An exciting innovation in the ISO industry is about to emerge through the publication of ISO/FDIS 45001. The FDIS is expected to be released in late November, 2017. This is ISO’s first standard for Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems. A staggering 6300 people die each day, as a result of work related activities. Most recently, on 4th August 2017, a flooding incident at Alrosa’s diamond mine, in Russia, saw 9 miners go missing. The search has subsequently been halted as rescuers believe that no human could survive, trapped, for such a lengthy period of time.
Along with the issue of death, so too exists the burden of occupational injuries and diseases. Losses incurred by early retirement, staff absence, rising insurance premiums as well as business interruptions, are impacts felt by all stakeholders, both within the organisation and the economy.
What is ISO/FDIS 45001?
To help alleviate issues amongst those listed above, ISO/FDIS 45001 helps organisations by providing a framework which aims to improve employee safety, reduce workplace risks and (perhaps most importantly) creates safer working conditions worldwide. In further detail it will provide specification for formal, systematic analysis including the management of risk, management of regulatory compliance and an evaluation of occupational health and safety performance within the organisation.
As global trade increases, stakeholders are expecting organisations to uphold the highest code of ethics in every aspect of their business, especially in the way they treat employees. ISO/FDIS 45001 will provide organisations with an internationally recognised standard to follow, promoting safer work practices within their organisations. Organisations that could use ISO/DIS 45001 would be businesses that deal with manufacturing and hardware, but ISO/FDIS 45001 can easily be used for service orientated organisations as well.
Who is it for?
As per iso.org: “ISO 45001 is intended for use by any organisation, regardless of its size or the nature of its work, and can be integrated into other health and safety programmes such as worker wellness and wellbeing. It can assist an organization to fulfil its legal requirements.”
ISO/FDIS 45001 is a fantastic opportunity for organisations to align their business’ strategic objectives with their Occupational Health and Safety Management System. This particular standard is designed to assist organisations around the world, to ensure the health and safety of the people who make their business possible.
What are the benefits of ISO/FDIS 45001?
ISO/FDIS 45001 is designed to be used as a tool, used by any organisation, in any industry, anywhere in the world. ISO/FDIS 45001 increases focus on improving occupational health and safety performance, within organisations, which will:
- Reduce the high number of work related injuries, disease and deaths
- Identify and help eliminate occupational health and safety risks
- Improve occupational health and safety performance and effectiveness in the organisation
- Demonstrate corporate responsibility and meet supply chain requirements
- Protect brand reputation, through a reduction in the number of deaths and injuries
- Motivate and engage staff through consultation and participation
What are the latest developments with ISO/FDIS 45001?
At the moment the standard is currently under development by a committee of Occupational Health and Safety experts. The standard will follow the same management approaches as ISO 9001 and ISO 14001, lending to the fact that it will not only be easy to implement but will also integrate well with other systems.
The next of several iterative stages in drafting this standard is for the purpose of approval. The Final Draft International Standard (FDIS), when published in November, will see the representatives of ISO/PC 283 vote for the content to be published. Should the vote be in favour of the publication, ISO/FDIS 45001 is anticipated to be released during the first quarter of 2018. Those organisations already conforming to OHSAS 18001:2007 should take note that ISO 45001 is intended to replace OHSAS 18001 and will therefore need to adapt their management systems to comply.
This certainly is an exciting time in the ISO industry and a great opportunity to help reduce injuries, disease and death in organisations around the world.
