19 steps to apply ISO 45001 for the latest businesses

ISO 45001 is an international standard for Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS). Applying ISO 45001 helps businesses build and maintain a safe and healthy working environment for employees. The ISO 45001 system not only ensures compliance with labor safety regulations, but also creates favorable conditions for the sustainable development of businesses. In this article, KNA CERT will guide you to apply ISO 45001 effectively through 18 specific steps for businesses.

19 steps to apply ISO 45001

Step 1: Start the project

It is important to define the goals and scope of the ISO 45001 adoption project. This includes identifying responsible departments and creating a detailed project plan.

Step 2: Establish a specialized department

Identify and establish the department responsible for the application of ISO 45001. This ensures that tasks and responsibilities related to the OHSMS are clearly divided.

Step 3: Survey the current situation

Conduct a survey on the current status of occupational safety and health in businesses. This helps identify strengths and weaknesses in the standards application process as well as existing problems and possibilities for improving them.

Conducting a situational assessment is an immensely crucial step in implementing ISO 45001.

Step 4: Data Collection on Current Occupational Health and Safety

Measure relevant parameters related to occupational health and safety, such as the number of workplace accidents, the incidence rate of occupational diseases, the rate of absenteeism, etc.

Step 5: ISO 45001:2018 Awareness Training

Organize ISO 45001 training, emphasizing the importance of compliance with occupational health and safety requirements to raise awareness among employees and disseminate standard-related content.

Step 6: Infrastructure Enhancement, Equipment Provision (if necessary)

Review infrastructure and inspect equipment to ensure that all activities are carried out in a safe and healthy environment, minimizing safety risks and potential hazards.

Step 7: Plan the Establishment of OHSMS

Identify and plan the establishment of an occupational health and safety management system based on ISO 45001 requirements. Clearly assign responsibilities and authorities to individuals and relevant departments, simultaneously setting completion schedules for each task.

Step 8: Draft ISO 45001 Procedures and Documents

Draft documents and procedures related to establishing an occupational health and safety management system, including policies, plans, procedures, and work instructions.

Step 9: Implement ISO 45001

Implement the occupational health and safety management system according to the established plan, procedures, documents, and forms.

Step 10: Internal Assessment Training for OHSMS

Select qualified personnel to conduct internal assessments regarding the establishment of the OHSMS, assessing the implementation of processes, and ensuring compliance with ISO 45001 within the organization.

Conducting Training and Internal Assessment

Step 11: Internal Assessment

Perform an internal assessment to determine the level of compliance of the Occupational Health and Safety Management System within the business. The assessment process must be carried out accurately and objectively. Note that internal assessments should be conducted periodically to verify the effectiveness of the organization's operations.

Step 12: Corrective Actions

Based on the results of the internal assessment, the business needs to take necessary actions to address outstanding issues and improve the OHSMS.

Step 13: Leadership Review

Business leadership conducts a comprehensive review of the Occupational Health and Safety Management System, including a review of internal assessment reports, ensuring that the OHSMS meets the requirements of ISO 45001.

Step 14: ISO 45001 Certification Registration

The business prepares documentation and necessary information to register ISO 45001 certification with an authorized and reputable ISO 45001 organization to verify the effectiveness of the OHSMS.

Step 15: ISO 45001 Certification Assessment

The certification organization will conduct an assessment of the business's Occupational Health and Safety Management System. The assessment process is divided into two stages, where Stage 1 involves document review and process scrutiny, and Stage 2 includes on-site facility assessment and personnel interviews.

Conducting ISO 45001 Certification Assessment

Step 16: Corrective Actions

Based on the actual assessment results, the business needs to take necessary actions to address any non-conformities according to the certification organization's requirements.

Step 17: Receive ISO 45001 Certification

Upon completing the corrective actions specified by the certification organization, the business will receive a valid ISO 45001 certificate for a period of three (3) years. This certificate serves as evidence that the business has met the terms and requirements of the standard.

Step 18: Maintain ISO 45001 Certification

After obtaining ISO 45001 certification, the business needs to regularly maintain and improve the Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS). Ongoing internal assessments should be conducted periodically to promptly identify any non-conformities. Particularly during the three-year effective period of ISO 45001 certification, the business will undergo periodic surveillance assessments conducted by the certification organization every 12 months to ensure that the OHSMS still meets the standard's requirements.

Step 19: ISO 45001 Recertification

Upon the expiration of ISO 45001 certification, if the business wishes to maintain the effectiveness verification of the OHSMS, recertification is necessary. The recertification process involves repeating all activities from Step 14 onwards.

Participants in Implementing ISO 45001 in a Business

For the successful implementation of ISO 45001 in a business, the involvement of various individuals is crucial. Different roles will participate to ensure that the Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS) is effectively implemented.

The following are the entities involved in the ISO 45001 implementation process:

Leadership and Top Management

Leaders and top-level management in the business must ensure that the establishment of OHSMS is guided and strongly supported. As the heads of the business, they are responsible for setting the strategy, demonstrating commitment, and allocating resources to ensure occupational health and safety within the organization."

 

The board of directors and senior managers also need to participate in the assessment

OHSMS Manager

This is the main person responsible for establishing, implementing and maintaining the Occupational Health and Safety Management System according to ISO 45001. They are often experts in the field of labor safety, with extensive training. and has a lot of experience.

Occupational health and safety officer

These people are responsible for supervising daily activities in the business and ensuring that labor safety regulations are followed in all activities and processes. They are often people with specialized knowledge of occupational safety and health.

Workers

All employees in the business need to participate in the application of ISO 45001 by following safety rules, participating in occupational safety training and reporting dangerous or potentially dangerous situations to management.

Employees are the main target of ISO 45001

Related departments

Related departments such as engineering, human resources, production, marketing, etc., all have a role to play in ensuring that OHSMS is integrated into daily work processes.

Suppliers and partners

Suppliers and partners can also participate in the application of ISO 45001 by complying with requirements related to occupational health and safety during the provision of services or products.

→ It can be said that applying ISO 45001 in a business requires coordination from many different roles in the organization to ensure that the Occupational Health and Safety Management System is implemented successfully and effectively. fruit.

Notes when applying ISO 45001 standard

When applying the ISO 45001 standard in your business, there are some important notes that you should consider to ensure the successful implementation and maintenance of an Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS). labour.

Here are some important notes:

Commitment from leadership

Senior leadership needs to make a strong commitment to occupational health and safety, and understand the importance of applying ISO 45001. Support and commitment from leadership is key to success. of the OHSMS System.

Clearly define the scope and objectives of the OHSMS System

Businesses need to clearly define the scope of the OHSMS and set specific goals that the organization wants to achieve through applying ISO 45001. This helps the application process go in the right direction and resources are allocated appropriately. for important goals.

List risks and control measures

It is necessary to identify risks related to occupational safety and health in business operations. Perform risk assessment and prioritize. Based on the assessment results, implement control measures to minimize and prevent risks.

Mobilize employee participation

Ensuring the full participation and cooperation of all employees is an important factor. Businesses need to build a feedback mechanism and receive suggestions from employees on issues related to labor safety.

 

Ensure Employee Involvement in ISO 45001 Implementation

Disseminate the OHSMS System Within the Organization

Businesses must ensure widespread dissemination of OHSMS plans and programs throughout the organization. This involves recommending control measures, reporting incidents, and tracking progress toward achieving goals. Any changes or updates should be effectively communicated to all members within the organization.

Continuous Improvement

Regularly monitor and evaluate the OHSMS to identify opportunities for improvement. This entails reviewing and adjusting processes based on actual data.

Training and Awareness

Ensure that all employees, especially key personnel, possess the necessary knowledge and skills to implement and maintain the Occupational Health and Safety Management System. Periodically organize training courses and raise awareness among employees.

Collaboration with Partners

Define roles and responsibilities related to occupational health and safety for partners and suppliers. Collaborate to establish a safe and sustainable business environment.

Monitor and Evaluate Compliance

Conduct regular audits to ensure proper adherence to OHSMS controls and procedures. If non-conformities are identified, prompt adjustments are necessary to prevent potential incidents.

Ensure Appropriateness to the Context

Ensure that the OHSMS is closely aligned with the actual market situation and the business context. Given the varying risks at each stage and the unique characteristics of each business in terms of scale, field, and nature of work, building an OHSMS appropriate to the context is essential.

Implementing ISO 45001 is a challenging yet rewarding process that offers opportunities for the sustainable development of businesses. By complying with this standard, businesses not only safeguard the health and safety of their employees but also establish a trustworthy image in the eyes of customers and partners.

If your business requires guidance on implementing ISO 45001 or evaluating ISO 45001 certification, please contact KNA Certification at the hotline: 0968.038.122 or via email at salesmanager@knacert.com for timely and comprehensive support.