The benefits of implementing an ISO 45001:2018 health and safety management system
What is ISO 45001?
ISO 45001:2018 is an international standard for Occupational Health and Safety management systems. Alongside ISO 9001 and ISO 14001, it is one of the most internationally recognised management system standards. Regardless of size, scope or activities, the standard also provides organisations with the framework needed to implement an effective health and safety management system.
Why is it so important?
Workplace safety is a serious concern for businesses and employees. Accidents resulting in serious injury and even death occur every single day which could have been avoided if health and safety was effectively managed. Therefore, businesses must ensure that they do all they can to minimise the risks posed to employees and others affected by their activities. ISO 45001 provides businesses with the foundation they need to manage health and safety and protect workers.
There are many other benefits that come with having an ISO 45001 management system. Please see some of the most notable benefits below:
The benefits of having an ISO 45001 management system
1. Protect your workers
The ISO 45001 standard requires businesses to identify hazards and risks and implement control measures in order to mitigate them. If risks are addressed, businesses can therefore provide workers with a safer place to work, as they will be less likely to be involved in accidents.
2. Meet client requirements
Some clients want to ensure that they are working with businesses that prioritise health and safety. Therefore, having ISO 45001 accreditation could make you more likely to be selected by a client if they exclusively look for businesses which are accredited.
3. Meet regulatory requirements
ISO 45001 provides businesses with a framework to identify health and safety compliance obligations and monitor them accordingly. The standard also requires consideration of legal requirements throughout each stage of the management system process (PDCA). If implemented, this will therefore reduce the likelihood of non-compliance, as obligations are continually considered.
4. Become internationally recognised
Since ISO 45001 is internationally recognised, accreditation could help your business to be recognised by clients all over the world.
5. Increase the efficiency of your business
ISO 45001 gives businesses the framework to increase the efficiency of operations through the continual improvement of their management system. The holistic approach to identifying hazards and risks will also mean your business will be more likely to identify opportunities for improvement.
6. Lower your insurance premiums
Many insurance companies will look for things like ISO 45001 from businesses seeking insurance because it demonstrates the commitment to manage health and safety and protect employees. If a business has accreditation, then an insurance company may conclude that they are lower risk and decrease the premium.
7. Increase involvement from workers
Involvement from workers throughout different areas of your business is necessary in order to ensure that all aspects of health and safety are considered. The standard offers a structured approach to promote the participation of workers.
We hope this post has helped you understand the benefits that an ISO 45001:2018 management system could bring to your business!
If you require consultancy support for your health and safety management system, please do not hesitate to contact us.
LH Consultancy Services is an ISO Management Systems and Legislation Support Consultancy based in the West Midlands. We support businesses and individuals to make compliance easy. All of our services cover the breadth of the UK. We also work with a variety of businesses including those based in small towns and major cities.
