ISO 45001:2018 is an international standard that specifies the requirements for an Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS). This standard provides a framework for organizations to establish, implement, maintain, and continually improve occupational health and safety performance. ISO 45001 was developed to help organizations ensure the well-being and safety of employees and others who may be affected by their activities.

Here are key elements and features of ISO 45001:2018:

1. Scope and Applicability:
   • ISO 45001 is applicable to any organization, regardless of its size, industry, or nature of work. It is designed to be adaptable to diverse contexts, ensuring its relevance across different sectors.
2. Context of the Organization:
   • Organizations are required to understand and consider the internal and external factors that can affect their occupational health and safety performance. This includes identifying the needs and expectations of workers and other interested parties.
3. Leadership and Worker Participation:
   • Top management is expected to demonstrate leadership and commitment to the OHSMS. Worker participation and consultation are emphasized, ensuring that employees are actively involved in decisions related to occupational health and safety.
4. Planning:
   • Organizations must establish processes to identify and assess occupational health and safety risks and opportunities. This involves setting objectives and developing plans to achieve them, with a focus on prevention of work-related injuries and illnesses.
5. Support and Operation:
   • This section covers the allocation of resources, competence, awareness, communication, and documented information necessary for the effective operation of the OHSMS. It also addresses emergency preparedness and response.
6. Performance Evaluation:
   • Monitoring, measurement, analysis, and evaluation of the OHSMS performance are essential for ensuring its effectiveness. This includes assessing compliance, incident investigation, and regular performance reviews.
7. Improvement:
   • Continuous improvement is a fundamental principle of ISO 45001. Organizations are required to address non-conformities, take corrective actions, and continually enhance the suitability and effectiveness of the OHSMS.

ISO 45001 was developed to replace OHSAS 18001, providing a more comprehensive and integrated approach to occupational health and safety management. Organizations seeking ISO 45001 certification undergo assessments by certification bodies to ensure compliance with the standard’s requirements. As standards may be subject to updates, it’s advisable to check for any revisions or changes to ISO 45001 beyond last knowledge update in January 2022.