ISO 45001 Certification: A Strategic Approach to Workplace Health and Safety

In an increasingly regulated and safety-conscious business environment, protecting the health and well-being of your workforce is not just a legal obligation—it’s a moral and strategic priority. ISO 45001:2018, the international standard for Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems (OHSMS), provides a clear framework for creating safer, healthier workplaces.

This article outlines the key elements of ISO 45001:2018 compliance, the benefits it delivers, and how your organization can implement it effectively.

ISO 45001 Certification Made Easy

What is ISO 45001:2018?

ISO 45001:2018 is the first globally recognized standard dedicated to occupational health and safety. Published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), it replaces OHSAS 18001 and sets out the criteria for managing workplace risks, improving safety practices, and ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

Designed for organizations of all sizes and industries, ISO 45001 follows the Annex SL structure, which means it can be easily integrated with other ISO standards such as ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015.

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Why ISO 45001:2018 Compliance Matters

Becoming ISO 45001 compliant demonstrates a serious commitment to occupational health and safety. Key benefits include:

• Reduced workplace incidents and injuries

• Improved compliance with national and international safety laws

• Increased employee morale and retention

• Lower insurance premiums and liability risks

• Enhanced organizational reputation

For an in-depth look at how ISO 45001 can transform your safety performance, visit ISOsafe

Steps to Achieve ISO 45001:2018 Certification

1. Conduct an Initial Gap Analysis
   Evaluate your current health and safety management practices against ISO 45001:2018 requirements. Call ISOsafe on 1300 789 132 to Fast Track your Business ISO 45001 Certification. From Gap Analysis through to Certification - ISOsafe Help Businesses Australia-Wide in every Industry. We offer a Fixed Price and Prompt Service to achieve ISO Certification.

2. Secure Leadership Commitment
   Top management must be actively involved in developing, leading, and supporting the OHSMS.

3. Identify Risks and Opportunities
   Perform a risk assessment to determine workplace hazards and develop controls to mitigate them.

4. Define Policies and Objectives
   Establish a clear health and safety policy and set measurable safety objectives aligned with your strategic direction.

5. Employee Engagement and Training
   Ensure that workers are involved in safety initiatives and trained to understand their roles and responsibilities.

6. Implement the OHSMS
   Roll out policies, procedures, and processes to manage identified risks and monitor safety performance.

7. Conduct Internal Audits and Reviews
   Regularly audit your system to ensure compliance and identify opportunities for improvement.

8. Engage a Certification Body
   Select an accredited third-party auditor to perform the certification audit.

Maintaining Compliance: Continuous Improvement

ISO 45001 is built on the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle, encouraging organizations to continually assess and improve their safety management systems. Key actions for ongoing compliance include:

• Routine safety inspections

• Management reviews

• Incident investigations

• Monitoring legal changes

Use tools like safety management software to streamline compliance tracking and documentation.

Common Implementation Challenges

• Cultural Resistance: Ensure open communication and lead by example from the top down.

• Resource Constraints: Leverage consultants or digital tools to support implementation.

• Documentation Gaps: Use templates and guidance tools to ensure accurate and complete records. 

ISO 45001 vs OHSAS 18001

ISO 45001:2018 is more proactive and risk-based than OHSAS 18001. Key differences include:

·       Approach: OHSAS 18001 is reactive, while ISO 45001 is proactive.

·       Risk Management: OHSAS 18001 focuses on hazard control, while ISO 45001 considers both risks and opportunities.

·       Structure: ISO 45001 is based on Annex SL, a common structure for ISO management system standards, making implementation easier.

·       Management Commitment: ISO 45001 emphasizes top management's active involvement in safety management.

·       Scope: ISO 45001 has a broader scope than OHSAS 18001, encompassing all aspects of safety management.

Organizations previously certified to OHSAS 18001 were required to transition to ISO 45001 by 2021. If you haven’t yet made the switch, now is the time.

Final Thoughts

ISO 45001:2018 compliance is a powerful way to create a safer, more resilient organization. By prioritizing the health and safety of your workforce, you not only fulfill legal and ethical obligations but also build a culture of trust and continuous improvement.

If you're ready to enhance your safety systems and pursue ISO 45001 certification, our team can guide you through every step of the process.

ISOsafe Specailise in a range of ISO Standards: ISO 9001, ISO 45001, ISO 14001, AS/NZS 4801, ISO 27001, ISO 27701, ISO 22000, ISO 13485, AS/NZS 5377 and many more.

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ISOsafe – ISO 45001 Compliance Specialists
📞 Phone: 1300 789 132
📧 Email: enquiries@isosafe.com.au
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RM Williams convicted and penalised after safety breach

A South Australian Industrial Court has prosecuted RM Williams following an incident, in 2015, which left a worker with serious burns and permanent injuries.
The court convicted the manufacturer of leather boots, accessories and clothing, and imposed a penalty of $90 000 plus court costs in recognition of an early guilty plea.
On 29 June 2015, a worker was operating a heated logo stamping machine for the first time in the absence of an interlocked guard, which subsequently crushed some of her fingers and left her with third degree burns.
Following investigation by the South Australian safety regulator, SafeWork, RM Williams Pty Ltd was charged with failing to comply with a health and safety duty and exposing an employee to the risk of serious injury.
Presiding Magistrate Ardlie noted, “It is a matter for grave concern that the worker being a ‘new’ worker on the plant was being instructed in a practice which was positively dangerous and sought to defeat the machines safety measures.”
“This conviction highlights the importance of guarding moving parts on machinery which pose a serious risk to the health and safety of workers,” said SafeWork SA Executive Director, Ms Marie Boland.
Industrial plant can cause serious harm to workers. This conviction reinforces the importance of managing the risks through the development of clear procedures and the provision of training and supervision. Don’t risk non-compliance, contact ISOsafe today on 1300 789 132 to find out how we can assist you in providing a safe and legally compliant workplace.

Sydney car auction company fined more than $250,000 after death of forklift operator

A Sydney car auction company has been fined more than a quarter of a million dollars after a forklift operator was killed while unloading a truck at Milperra, NSW in 2013.
A 36 year old forklift operator and a 19 year old labourer were moving a cabinet from a truck onto a forklift at the company’s motor vehicle storage and auction site, when they both lost control of the load. The incident resulted in the death of the forklift operator and the labourer was left with fractured ribs and an injured knee.
SafeWork NSW charged the company with a breach of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 for failing to ensure the health and safety of workers.
The company were found guilty by the District Court in June this year and fined $255,000.
Executive Director of SafeWork NSW, Peter Dunphy said the incident highlighted the risks of working with forklifts and need to provide effective supervision and support to young workers.
“Forklifts continue to be a major factor in workplace deaths and injuries,” Mr Dunphy said.
“Between July 2012 and July 2014, 1,360 workers were injured in forklift incidents, including five fatalities.
“The social and economic impact is also significant, including a cost of $15.8 million to the NSW workers compensation scheme.
“Young workers make up approximately 12 per cent of all employment injuries and occupational diseases across the State, and are more vulnerable to workplace safety risks because of their inexperience or reluctance to speak up about safety concerns.
“Our investigation found that a lack of safety systems, instruction and supervision were major contributors to this incident.
“The company failed to train and instruct the workers how to safely remove the cabinet from the truck and did not tell them which forklift could safely carry the cabinet."
“This resulted in the workers selecting the wrong sized forklift with tragic results.”
“This incident highlights the need for employers to have appropriate systems in place to ensure that all workers, particularly young workers, receive sufficient training and support to work safely.”
Failure to manage health and safety can result in serious incidents. So, as well as putting staff wellbeing at risk, businesses can be left exposed to substantial financial penalties, criminal and civil prosecution and loss of reputation.
Don’t risk noncompliance. ISOsafe’s services will protect your business. We will prepare safe systems of work, safety instructions and all other documentation you require. Call us now 1300 789 132 or email us at enquiries@isosafe.com.au, to learn more about our services for businesses and their owners.