Considering Certification to ISO 45001?

Much of the success of an organization is reliant on the ongoing contributions of its staff.

As Sir Richard Branson (Virgin) says: "Success in business is all about people, people, people. Whatever industry a company is in, it's employees are its biggest competitive advantage."

W Marriot, the founder of the Marriot Corporation tells us: "If you take care of your employees they will take care of your customers and your business will take care of itself."

Management has to look after their staff and that includes ensuring their health and safety. And that means having an effective health and safety management system in your workplace.

WHS Management Systems

Many small to medium companies can get by with a health and safety management system as per the requirements of the WHS Act and WHS Regulation. Section 19 of the WHS Act requires all businesses to have WHS Management system. Many businesses may find that in order to do business with suppliers, clients, and other businesses, they may in fact, need to be accredited to ISO 45001 as a condition of doing businesses with them.

What is: ISO 45001:2018 OHS Management System?

ISO 45001 is the International Standard that sets out the audit requirements and elements that must be satisfied in order to certify that a workplace health and safety management system is effective to the level of this Standard. ISO 45001 was based on the Australian and New Zealand AS/NZ 4801 management system and has been adopted internationally. Many businesses in Australia have transitioned from AS/NSW 4801 to ISO 45001. In this system an external body certifies your company to this high standard of compliance.

The Advantages of being certified to ISO 45001

The advantages of an independent body certifying your company include:

- Management can visibly demonstrate it has a serious commitment to the health and wellbeing of its staff and best practice, no matter the size of your company, and no matter what industry

- There is an increased ability to identify and control WHS risks with a reduction of workplace incidents, suffering and costs.

- In some industries, a visible demonstration of health and safety compliance is an essential requirement to do business with suppliers and customers.

- It sends a positive message that enhances your standing as a reliable and safe contractor or supplier

- It is essential to have when tendering for certain government contracts.

- ISO 45001 also highlights whether or not your employees are competent for the task they are performing, which impacts on training and teamwork.

- Regular audits will help you continually monitor and improve your health & safety performance.

- ISO 45001 becomes the platform to build your "continuous improvement" programs and initiatives.

Note:

Courtenell has consultants that can help you to improve your health & safety management system, provide the training requirements for it, and prepare your business for certification to ISO 45001. We can also help you transition from the old AS/NZ Standard to the newer ISO Standard.

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