How Compliant Gets You ISO 45001 Certified
Despite today’s world becoming more and more online migrated, trade work and manual labour remain an absolute staple of the world of work. With these jobs often entailing some more activities which have a greater risk for injuries, ensuring the health and safety of employees is not just a moral obligation—it’s a key driver of business success. ISO 45001 certification offers a structured approach to creating a safer work environment, improving employee wellbeing, and enhancing organisational performance. But what exactly does it mean to be ISO 45001 certified, and why should businesses strive for this international standard? Let’s explore in detail how ISO 45001 can transform workplace safety and set your business on a path to continuous improvement.
What is ISO 45001?
ISO 45001 is the international standard for Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems (OHSMS). Released in 2018, it replaced OHSAS 18001, offering a comprehensive framework for managing health and safety risks. Designed for organisations of all sizes and industries, from one-man bands to MNCs, ISO 45001 helps companies create safer workplaces by proactively identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing robust control measures.
Unlike reactive approaches that focus on responding to incidents after they occur, ISO 45001 emphasises prevention. It encourages organisations to integrate safety into their core operations, fostering a culture where health and safety become integral to every decision and action.
Why is ISO 45001 Important?
1. Enhanced Safety and Risk Management
One of the primary goals of ISO 45001 is to reduce workplace risks. By systematically identifying potential hazards and assessing their impact, organisations can implement preventive measures that minimise accidents. This proactive approach not only protects employees but also creates a safer environment for visitors and contractors.
2. Legal Compliance
Staying compliant with health and safety regulations is non-negotiable. ISO 45001 helps organisations align with national and international legal requirements. By adhering to these standards, businesses can avoid hefty fines, legal battles, and reputational damage. More importantly, compliance demonstrates a genuine commitment to employee wellbeing.
3. Improved Employee Morale and Engagement
A safe workplace fosters trust and confidence. When employees know their health and safety are prioritised, they feel valued and respected. This positive environment boosts morale, leading to higher engagement, productivity, and retention. Workers who feel secure are more likely to contribute innovative ideas and take ownership of their roles.
4. Cost Savings
Workplace accidents and illnesses can be costly. Beyond medical expenses and compensation claims, there are hidden costs like downtime, retraining, and loss of productivity. ISO 45001 helps organisations reduce these expenses by preventing incidents before they occur. Over time, investing in a robust OHSMS can lead to significant financial savings.
5. Global Recognition and Market Access
ISO 45001 is internationally recognised, making it a powerful tool for businesses looking to expand globally. Certification demonstrates your commitment to best practices in health and safety, enhancing your reputation with customers, partners, and regulators. Many multinational corporations prefer working with ISO-certified suppliers, giving your business a competitive edge.
6. Enhanced Organisational Culture
Implementing ISO 45001 fosters a culture of continuous improvement. It encourages organisations to regularly assess their processes, engage employees, and adapt to changing circumstances. This commitment to ongoing improvement creates a dynamic and resilient organisation that can navigate challenges effectively.
Steps to Achieving ISO 45001 Certification
Receiving the Documentation
At this point, Compliant will conduct their first meeting with you as a client, after you have decided your payment plan. We have lots of room for flexibility, as we understand that sometimes a lump sum can be difficult to pay, however this certification is very important to you. At this stage you will review all documentation (Compliant will provide you with all that is needed), for your first audit; your Gap Analysis. You will create something which puts in place your plan and commitment to safety, like a comprehensive OHSMS framework. This includes establishing clear health and safety policies, defining objectives, and outlining roles and responsibilities. Engage employees in the planning process to ensure their insights are considered. Involving staff fosters a sense of ownership and accountability.
You will need to engage your management team also. Top management plays a crucial role in the success of ISO 45001 implementation. Their commitment sets the tone for the entire organisation. Leaders must actively support the initiative, allocate necessary resources, and demonstrate their dedication to health and safety. When leadership is engaged, employees are more likely to follow suit.
Gap Analysis
At this stage, Compliant gets you ready as if this is your second assessment, so that you leave a lasting impression on your auditor. Put your OHSMS into practice by integrating it into daily operations. Ensure all processes are well-documented and accessible to employees. Documentation provides consistency and transparency, making it easier to track progress and identify areas for improvement. Keep records of incidents, inspections, and corrective actions. You may also conduct internal audits before and after this, as they are a crucial component of ISO 45001. Regularly assess your system to identify non-conformities and areas for improvement. Audits provide valuable insights and help ensure the OHSMS remains effective. Address any issues promptly and involve employees in the review process.
Stage Two Assessment
Once your OHSMS is fully implemented, it’s time for the external audit. A certified body will assess your system to ensure it meets ISO 45001 standards. The audit typically involves a thorough review of documentation, processes, and interviews with employees. Compliant will make sure that you reach your certification, as our thorough team will not allow for any major findings to occur, and limit minor findings to something that arrives by chance.
Ongoing Support
After receiving your certification, it is now important to maintain the standards that you have set of yourself and to even improve on them. Seen as an audit happens yearly by the BAB, they will expect that you will have kept to your commitment and had time to implement more of your standards. Do not worry, Compliant are here to provide you with as much ongoing support as you need, without any extra cost and to make sure that your standard is completely set by us.
Some things that you may do to maintain your certification is:
Monitor performance: Track key performance indicators (KPIs) related to health and safety. Use data to identify trends, measure progress, and make informed decisions. Regular performance monitoring ensures your OHSMS remains effective and relevant.
Engage your employees: Encourage employees to participate in safety initiatives and provide feedback. Their insights are invaluable for identifying hazards and improving processes. Create channels for open communication and recognise contributions to workplace safety.
Why Compliant?
Compliant are certified to five standards, which includes the ISO 45001 certification. This means that we walk the walk ourselves; how could we not get you certified if we know how to get certified ourselves and the challenges that you may face. Our Managing Director, Mark Henderson, who you most likely will meet/will have already met is NEBOSH trained, so he therefore knows in your context the operations that happen within your company; he once again walks the walk.
We aim to make this process seamless for clients in every way. This is why we, at the time of this article, have four full-time employees who are on hand to hold your hand and to support you through this whole process. We do not apply interest rates even to our flexible pricing and will not apply you additional charges for things like extra Teams meetings than is agreed. Our aim is simple: to get you certified and to keep you certified.
Being ISO 45001 certified is more than just a badge of honour; it’s a reflection of your organisation’s commitment to the health and safety of its people. In a world where workplace risks can be high, ISO 45001 provides a robust framework for creating safer environments, improving employee morale, and enhancing business performance. By investing in ISO 45001, organizations demonstrate their dedication to continuous improvement and operational excellence. The journey toward certification may require effort, but the rewards, safer workplaces, happier employees, and stronger reputations, are very worthwhile.
