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What is ISO 45001?

ISO 45001 is the internationally recognised standard for occupational health and safety management systems (OH&S MS). This guide explains what is ISO 45001, its core principles, and how organisations achieve certification. Whether you’re exploring ISO 45001 CQI and IRCA Auditor Courses or evaluating the standard for your workplace, this article provides everything you need to know.

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So, what is ISO 45001? It is a framework that helps organisations provide safe and healthy workplaces by preventing work-related injury and ill health. The standard specifies requirements for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and improving an occupational health and safety management system. ISO 45001 what is it designed to achieve? The standard enables organisations to proactively improve OH&S performance, eliminate hazards, and minimise risks. It replaced OHSAS 18001 and is now the global benchmark for workplace safety management.

What is ISO 45001:2018?

What is the ISO 45001 current version? ISO 45001:2018 is the first and current edition, published in March 2018. It was developed using the High-Level Structure (HLS) to facilitate integration with other management system standards.

Key features of ISO 45001:2018 include:

  • Strong emphasis on leadership and worker participation
  • Focus on organisational context and interested parties
  • Risk-based approach to hazard identification
  • Integration capability with ISO 9001 and ISO 14001

7 ISO 45001 Principles

ISO 45001, what is its foundation built upon? Seven key principles guide effective occupational health and safety management:

  • Leadership commitment – Top management demonstrates visible commitment to OH&S and takes accountability for worker protection.
  • Worker participation – Employees at all levels actively participate in OH&S decision-making and hazard reporting.
  • Hazard identification and risk assessment – Systematic identification of workplace hazards and assessment of associated risks.
  • Legal and regulatory compliance – Meeting all applicable health and safety legislation and other requirements.
  • Emergency planning – Preparing for and responding to potential emergency situations effectively.
  • Incident investigation – Investigating incidents to determine root causes and prevent recurrence.
  • Continual improvement – Ongoing enhancement of OH&S performance through systematic evaluation and action.

Benefits of Using ISO 45001

Implementing ISO 45001 delivers significant advantages:

  • Reduced workplace incidents – Systematic hazard identification and risk control minimises accidents and injuries.
  • Legal compliance – Structured approach to meeting health and safety legislation requirements.
  • Improved employee morale – Workers feel valued when their safety is prioritised.
  • Lower costs – Reduced incidents mean fewer compensation claims and less downtime.
  • Enhanced reputation – Demonstrates commitment to worker welfare to stakeholders and clients.

ISO 45001 Certification Process

Achieving certification involves a structured approach to implementing your OH&S management system:

Stage Description
Gap Analysis Assess current OH&S practices against ISO 45001 requirements
Hazard Identification Identify workplace hazards and assess associated risks
System Implementation Develop policies, procedures, and operational controls
Internal Audit Verify OH&S MS effectiveness before external assessment
Stage 1 Audit Certification body reviews documentation readiness
Stage 2 Audit On-site assessment of OH&S MS implementation
Certification Certificate issued upon successful completion

ISO 45001 CQI and IRCA Auditor Courses

Professional auditor training is essential for those conducting or managing ISO 45001 audits. CQI and IRCA certified courses provide internationally recognised qualifications.

ISO 45001 Lead Auditor Course

The ISO 45001 Lead Auditor Course prepares professionals to lead third-party certification audits. This five-day programme covers audit planning, execution, reporting, and team leadership.

ISO 45001 Auditor Conversion Course

The ISO 45001 Auditor Conversion Course enables qualified auditors from other management systems to extend their competence to occupational health and safety auditing.

ISO 45001 Internal Auditor Course

The ISO 45001 Internal Auditor Course equips participants to conduct effective internal OH&S audits. It covers audit techniques, evidence gathering, and reporting nonconformities.

BSI Standards

The British Standards Institution (BSI) publishes the UK adopted version of ISO 45001. This document is an essential reference for UK organisations implementing the standard.

BS EN ISO 45001:2023+A1:2024

BS EN ISO 45001:2023+A1:2024 is the current British Standard version incorporating the latest amendment. It provides the complete requirements for occupational health and safety management systems.

Enrol in an ISO 45001 Training Course

Understanding what is ISO 45001 thoroughly requires professional training. Our courses provide the knowledge and skills needed to implement, audit, and improve occupational health and safety management systems effectively.

Ready to advance your OH&S expertise? Explore our ISO 45001 CQI and IRCA Auditor Courses and find the right programme for your career goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

ISO 45001 refers to the international standard for occupational health and safety management systems published by the International Organization for Standardization. It provides a framework for organisations to manage workplace safety risks.

ISO 45001 focuses on occupational health and safety management, whilst ISO 9001 addresses quality management and customer satisfaction. Both share the High-Level Structure, making integration straightforward for organisations.

The key principles include leadership commitment, worker participation, hazard identification, legal compliance, emergency planning, incident investigation, and continual improvement.

Requirements include establishing an OH&S policy, identifying hazards and legal obligations, setting objectives, implementing operational controls, monitoring performance, investigating incidents, and conducting management reviews.