New ISO Certification Promises Change in the Workplace

20 Aug, 2014

Over fifty countries have contributed to the new ISO standard for occupational health and safety management, an ISO certification that is soon to be published. Currently undergoing the strict review process, this will be available nationally to companies who wish to show employees, clients and customers their commitment to health and safety.

Although the publication date seems far away (expected in October 2016), those that prepare early and attain the qualification before others will obviously set themselves apart from their competition.

What Does the New Certification Involve?

This new ISO qualification has evolved from the OHSAS 18001, a safety standard many businesses will already be familiar with. Born in Britain during 1999, by 2005 the certification had been established in over
16,000 workplaces, not just in the UK but throughout the world.

The standard will be named ISO 45001 and is certainly one to look out for as it has widened its perspective delivering a more holistic approach to health and safety in the workplace.

Not only does it concentrate on the welfare of employees, this standard delves deeper to discover the impact on other members of an organisation such as the stakeholders and managers, the duty holders and the contractors.

Changing the Face of Health and Safety

Focusing on the contractors, the standard will examine the practices surrounding temporary workers and contractors, such as on building sites or in factories. Management will also face greater responsibility as the onus will be placed on those in a position of authority to deliver on the ISO standards.

Although the finer details are still being finalised there is speculation that this could prove to be a force for change in the industry as health and safety may become an essential part of any organisational planning.

How to Secure the ISO

We’ll keep you up to date on developments, ensuring you hear news of ISO certifications that benefit your business first. Until October 2016 we have many options that ensure your organisation is health and safety compliant while boosting your reputation as a company that cares.