ISO 45001 Certification

Clause 1 describes the scope and sets the boundaries and intentions of the ISO 45001 OH&S management systems standard. This preliminary clause aims to support organisations in creating a safe and healthy work environment. This is done primarily by focusing on injury prevention and addressing health issues related to work, as well as continuously improving OH&S performance by implementing review processes. This clause is designed to be applicable to any organisation regardless of its size or sector.

There are no normative references in the ISO 45001 OH&S management systems standard.

Clause 3 clarifies all the relevant terms and definitions associated with OH&S that are used throughout ISO 45001. Establishing a common language is critical for ensuring that all stakeholders within the organisation have a clear understanding and are on the same page during process implementation.

Clause 4 requires organisations and all relevant stakeholders to determine its context, by evaluating both internal and external factors that are relevant to its purpose and strategic direction. This is to be taken into account when developing, implementing and maintaining its occupational health and safety management system (OH&SMS).

This clause also requires an understanding of the needs and expectations of interested parties, the determination of the scope of the OH&SMS, and the OH&SMS and its processes, to be developed.

Clause 5 requires top management to demonstrate leadership in relation to the OH&SMS. Leadership is required to be demonstrated through top management taking accountability of the OH&SMS, ensuring an OH&S policy and objectives are established, ensuring integration of the OH&SMS into the organisation’s processes, ensuring sufficient resources are provided and promoting improvement.

This clause also requires leadership to be demonstrated through worker participation in the development, maintenance and continuous improvement of the OH&SMS.

Clause 6 involves a thorough process of planning to address OH&S hazards, risks and opportunities. It calls for the establishment of clear OH&S objectives and the planning of actions that are necessary to achieve these objectives, all within the context of the organisation’s compliance obligations.

Clause 7 deals with the support structure required for the OH&SMS, by ensuring relevant resources are provided and maintained for the OH&SMS.

This clause also requires the relevant training and competencies related to the OH&SMS to be in place, sufficient communication processes to be implemented, and the control of documented information.

Clause 8 specifies requirements for operational planning and control. Organisations must manage their operations and processes in accordance with established criteria to fulfil OH&S performance requirements. This clause also requires the management of change and emergency situations to be planned for and managed.

Clause 9 requires the ongoing monitoring and measurement of the OH&SMS to ensure it meets the established OH&S processes and objectives.

This clause also requires internal audits to be conducted, evaluation of legal compliance, and management reviews of the OH&SMS to occur.

Clause 10 outlines processes for the continuous improvement of the implemented OH&SMS. This concluding clause encourages organisations to enhance their OH&S processes and outputs, correcting any identified nonconformities, and making adjustments based on performance data.

This commitment to ongoing improvement helps organisations to maintain and enhance their ability to identify and control hazards in the workplace.