ISO 45001 Consulting & Support Services

The Purpose & Importance of ISO 45001

ISO 45001 is the internationally recognized standard to help organizations proactively improve their Occupational Health and Safety Management systems (OHSMS). Previously known as OHSAS 18001, ISO 45001 provides significant value in reducing workplace incidents and improving overall safety performance. This structured framework includes key elements such as:

• • Workplace hazards
  • Leadership commitment
  • Worker participation
  • Risk Assessment
  • Legal and regulatory conformance
  • Emergency planning
  • Incident investigation and continual improvement

Utilizing the Plan-Do-Check-Act management methodology, ISO 45001 enables organizations of all sizes to systematically manage occupational health and safety risks (OH&S), strengthen resilience, and demonstrate clear commitment to worker health, safety, and well-being. This proactive approach builds a robust response protocol and protects workers against safety threats. In short, ISO 45001 empowers organizations to better protect their workers and manage OH&S risks effectively.

Who Needs ISO 45001?

ISO 45001 is applicable to any organizations – regardless of size, industry, or geographic location – seeking to establish or improve their OH&S management system. It provides particular value for higher-risk sections such as:

• • Construction and building
  • Manufacturing and production
  • Oil and gas
  • Mining and extractives
  • Agriculture and food production

Benefits of ISO 45001 Certification

Achieving ISO 45001 provides an additional layer of confidence to clients, employees, and stakeholders that your workplace is safe and well-managed. Implementing ISO 45001 attains benefits of:

• • Reinforced leadership commitment to improve the OHSMS for the site
  • Reduced workplace incidents and injuries
  • Ensured conformance with OH&S regulations through systematic approach to evaluating legal and regulatory requirements
  • Increase organizational resilience and readiness to respond to emergencies
  • Drive continual improvement of OH&S performance
  • Enhanced company reputation
  • Build a culture of trust and proactive safety
  • Reduce absences, insurance premiums, costs associated with incidents
  • Minimize hazards and optimize worker productivity and business performance

ISO 45001 Core Clauses

ISO 45001 is built around 10 core clauses that provide a clear framework for establishing and maintaining an effective OHSMS:

1. 1. Scope – Defines the boundaries and applicability of standard
   2. Normative Reference – Essential supporting standards and references
   3. Terms and Conditions – Requirements and standards that are applied
   4. Context of Organization –Understanding of the internal and external factors that can affect OH&S
      1. Internal parties – Groups within the organization (e.g., communication methodologies and team cooperation)
      2. External parties – Regulators, suppliers, community (e.g., economic or political conditions)
      3. Interested parties – ISO requires organizations to consider the needs and expectations of workers, contractors, regulators, shareholders, and the community when defining context. Their interests help shape the scope and objectives of the OHSMS.
   5. Leadership and Worker Participation – Top management commitment and active engagement of employees
   6. Planning – Hazard identification, risk assessment, setting objectives, and developing action plans
      1. Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs) – A particularly important element of performance that breaks down tasks step-by-step to identify potential risks and preventive controls
   7. Support – Resource, competence, awareness, and communication
   8. Operation – Implementing controls and managing changes
   9. Performance Evaluation – Monitoring, measurement, analysis, and evaluation of performance
   10. Improvement – Continual improvement and corrective actions

ISO 45001 Certification Process

While acquiring ISO 45001 certification is not mandatory, many organizations pursue it to demonstrate their commitment to worker safety. Certifications are conducted by accredited third parties referred to as “Registrars” who validate and assess the OHSMS. The certification process typically includes:

1. 1. Initial Consultation
   2. Gap Analysis (i.e. areas that still need improvement)
   3. Documentation Development
   4. OH&S Risk Assessment
   5. Hazard Identification
   6. Risk Assessment Training
   7. Internal Auditor Training
   8. Internal Audits & Management Review
   9. Certification Audit

Internal Auditing

Regular internal audits are essential for maintaining ISO 45001 conformance and driving continual improvements. Internal audits should be tailored towards your organization’s size, complexity, and risk level. This ensures assessments are accurate and proportional to the nature of potential hazards and risks. A typical internal audit process follows:

1. 1. Planning the audit – Define objectives, scope, criteria, and schedule
   2. Assembling audit team – Assign roles and responsibilities
   3. (Formatting) – Complete ISO 45001 checklists that evaluate key areas:
      1. Planning & support
      2. Leadership engagement & worker participation
      3. Operational controls & hazard management
      4. Performance evaluation & continual improvement
   4. Conducting audits – Perform operator interviews, document reviews, and observations to gather evidence/information
   5. Reporting results – Document findings, including any nonconformities
   6. Implementing corrective actions – Address issues and track progress

SEC ISO experts can support your organization with internal audits, offering an objective third-party perspective that promotes health and safety conformance and supports continual improvement. Contact us through the “Get a Quote” button at the bottom of this page!

ISO 45001 Job Hazard Analyses (JHA)

One of the most practical tools for proactive risk management within OHSMS is Job Hazard Analysis (JHA). It’s an essential component of Clause 6 (planning), Clause 7 (support), Clause 8 (operation), and Clause 9 (performance evaluation) of ISO 45001. The systematic process of JHA follows:

1. Break down job tasks into individual steps

2. Identifies potential hazards associated with each step

3. Determines appropriate controls (e.g. engineering, personal protective equipment, administrative, etc.) to eliminate or mitigate risk

JHA ensures that hazards are anticipated before work begins and feeds into the “Plan-Do-Check-Act” cycle of ISO 45001.

Program Development & Consultation

Developing the best practices for successful safety risk control is essential to organizations of all sizes, whether micro or global. SEC provides tailored consulting services that support your team at every stage of the journey, from conducting gap analysis to internal audits to successful certification.