ISO 45001 is a recently approved global measure from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and supported by the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE). Entitled “Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems”, ISO 45001 aims to improve workplace safety and reduce risk. It blends EHS management systems like ANSI/ASSE Z10, OHSAS 18001, ISO 14001, ISO 9001, International Labor Organization guidelines and various other national standards and will replace the British OHSAS 18001.
According to Vic Toy, US Technical Advisory Group chair, “ISO 45001 is one of the most significant developments in workplace safety over the past 50 years, presenting an opportunity to move the needle on reducing occupational safety and health risks. The goal was to create a widely accepted standard that can produce a highly effective safety and health management system for an increasingly interconnected world, regardless of an organization’s size, location, supply chains or nature of work. It becomes a minimum standard of practice, and a good one at that.” He also said that “Everyone has a role and responsibility in the management system. Safety and health becomes a shared objective, and when done right, the organization greatly benefits from this cohesive way of managing risks.”
Each year, there are 2.3 million workplace fatalities around the world. By seeking input from more than 75 countries, ASSE believes the voluntary consensus will provide a framework that can increase safety, reduce risks, and improve business outcomes. The measure was also approved by 93% of ISO members , far higher than the necessary two-thirds majority required. Registrants will have a three-year transition period to adapt the new standard.
A draft of the standard is currently being developed and will be available for purchase once it has been publicized. You can visit iso45001.asse.org or email customerservice@asse.org for more information.
Sources: EHSToday: ISO 45001 Globally Aligns Workplace Safety Efforts, iso45001.asse.org
