ISO 45001:2018

ISO 45001 is an international standard for occupational health and safety management systems published by the International Organization for Standardization, aimed at providing a systematic framework for organizations to prevent work-related injuries and illnesses, and to provide a safe and healthy workplace for employees and those working under organizational control.

1、 Standard Core Information
Current version: ISO 45001:2018, released on March 12, 2018, is an authoritative standard widely used worldwide.
National standard: China has adopted this standard and the corresponding national standard is GB/T 45001-2020.
Replacement standard: This standard aims to replace the previous OHSAS 18001.
Core structure: Adopting a high-level structure consistent with other ISO management system standards (such as ISO 9001, ISO 14001) to facilitate system integration.
Core method: Follow the PDCA cycle of “planning implementation inspection improvement” to achieve continuous improvement.
2、 Core requirements and characteristics of the standard
The core requirements of ISO 45001 run through its standard clauses, emphasizing the integration of occupational health and safety into the overall business operations of the organization

Leadership role and employee participation: Clearly require top management to play a leadership and core role, with special emphasis on employee negotiation and participation, to ensure that workers play an active role in occupational health and safety affairs.
Risk based thinking: requires organizations to systematically identify hazards, assess occupational health and safety risks and opportunities, and determine corresponding control measures. This is the core thread of system establishment and operation.
Organizational environment: requires organizations to analyze the internal and external environment that affects their occupational health and safety management system.
Process approach: Manage occupational health and safety management as a series of interrelated processes.
Continuous improvement: By setting goals, monitoring performance, conducting internal audits, and management reviews, promote the continuous improvement of occupational health and safety performance. 

3、 Certification Process and Basic Conditions
ISO 45001 certification is carried out by third-party certification bodies, and the basic process and conditions are as follows:

Certification process: usually includes steps such as system establishment and operation, selection of certification body, document review, two-stage on-site audit, rectification of non conformities, and issuance of certificates. The certificate is valid for 3 years and is subject to annual supervision and review.
Basic conditions:
The organization has an independent legal status.
Establish a documented management system that meets standard requirements and operate effectively for at least 3 months.
Complete at least one internal audit and management review.
Within the year prior to applying for certification, no serious penalties have been imposed by relevant safety and health regulatory authorities.
4、 Main benefits of implementing ISO 45001
Implementing this standard can help organizations:

Reduce risks and costs: Systematically manage occupational health and safety risks, reduce workplace accidents, diseases, and related costs (such as missed work, compensation, insurance premiums).
Ensure compliance: Improve the ability to comply with occupational health and safety laws and regulations, and reduce the risk of violations.
Enhance image and reputation: demonstrate commitment to employee well-being, enhance trust among investors, customers, and the public, and become a “safe pass” for market access.
Boosting employee morale: By creating a safer working environment, we can increase employee satisfaction, engagement, and retention rates.
Realizing sustainable development: Integrating personnel safety and health into the core strategy of the organization, creating a more resilient and competitive organization.
5、 Relationship with other management systems
ISO 45001 adopts the same high-level structure as ISO 9001 (Quality Management System) and ISO 14001 (Environmental Management System), making it easier for organizations to integrate and manage. Many enterprises will simultaneously establish these three systems (collectively referred to as “three system certification”) to achieve collaborative management of quality, environment, and safety, and optimize resource allocation.