What is the ISO 45001 of 2018 Standard? – Health and Safety

Food safety, as well as the health and safety of your employees, are of the utmost importance in the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries.

In South Africa, it is the employee’s right to work in a safe and healthy environment. Should a company not comply with health and safety standards, the staff member(s) affected can lay an official complaint with the employer or the company’s health and safety representative.

The consequences of not complying with health and safety requirements are dire for both the organisation and employees. Some consequences include:

• Injury and/or loss of life
• Tainted brand reputation
• Business closure

Purpose of ISO 45001: 2018

The Occupational Health and Safety Management System (ISO 45001: 2018) requirements help organisations reduce the burden by providing a framework to improve employee safety, reduce workplace risks and create better, safer working conditions for all.

ISO 45001 specifies requirements for an occupational health and safety (OH&S) management system. It gives guidance for its use, to enable organisations to provide safe and healthy workplaces by preventing work-related injury and ill health, as well as by proactively improving its OH&S performance.

ISO 45001: 2018 aims to eliminate hazards and minimise OH&S risks (including system deficiencies), take advantage of OH&S opportunities, and address OH&S management system non-conformities associated with its activities.

ISO 45001:2018 helps an organisation to achieve the intended outcomes of its OH&S management system. Consistent with the organisation’s OH&S policy, the intended outcomes of an OH&S management system include:

• Continual improvement of OH&S performance.
• A safer work environment for employees.
• Increased involvement and performance of employees.
• Compliance legal requirements and other requirements.

Who is ISO 45001: 2018 For?

ISO 45001:2018 applies to any organisation regardless of size, activities and products. It applies to the OHS risks under the organisation’s control, considering factors such as the context in which the organisation operates and its workers and other interested parties’ needs and expectations.

---