.
What are the benefits of ISO 45001?
Here are 12 benefits of ISO 45001 accreditation:
Improves employee safety
In 2022/23, 135 workers were killed in work-related accidents in Great Britain, and there were 1,750 injuries per 100,000 workers, so prioritising health and safety is essential.
To meet ISO 45001 standards, organisations must implement comprehensive safety measures. This includes conducting thorough risk assessments, providing adequate training, and ensuring the right safety equipment is available.
By prioritising employee safety, organisations can create a culture where employees feel valued and protected, leading to higher morale and job satisfaction.
Mitigates risks
ISO 45001 requires organisations to conduct comprehensive risk assessments to identify occupational health and safety hazards, evaluate associated risks, and implement appropriate controls to mitigate or eliminate these risks.
By proactively addressing risks, organisations can prevent workplace accidents and incidents, protect the health and wellbeing of employees, and avoid costly legal liabilities and reputational damage.
Uncovers opportunities
ISO 45001 enables organisations to identify areas for improvement and innovation in health and safety by continually monitoring and evaluating performance. ISO 45001 encourages organisations to establish processes for regular performance evaluation, measurement and review to identify strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement.
By leveraging these insights, organisations can implement targeted initiatives to enhance their occupational health and safety practices, drive continuous improvement, and stay ahead of emerging risks and challenges.
Encourages leadership and management involvement
ISO 45001 standards require leadership and management to be actively engaged in promoting a culture of health and safety throughout their organisation. Both play a crucial role in setting the tone for health and safety initiatives, allocating resources, and ensuring compliance with regulations and standards.
By involving leaders and managers in health and safety decision-making processes and holding them accountable for safety performance, organisations can create a culture where safety is prioritised at all levels.
Engages employees
ISO 45001 encourages organisations to actively involve employees in health and safety initiatives and decision-making processes. The standard emphasises the importance of employee involvement, consultation, and empowerment in the development and implementation of health and safety management systems.
By fostering a culture of safety where employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to voice their concerns and contribute to safety improvement efforts, organisations can tap into the collective knowledge, experience, and creativity of their workforce to enhance safety performance.
Encourages proactivity
By meeting the standards, organisations shift from a reactive stance to a proactive approach in managing health and safety as preventive measures and continuous improvement initiatives are initiated.
ISO 45001 encourages organisations to anticipate and address potential risks before they escalate into incidents or accidents through proactive risk management, hazard identification, and control measures.
This proactive approach to health and safety is one of the most important benefits of having ISO 45001 accreditation. Organisations can reduce the likelihood of workplace incidents, minimise the impact of risks, and create a safer and healthier work environment for all.
Increases productivity
In 2022/23 around 35.2 million working days were lost in Great Britain due to work related injuries.
By meeting ISO 45001 standards organisations mitigate workplace risks reducing the number of work-related injuries and illnesses. This means reduced absenteeism so work can progress smoothly without disruption.
ISO 45001 fosters a culture of safety, promoting employee wellbeing and confidence. When employees feel secure in their environment and trust that their health and safety is prioritised, they are more likely to remain focused and engaged in their tasks which increases productivity.
By implementing ISO 45001, organisations can maintain operational continuity, ensuring that production processes remain uninterrupted, and productivity levels are sustained.
Demonstrates commitment to safety
Through ISO 45001 certification, organisations demonstrate a steadfast dedication to the wellbeing of employees which serves as tangible evidence of a commitment to maintaining high standards of occupational health and safety.
Certification provides external validation of an organisation’s efforts to protect the health, safety, and welfare of employees, contractors, and visitors. By displaying the ISO 45001 certification mark, organisations can communicate their commitment to safety to stakeholders and the wider community, building trust, loyalty, and confidence in their brand.
Builds stakeholder trust
One of the most significant benefits of implementing ISO 45001 is that it builds stakeholder trust.
ISO 45001 certification demonstrates an organisation’s dedication to meeting international standards for occupational health and safety management. This can enhance reputation, fostering trust and goodwill among customers, investors, employees and regulatory bodies and contributing to long-term business success.
Establishes industry leaders
By achieving ISO 45001, an organisation can stand out as a leader in prioritising health and safety practices within their sector.
Certification demonstrates to customers, partners, and competitors that an organisation is committed to maintaining the highest standards of occupational health and safety management. This can differentiate the organisation in the marketplace, enhance brand reputation, and open up new business opportunities.
Brings competitive advantage
ISO 45001 certification can serve as a powerful differentiator in competitive industries where health and safety performance is a critical factor in decision-making. ISO 45001 demonstrates robust health and safety management systems that comply with international standards.
By showcasing a commitment to protecting the health and wellbeing of employees, organisations can attract customers, investors, and partners who prioritise safety and sustainability.
Reduces insurance costs
Reducing the likelihood and severity of workplace accidents and injuries by adhering to ISO 45001 standards can lead to lower insurance costs and the more efficient allocation of resources.
Some insurance companies offer direct discounts to organisations that have implemented robust health and safety management systems certified to ISO 45001 standards.
Do you need help to achieve ISO 45001 certification?
At Praxis42, our friendly, experienced team of health and safety consultants can offer you an ISO 45001 pre-audit health check. We can work in partnership with you to make cost-effective improvements to your health and safety management system to help you achieve ISO 45001 certification and maintain long-term compliance.
To discuss the benefits of ISO 45001 and find out whether it is right for your organisation, call us on 0203 011 4242 or info@praxis42.com
