New international standard for occupational health and safety management systems is the first of its kind

04 November 2016

The world’s first occupational health and safety international standard is currently being developed, and is scheduled to be published by end of year. Designed to help organizations provide safe and healthy workplaces and improve occupational health and safety (OH&S) performance, ISO/DIS 45001 is an opportunity for companies to align their strategic direction with their OH&S management system.

About ISO/DIS 45001

ISO/DIS 45001 fulfils the need for a harmonized health and safety management system that incorporates best practices from around the world. It is expected to replace BS OHSAS 18001, which sets out the minimum requirements for occupational health and safety management best practice. As the first international standard of its kind, ISO/DIS 45001 puts an increased focus on improving occupational health and safety performance, and is designed to improve an organization’s resilience by ensuring they can anticipate, prepare for, respond and adapt to changes.

“It’s much less prescriptive than previous local health and safety standards,” explains BSI Group, adding that it can be used as a more agile business improvement tool. “This means you can make it more relevant to the requirements of your own organization.”

Multiple advantages

Adopting OH&S management systems provides many benefits to companies. It allows them to reduce work-related injuries, ill health and death on the job, eliminate or minimize OH&S risks, improve OH&S performance and effectiveness, demonstrate corporate responsibility and meet supply chain requirements, protect brand reputation, and motivate and engage staff through consultation and participation. Implementing the new standard offers additional advantages on top of this. With ISO/DIS 45001, companies can ensure their health and safety management is aligned with the strategic direction of the organization, improve integration with other management system standards, increase involvement of the leadership team, and improve occupational health and safety performance.

How BSI can help

To help organizations understand and realize the benefits of ISO 45001, BSI Group has mapped out a framework, which guides companies through the options and support available from BSI to ensure they have the knowledge and information they require. BSI’s website offers support material, including white papers, which can help companies understand the changes. The company also offers training courses, including migration and implementing courses, to make the transition easier.

To learn more, contact BSI Group.