ISO 45001:2018 Health & Safety

These are the steps that we will guide you through towards establishing an OHSMS certification for your organization

Step 1: Understand ISO 45001:2018 Requirements.

• Familiarize with ISO 45001:2018: Gain a solid understanding of the key requirements of the standard. ISO 45001 focuses on risk-based thinking, worker participation, leadership, and continuous improvement.
• Training and Awareness: Key personnel, particularly top management and the health and safety team, will receive training on ISO 45001 principles and the specific clauses of the standard.

Step 2: Obtain Top Management Commitment.

• Leadership Commitment: Top management must demonstrate strong leadership and commitment to creating a safe working environment. This includes providing the resources needed (time, budget, personnel) to implement the OHSMS.
• OH&S Policy: We will guide you to develop an occupational health and safety policy that reflects the organization’s commitment to preventing injuries and ill-health, complying with legal requirements, and continually improving OH&S performance.

Step 3: Conduct an Initial OH&S Review (Gap Analysis).

• Assess Current OH&S Practices: We will conduct a gap analysis to compare the organization’s current OH&S practices and processes against the ISO 45001 requirements.
• Identify Hazards and Risks: We will identify existing occupational hazards and risks in your organization. This should include risks related to both routine and non-routine activities, and the impact on workers, contractors, and visitors.
• Develop a Plan: Based on the gap analysis, we will then create an implementation plan to address deficiencies and align your organization’s OH&S management practices with ISO 45001 standards.

Step 4: Define Scope of the OHSMS.

• Scope Definition: We will define the boundaries and scope of the OHSMS. This includes specifying which locations, departments, and operations the system will cover. It should also consider the needs and expectations of workers and other interested parties.

Step 5: Develop the Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS):

• Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment: We will identify occupational hazards and assess risks across your operations. We will use a risk assessment process to prioritize risks based on their likelihood and potential impact.
• Legal and Compliance Requirements: we will identify all applicable OH&S legal and regulatory requirements, ensuring they are integrated into your OHSMS.
• OH&S Objectives and Plans: We will set measurable OH&S objectives based on identified risks and the organization’s overall OH&S policy. Plans will then be developed to achieve these objectives, assigning responsibilities and timelines.
• Procedures and Documentation: We will document key processes and procedures that address OH&S hazards, legal compliance, emergency preparedness, and the health and safety of workers. This includes work instructions, risk assessments, incident reporting, and corrective actions.

Step 6: Implement the OHSMS:

• Communication and Worker Participation: We will ensure that all employees, contractors, and relevant stakeholders are aware of the OH&S policy, objectives, and procedures. Worker participation is critical to identifying risks and improving safety performance.
• Training and Competency: We will provide OH&S training for all workers and ensure they understand their roles and responsibilities. This includes training on emergency response, safe work practices, and reporting incidents.
• Operational Controls: We will then implement operational controls to eliminate or reduce OH&S risks. This could include physical safety measures, personal protective equipment (PPE), and safe work procedures.
• Emergency Preparedness and Response: We will establish and implement emergency response plans for incidents such as fire, chemical spills, accidents, or other workplace emergencies. Regular drills should be conducted to ensure preparedness.

Step 7: Monitor and Measure OH&S Performance:

• Performance Monitoring: We will regularly monitor and measure OH&S performance against objectives and legal requirements. We will define key performance indicators (KPIs) to track performance.
• Incident Reporting and Investigation: We will implement a system for reporting and investigating incidents, accidents, near misses, and unsafe conditions. The aim is to prevent recurrence and improve safety processes.
• Record Keeping: We will maintain accurate records of all OH&S activities, such as risk assessments, incidents, corrective actions, and training.

Step 8: Conduct Internal Audits:

• Internal Audits: We will conduct periodic internal audits to assess the effectiveness of the OHSMS and ensure compliance with ISO 45001. Internal audits help identify non-conformities, gaps, and areas for improvement.
• Corrective Actions: We will address any non-conformities or opportunities for improvement identified during internal audits. Implement corrective actions to prevent future incidents or non-compliance.

Step 9: Management Review:

• Management Review: Management Review: We will guide top management on how to review the OHSMS at regular intervals. The review should cover internal audit results, incident investigations, legal compliance, OH&S performance, and achievement of OH&S objectives.
• Decisions for Improvement: Decisions for Improvement: Based on the management review, top management should make decisions regarding any necessary improvements, policy updates, or resource needs to enhance OH&S performance.

Step 10: Select a Certification Body:

• Certification Body: We have a third-party accredited certification body that we liaise with (also known as a registrar) that will conduct the certification audit.
• Prepare for Certification Audit: We will ensure that your OHSMS is fully operational and that all documentation is up to date before the external audit. Conduct a final internal review to ensure readiness.

Step 11: Certification Audit

• Stage 1 Audit (Documentation Review): The certification body conducts a Stage 1 audit to review the OHSMS documentation and verify that it meets the ISO 45001:2018 requirements. This stage ensures that the necessary processes, procedures, and records are in place.
• Stage 2 Audit (On-Site Audit): The certification body performs an on-site audit to evaluate the practical implementation of the OHSMS. Auditors will assess how well the organization identifies hazards, manages risks, involves workers, and complies with legal requirements.
  

  We will represent you throughout both stages of this process.

Step 12: Corrective Actions (If Necessary):

• Address Non-Conformities: If any non-conformities or areas for improvement are identified during the certification audit, corrective actions must be taken within an agreed timeframe. we will help your organization to address these and submit evidence of corrective actions to the certification body. The certification body will review the corrective actions to ensure they have been addressed effectively.

Step 13: Certification Granted:

• ISO 45001:2018 Certification: Once the certification body verifies that your OHSMS complies with ISO 45001:2018, the organization will receive the official certification.
• Promote Certification: You can now promote your ISO 45001 certification to customers, partners, employees, and regulators, demonstrating your commitment to workplace safety and health.

Step 14: Ongoing Maintenance and Improvement:

• Surveillance Audits: The certification body will conduct periodic surveillance audits (typically annually) to ensure that your OHSMS continues to meet ISO 45001 requirements and that continual improvement efforts are maintained.
• Continual Improvement: Regularly assess and improve your OHSMS by reviewing incidents, audit findings, and feedback from workers. Continual improvement is a core principle of ISO 45001. We can monitor your OHSMS on your behalf to maintain compliance.