Occupational health and safety standard is an important certification for any organization. It helps in creating an ecosystem where it will boost the productivity of the employees as well as keep the workplace accident free. ISO Certification such as the ISO 45001:2018 Standards provides detailed guidelines on employee safety.
It will motivate the employees and achieve long term profitability. The health and safety management standard are a globally recognized certification and provides a comprehensive framework.
This article explores the importance of ISO 45001:2018 standards in ensuring workplace safety, along with some best practices that organizations can adopt.
ISO 45001:2018 is focused to reduce workplace incidents and enhance workplace safety. By following the guidelines and best practices, the ISO Health and Safety Standard will help organization to stay afloat.
What is ISO 45001:2018?
The ISO 45001:2018 Standard helps to manage the organization risk of unexpected workplace accidents. It has a pre-set framework that will help in listing down effective health and safety management best practices.
By following these ISO 45001 best practices, the organization can mitigate their risks and reduce workplace incidents. Also, it helps in maintaining a sound physical and mental well-being of employees too.
The occupational health and safety system follows a Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle and focuses on proactive approach of risk prevention.
Additionally, they help elevate the quality standards of manufacturing units and enhance leadership experience. Also, it will help in employee participation and help adapt to changing operational environments and maintain high safety standards.
ISO 45001:2018 Certification Process
ISO 45001 Standard a must have Certification and follows a structured approach. There are several core principles to ensure workplace safety and they are the following:
1. Internal Audit and Risk Management
The Health and Safety Standard will help in identifying potential health hazards. The Quality team can conduct internal audit and take the appropriate corrective action. Thus, avoiding chances of workplace incidents.
The Audit process covers aspects such as assessing the organizational layouts, operations workflow, type of equipment used, safe assembly areas, factory floor markings, factory floor inspection, and more.
2. Systematic Approach to Health and Safety Management
The Occupational Health and Safety Standard has a well-developed framework that consist of certain guidelines. By following the safety procedures and continuously monitoring the shop floor operations, the safety can be assured.
The operations team will be well prepared to attend to an unforeseen incident quickly and effectively.
3. Continuous Improvement
Continuous Improvement is a concept that ISO 45001 Standard is based on, and every iteration is made with the philosophy in mind by the ISO Certification Organization. The health and safety standard helps in achieving consistent progress for an organization.
Also, the ISO 45001 Standard aims to empower an organization with a checklist that must be followed constantly. It will help in standardizing the safety measures across organizations in the world and facilitate global expansion easily.
4. Leadership and Employee Engagement:
The role of top management and the employees operating in the organization is equally important in the success of ISO 45001 Certification implementation. It helps in building a culture of shared responsibility and accountability.
Also, many of the ground level intricate details will be known to the employees more than the top management. So, a collective involvement will help in reducing chances of workplace incidents and safeguarding the assembly line operations.
Best Practices to implement for Work Place Safety
There are several best practices that ISO 45001:2018 guidelines suggest the organization to apply in their daily operation. It will help in effective shop floor management and ensure quality is maintained throughout the operations.
The Standard Operating procedure will help in keeping the workplace safe from any unplanned hazards and reduce the risks of accidents. So, here are few of the best practices for workplace safety that an organization can follow.
1. Employee Training and Awareness
Providing extensive training to employees will enable them to understand the safety protocols and handle the heavy equipment the right way. Also act the right way during an emergency response.
Also, it will help boost the employee confidence and morale as their voice has been heard and an impact is created by implementing the safety standard.
2. Regular Safety Inspections and Audits:
Conduct periodic Audits and detect hazards before itself to take the right preventive measures. Also, prepare a Standard Operating Procedure to document the findings and maintain compliance and accountability.
3. Emergency Response Planning:
Have a well-structured Emergency Response Planning. It will help reduce the chaos during any incident. Also conduct evacuation drills, first-aid training, and list down communication procedures for employees to take quick action.
4. Health and Wellness Programs:
Introduce a wellness initiative for the employees to address their mental health, control stress and improve physical fitness. It will boost the overall workplace morale and productivity.
5. Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
Impose the strict usage of proper helmets, gloves, googles, and other protective gear while working on critical workplace operations. Ensure correct gear and costumes are available for use by the workers.
ISO 45001Standard ensures that the organization has all these safety guidelines in place and are practicing the use of them the right way. Eventually, help reduce any unprecedented incidents in the factory.
The occupational health and safety is more than a Certification. It helps in changing the life of people working in a shop floor and enhance workplace safety. Organizations can effectively reduce accidents, enhance efficiency and reinforce market confidence.
The ISO 45001:2018 Standard will help businesses create a secure working environment that meets all the regulatory requirements. Also, it will help foster a culture of safety and well-being among employees.
To learn more about ISO 45001:2018 Certification Standards and the Implementation of the Health and Safety Management System, talk to our expert ISO Team right away!
