It’s taken the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) more than 20 years to finally publish an occupational health and safety management system (OHSMS) standard. While not perfect, this new standard, called ISO 45001 provides a robust framework for organizations to use in managing OHS hazards and risks. The new OHSMS follows ISO’s high-level management system structure. This will help with integrating 45001 with ISO’s other EHS-related management systems such as ISO 14001 (environmental) and ISO 50001 (energy). Perhaps one of the most valuable aspects of ISO 45001 is how it will help EHS professionals reinforce and evolve their risk and systems thinking, as these two topics are woven into the standard’s DNA. The standard can be purchased from ISO. Redinger can also provide guidance on how to integrate it in your organization.
