ISO developed the 45001 standards to provide organizations with a globally recognized framework for managing occupational health and safety (OHS) risks and opportunities. The standard was designed to replace OHSAS 18001, which was a popular OHS management system standard, but did not follow the common High-Level Structure (HLS) framework used by other ISO management system standards. ISO 45001 benefits organizations in several ways: Better risk management: The standard helps organizations identify and manage OHS risks and opportunities more effectively, which can help to reduce incidents and injuries in the workplace. Improved compliance: The standard provides a framework for ensuring compliance with OHS regulations and other requirements, which can help to avoid legal penalties and reputational damage. Enhanced employee engagement: The standard places greater emphasis on worker participation and consultation, which can help to improve employee engagement, morale, and productivity. Better stakeholder relations: The standard requires organizations to consider the needs and expectations of interested parties, including workers, customers, and suppliers. This can help to build trust and enhance relationships with these stakeholders. Increased efficiency: The standard requires organizations to adopt a more systematic approach to OHS management, which can help to identify inefficiencies and improve processes. Improved reputation: Implementing ISO 45001 can help organizations demonstrate their commitment to OHS and to improving the well-being of their employees. This can enhance their reputation and brand image.

Preparing for an ISO 45001 certification audit involves several key steps, including: Gap analysis: Conduct a gap analysis to identify any areas where the organization's existing OHS management system does not meet the requirements of ISO 45001. This will help to identify areas that need improvement before the certification audit. Develop an implementation plan: Develop an implementation plan that outlines the steps needed to meet the requirements of ISO 45001. The plan should include specific actions, timelines, and responsibilities for each step. Implement the OHSMS: Implement the OHS management system according to the plan developed in step 2. This may involve developing policies, procedures, and processes to manage OHS risks and opportunities, as well as ensuring that the necessary resources, training, and infrastructure are in place. Conduct internal audits: Conduct internal audits to assess the effectiveness of the OHSMS and to identify any areas that need improvement. Internal audits should be conducted regularly before the certification audit to ensure that the OHSMS is operating effectively. Corrective actions: Address any non-conformities identified during the internal audits by taking appropriate corrective actions. This may involve revising policies and procedures, providing additional training, or making changes to the OHSMS. Management review: Conduct regular management reviews to assess the effectiveness of the OHSMS and to identify any areas that need improvement. Management reviews should involve senior management and should be used to make decisions about the ongoing operation of the OHSMS. Choose a certification body: Choose a certification body that is accredited to certify organizations to ISO 45001. The certification body will conduct an on-site audit of the organization's OHSMS to determine whether it meets the requirements of the standard. Conduct the certification audit: The certification audit is conducted by the certification body and involves a review of the organization's OHSMS documentation, followed by an on-site audit to assess the effectiveness of the system. By following these steps, an organization can prepare effectively for the ISO 45001 certification audit and improve its OHS management system to meet the requirements of the standard.

It takes three to five days to complete this course through CounselTrain.