How to get ISO 45001 certification

Is your company looking into how to get ISO 45001 certification? Have you reviewed the clauses within the standard and what is expected from your business? Perhaps you are exploring support and how to get started?

We can help!

Your position and performance with regards to health and safety are determined and continuously improved through an occupational health and safety management system. A health and safety management system offers a structure for promoting safe and healthy workplaces, putting reforms into place, and satisfying legal requirements.

A health and safety management system can be built on an existing quality or environmental management system like ISO 9001 or 14001 or implemented on its own. As an ISO certification consultant, we can support with both.

Thinking about how to get ISO 45001 certification?

Certification to ISO 45001 standard is not necessary but can prove a good starting point when implementing a health and safety management system. Many businesses opt to apply the standard instead of going through the certification process and still benefit. There are a few reasons, for which an organisation can decide to pursue accreditation.

Some pre-qualification questionnaires for contracts may demand (or at the very least advise) adherence to the standard. In this instance, going above and above to become certified might give your company a competitive advantage. Complete compliance with ISO 45001 lowers risk and maximises resource use, with many businesses also profiting financially.

How to get ISO 45001 certification for SMEs

Despite having legal requirements, smaller enterprises occasionally neglect health and safety since setting up a health and safety management system might seem challenging and expensive. We work with a range of SMEs in getting started with ISO 45001 and can implement a bespoke health and safety management system that is audit-proof.

Our management systems

Our bespoke management systems offer documents as evidence that adhere to each of the ISO 45001 clause’s requirements in detail.

We develop health and safety management systems for small businesses that are efficient at enhancing performance while also supporting organisational demands.

Beyond the human cost, smaller businesses experience a disproportionate number of workplace illnesses and injuries, which results in significant productivity losses. Effective health and safety management reduces downtime and disruptions boosts productivity and morale and lowers insurance costs. Therefore, it makes sense for smaller businesses to enhance their performance in terms of health and safety by implementing a standard such as ISO 45001.

Many businesses are concerned about the cost associated with implementing such a prestigious certification. We offer low rates and payment plans and can even pass cost savings from certification body partnerships directly onto our clients.

The requirements of ISO 45001

Section 1

As an international standard for a health and safety management system, ISO 45001 is utilised to help organisations provide safe and healthy working conditions that guard against accidents and illnesses related to the workplace.

An effective health and safety management system complies with all applicable legal requirements and can be used by almost any business, regardless of size and in any industry.

Compliant supports a range of businesses in getting started with ISO 45001. Check out our case studies for our client reviews.

Sections 2 & 3

Clause 2 simply states that ISO 45001 has no normative references and clause 3 explains the definitions used in the ISO 45001 document.

In an earlier article we explain everything you need to know about ISO terms and definitions. Explore the full article here.

Section 4 Organisational Context

This section outlines the organisation and its context. It also highlights the needs and expectations of employees and other interested parties. Under this section organisations must identify the problems and demands that may have an impact on a health and safety management system’s planning. The extent of the health and safety management system and the health and safety management system processes, as well as their application and interactions, must also be established.

Section 5

Section 5 explores management. Senior management must lead by example and commit to the health and safety management system according to the second clause. In this section, top management is also urged to create, execute, and maintain a health and safety management system programme.

Additionally, it is recommended that top management create, implement, and uphold a health and safety management policy that is appropriate for their business and to make sure that the organisational responsibilities, rights, and obligations for pertinent roles are allocated, communicated to, and understood by all parties. Businesses must create, implement, and maintain mechanisms for managerial and non-managerial employees to participate in and consult on matters relating to the health and safety management system.

Section 6

In this section, the planning for the health and safety management system is discussed. Organisations are required to take into account the matters mentioned in clause 4.1, the requirements of clause 4.2, the scope of the health and safety management system as stated in clause 4.3, and the actions to be taken to address the health and safety risks.

The method for identifying workplace risks, evaluating health and safety management system and other system risks, and identifying health and safety management system and other system opportunities are all included in the planning of actions. In addition, it’s important to identify, keep current with, and have access to any legal or other obligations that pertain to the risks to health and safety and hazards. Establishing health and safety goals and strategies for the pertinent functions are also covered in this section.

Section 7

This section mandates that your business determine the resources required to set up, carry out, maintain, and continuously enhance the health and safety management system, and provide those resources. This section discusses the system’s supporting resources, such as the workers’ skills and knowledge, as well as the procedures, for the need for documented information, as well as the sharing of health and safety internal and external information.

As part of this section organisation’s must establish a strategy for tracking the performance of success by monitoring and measuring the main health and safety indicators.

Section 8

This section mandates that your business plan, put into practice, and oversee the procedures necessary for the health and safety management system as well as put into practice the responses to risks and opportunities as decided in preceding planning clause 6. Processes to remove or mitigate health and safety risks, methods for managing change, contractor management, outsourcing, and emergency preparedness and response are all included in operational planning and control.

The company must translate its strategic plans for health and safety into executable tactical or operational plans and put them into effect.

It must also manage the procedures for measurement, analysis, monitoring, and evaluation. Internal audits, management reviews, and procedures for assessing compliance with legal and other requirements are all included in the performance evaluation, which aims to improve health and safety performance and create an efficient OH&S management system.

The majority of the system-level measurement criteria in ISO 45001 are consolidated into a single part. Performance measurement is still a crucial component of ISO standards.

Section 9

As part of any management system businesses must establish, implement, and maintain a process for monitoring, measuring and analysing performance. Under section 9 a business must carry out internal audits and management reviews. We can support with both and we offer ongoing support clients’ internal audits and document reviews with a trained ISO auditor ahead of surveillances.

Businesses need to provide documented information as evidence of the results of monitoring, measurement and analysis of performance on the maintenance, calibration and/or verification of measuring equipment. They must also plan, establish, implement and maintain an audit programme which includes how often audits will take place, methods used, people present and responsibilities. We always recommend that clients consider the importance of the processes concerned and the results of previous audits.

Section 10

Your business must manage health and safety events, non-conformities, and remedial actions according to this final requirement clause. The improvement process entails setting goals for ongoing development and putting those goals into practise through the taking of the necessary steps to improve the appropriateness, sufficiency, and effectiveness of the health and safety management system as well as to improve OH&S performance.

Compliant also offers templates for all of the sections highlighted above and works with clients to develop those templates; making them completely bespoke for every business.

Our Health and Safety Checklist

Below we have provided a Health and Safety checklist to help you tick off what is required for every clause within the ISO 45001 standard.

*Y / N / N/A*
ASSESSMENT			Manager	Validation by Facilities / H&S Manager
Q1	Have all H&S actions been resolved and implemented for the 12 months?

Q2	Are H&S policies displayed somewhere on your premises?

Q3	Do all existing and new staff know where they are displayed?

Q4	Are all existing and new staff aware of the H&S Procedures and do they know where to access these procedures? Are they aware of their contribution to the overall H&S system?

IS THE FOLLOWING CLEARLY DISPLAYED AND UP TO DATE?
Q1		Health & Safety Law – Is your legal register up to date and are all H&S posters displayed?

Q2		Is your certificate of Employer’s Liability Insurance displayed?

Q3		First Aid – Are first aider names, contact details communicated and is the location of, First Aid boxes displayed?

Q4		Are Fire Action Notice, Department Plan, Assembly Point and Fire Certificate location & Fire Alarm test details all available?

Q5		Health & Safety Appointed Persons details – if applicable

		MAKE AVAILABLE:
		Lift Inspection Report (LOLER) – Make available if applicable
		PAT testing
		Fixed Electrical Testing Sheets
		Asbestos Survey & Register
		General maintenance/service records
		Hazard Log for Department (Including COSHH)
		Risk assessments
		Copies of emergency procedures, accidents, First Aid & Fire Action



ACCIDENTS/FIRST AID
Q1	Is an Accident Book/Procedure available?

Q2	Have all accidents been recorded in the Accident Book and any serious incidences reported to the manager, etc?

Q3	Has accident investigation been undertaken and recorded, with statements/photographs taken for serious accidents? (If applicable)

Q4	Has appropriate remedial action, to include post- accident risk assessment, been considered, undertaken or taken to prevent re‑occurrence?

Q5	Have all RIDDOR events been reported?

Q6	Are there sufficient First Aiders to provide suitable cover including holidays and regular evening or any weekend working?

Q7	Are the First Aid facilities and First Aid box contents checked regularly and checks recorded (including expiry dates and spill kits)? State date when last checked



HAVE THE FOLLOWING RISK ASSESSMENTS BEEN COMPLETED? RISK ASSESSMENTS SHOULD BE UPDATED WHEN REFURBISHMENT OCCURS OR OTHER ITEMS WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT HAVE ALTERED.
	General Risk Assessment
	Fire Risk Assessment
	Manual Handling Risk Assessments
	Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Assessment
	Display Screen Equipment Risk Assessments
	Lone Worker Risk Assessments
	Young Persons Risk Assessments
	New and Expectant Mothers Risk Assessment.
	Violence and Aggression Risk Assessment
	Any other Risk Assessments
FIRE SAFETY
	Are all fire extinguishers accessible, correctly positioned either on floor bases or fixed to walls, with current pictogram signage?
	Have all fire extinguishers and hose reels been serviced by a competent contractor within the past 12 months and noted on their labels?
	Are all fire exit routes, doors and stairs clear of obstructions through to the evacuation points?
	Has an emergency evacuation drill been conducted and recorded as required by the Fire Certificate or where no Fire Certificate exists, within 12 months?
	Have fire alarm bell tests been conducted on a weekly basis and recorded?
	Has a Fire Evacuation Warden been appointed and trained for the Department?
	Are local fire procedures current and advised to all staff?
	Is the Fire Certificate/Fire Risk Assessment readily available for inspection (if issued)?
	Are all conditions on the Fire Certificate complied with?



CONTROL OF SUBSTANCES HAZARDOUS TO HEALTH (COSHH)
	Are staffs dealing with hazardous substances aware of the correct procedures for handling and storing from the data sheets or packaging?
	Are all areas free from toxic or nauseous fumes?
	Are any flammables kept secure and away from sources of heat?
	Are all cleaners’ materials kept in a separate designated locked storage area?
	Are COSHH Risk Assessment details available to staff and for inspection?
HAVE THE FOLLOWING “HAZARDOUS AREAS” A FACILITY FOR LOCKING OFF OR PREVENTING UNAUTHORISED ACCESS, TOGETHER WITH SUITABLE WARNING NOTICES FORBIDDING UNAUTHORISED ACCESS AND WARNING OF THE ENCLOSED DANGER?
	Electrical switch rooms or switch areas- All locked off restricted access
	Rooms used to store hazardous machinery, equipment or substances – All locked off restricted access
	Are all areas in the department free of unauthorized or inappropriate storage or waste?



FURNITURE, EQUIPMENT & STORAGE
	Are all items of furniture in good condition, considered safe and fit for the purpose for which they are used? If not remove from use immediately
	Is the furniture and equipment clean, tidy and free from hazards or obstructions? Does furniture comply with the Fire Safety Regulations?
	Have all obsolete items of equipment and packaging been disposed of?
	Are walkways free from trailing cables?
	Are any dangerous parts of equipment or machinery guarded?
	Are storage facilities adequate for the operations?
	Are heavier items stored between waist and shoulder height?
	Are heavier items broken down in to smaller packages where possible?
	Are all kick stools or stepladders in good repair?
	Is all shelving in good repair and fixed to the wall or floor in a safe manner?
HAS THE FOLLOWING STAFF TRAINING & COMMUNICATION BEEN PROVIDED?
	Health & Safety Procedures and instructions as within the Association’s Health & Safety Manual (please ensure staff have signed as having read and understood applicable sections)
	Regular H&S updates & information during “Team” Meetings
	Opportunity to raise H&S issues at “Team” Meetings – Location Safety Community or direct contact with H&S teams
	Feedback on issues raised with manager
	Details of H&S issues discussed at “Team” Meetings recorded in Minutes? Yes – and made available to all staff via intranet