The health, safety, and wellness of employees is one of a business’ top priorities. After all, the workforce is the primary mover of the business. Without people at all levels in the organization, businesses won’t function optimally. ISO 45001 is a global standard of practice that protects employees worldwide, ensuring that their workplace remains safe and that risks are minimized or eliminated. Any organization can obtain an ISO 45001 certification, but it will take an organizational effort to achieve compliance. This is often where OHS consultants or occupational health and safety consultants come in, bringing their expertise and knowledge to determine risks and help provide solutions for it.

ISO 45001 was designed to ensure that workplaces globally are safe for their workers and that lives are potentially saved from any hazards or accidents. But what does it mean to obtain an ISO 45001 certification and what are the common facts and myths about ISO compliance?

ISO 45001 Certification: Common Myths and Misconceptions

ISO 45001 Certification is only for companies that manufacture or produce goods.

When one thinks of health and safety in the workplace, one thing often comes to mind: a chaotic production warehouse with machines going in all directions and workers in protective gear. Yes, ISO 45001 certification can and should be obtained by manufacturing and production companies. However, ISO 45001 isn’t only for those types of companies. ISO 45001 was designed to be applicable to all workplaces globally. It sets the standards for businesses to understand the legal requirements for a business to operate safely and with reduced risks. For example, a kitchen can have risks for burn or knife injuries, while offices can have tripping or shock hazards. ISO 45001 aims to address significant risks to improve the overall occupational health and safety of the organization.

It is only for businesses that deal with hazardous products or workplaces.

One common misconception of ISO 45001 is that it is only applicable to organizations that deal with hazardous products such as chemicals, bioweapons, or arms. This is untrue. These types of organizations that deal with the production of hazardous chemicals or weapons may have higher workplace risks, but regular offices and workplaces, no matter what industry, can benefit from an ISO 45001 certification. One of the benefits of achieving compliance to ISO 45001 is the cost savings that businesses can get from reducing risks, accidents, and deaths.

It is unnecessary for businesses that are already legally compliant to local laws and legislation.

When operating a business, it is vital to be compliant to local laws and legislation. ISO 45001 takes this further to ensure that a business not only ensures workers’ safety but commits to providing a safe workplace for years to come. According to Advisera, the compliance process requires businesses to “identify the legal requirements that are applicable to you, determine how you will keep up to date on these requirements, understand what you need to do to comply with these requirements, and then measure your ability to meet the requirements.”

It is too much hard work for businesses not familiar with ISO standards.

Organizations with no experience in ISO 45001 certification may find a challenge in getting compliant. This is where OHS consultants come in. OHS consultants are certification specialists who work with your organization to integrate all your ISO standards (if you already have these), minimise change by customising your business’ solution to your unique compliance needs and business culture, and create understandable tools that are easy to maintain, while saving time and resources by limiting duplication of documentation. OHS consultants are skilled professionals who will collaborate with key employees in your organization to come up with unique compliance solutions that work well with your business process. By implementing these solutions, your business is able to save on insurance costs and fees involved in dealing with accidents, illnesses, and other risks.

ISO 45001 Certification costs too much.

The end goal of any ISO 45001 certification is not just a certificate that proves your business passed global standards. Any expenses relating to ISO 45001 certification is an investment in the workplace’s safety moving forward. It also ensures that businesses remain compliant no matter how many legislation updates come along. OHS consultants assist in ensuring that legislative updates are being implemented on a regular basis, as ISO 45001 Australia legislation tends to change just as industries and markets change.

To find out more about ISO 45001 Australia and legislation updates or how to ensure that legislative updates are being implemented throughout your business audits for occupational health and safety, get in touch with OHS consultants and specialists today.

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