ISO 45001 - What it is and why you need to be aware of it

Workplace health and safety (WHS) is a crucial element of any business. As a business owner, it can often be difficult to get a good understanding of what WHS requirements need to be complied with. That’s why ISO 45001 was developed; to provide an in-depth framework on how to manage and maintain WHS compliance and ensure you’re providing a safe workplace for your employees.

By accrediting your business to ISO 45001, you can demonstrate to potential clients that you meet a reputable standard of safety.

What is ISO 45001?

ISO 45001 is a global standard that provides specific requirements when managing workplace safety. It offers a practical approach to improving the health and safety of employees, contractors and other personnel. The ISO 45001 standard can be applied to organisations of any type, size or industry.

Why is ISO 45001 important?

ISO 45001 ensures that companies are complying with mandates for providing safe working conditions. The ISO 45001 standard is not static: it can be tailored to the specific requirements of the organisation, allowing companies to target problem areas, refine procedures and mitigate risks. Organisations can utilise ISO 45001 as a planning tool to predict future growth and plan for potential hazards, resulting in management teams being better informed and more prepared.

The benefits of ISO 45001 compliant systems

The easiest and quickest way for an organisation to comply to ISO 45001 is to utilise a configurable system that is already designed for the requirement. WHS Monitor provides organisations with an off the shelf risk and compliance management solution that meets ISO 45001 requirements, including: 

Improved risk assessment

WHS Monitor's ISO 45001 compliant risk framework allows organisations to identify hazards and mitigate the risk of accidents. Addressing dangers early can contribute to an overall safer working environment.

Reduces company downtime

ISO 450001 compliant clear procedures can be easily created in WHS Monitor and can significantly reduce downtime in the event of an incident, and minimise costs associated with insurance premiums.

Increased involvement and accountability

WHS Monitor integrates health and safety into an organisation’s management practices, allowing leaders to view company-wide WHS reports and easily measure the wellness of their employees as dictated by the ISO 45001 standard.

Gain an industry advantage

WHS Monitor is constantly updated to ensure your business is always compliant with the latest iteration of global safety standards. Companies that are ISO 45001 compliant can set themselves apart from their competitors. Organisations can be looked upon favourably for adopting ISO standards, giving them leverage when hiring new staff or bidding for contracts.

How ISO 45001 affects management and employees

ISO 45001 is not just a tool to comply with requirements or to demonstrate compliance. Proper implementation of a system based on the 45001 standard also leads to:

Increased morale

All employees want to feel safe at work. How a company mitigates and handles accidents can have a direct impact on staff morale. When an employer looks after their staff, workers feel like part of the team and are more committed to their roles.

New opportunities

Asking workers to share their ideas for improvements can result in many positive outcomes and build company culture. Following OHS standards such as the ISO 45001 framework can also instil confidence in investors and aid in developing relationships with stakeholders.

Improved reputation

Word of mouth is a powerful tool, and no organisation wants to be known for not adhering to OHS standards. Investing in the safety and wellbeing of employees can help to attract a higher calibre of candidates and showcases to all stakeholders that the organisation is socially responsible.

Better productivity

Employees that experience illness or injury may require time off work, which can have a negative impact on a business’ output. Hiring a replacement can cost a company valuable time and resources, and if an accident occurs due to faulty equipment, the business may need to shut down operations while repairs are undertaken.

Explore ISO 45001 software solutions

WHS Monitor offers comprehensive, versatile software to ensure your organisation meets ISO 45001 compliance requirements. Our integrated system is used by businesses of all sizes across many industries, and includes  risk management, asset management, chemical management, contractor management, incident management, HR safety management and reporting modules. If you need to become ISO 45001 compliant, or are unsure where to begin, speak to our team for more information.

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