Food safety, as well as the health and safety of your employees, are of the utmost importance in the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries.
In South Africa, it is the employee’s right to work in a safe and healthy environment. Should a company not comply with health and safety standards, the staff member(s) affected can lay an official complaint with the employer or the company’s health and safety representative.
The consequences of not complying with health and safety requirements are dire for both the organisation and employees. Some consequences include:
- Injury and/or loss of life
- Tainted brand reputation
- Business closure
Purpose of ISO 45001: 2018
The Occupational Health and Safety Management System (ISO 45001: 2018) requirements help organisations reduce the burden by providing a framework to improve employee safety, reduce workplace risks and create better, safer working conditions for all.
ISO 45001 specifies requirements for an occupational health and safety (OH&S) management system. It gives guidance for its use, to enable organisations to provide safe and healthy workplaces by preventing work-related injury and ill health, as well as by proactively improving its OH&S performance.
ISO 45001: 2018 aims to eliminate hazards and minimise OH&S risks (including system deficiencies), take advantage of OH&S opportunities, and address OH&S management system non-conformities associated with its activities.
ISO 45001:2018 helps an organisation to achieve the intended outcomes of its OH&S management system. Consistent with the organisation’s OH&S policy, the intended outcomes of an OH&S management system include:
- Continual improvement of OH&S performance.
- A safer work environment for employees.
- Increased involvement and performance of employees.
- Compliance legal requirements and other requirements.
Who is ISO 45001: 2018 For?
ISO 45001:2018 applies to any organisation regardless of size, activities and products. It applies to the OHS risks under the organisation’s control, considering factors such as the context in which the organisation operates and its workers and other interested parties’ needs and expectations.
Related Articles
Check out our other related articles for more tips!
Key facts
- ISO 45001:2018 is the Occupational Health and Safety Management System standard that provides a framework to improve employee safety, reduce workplace risks and create safer working conditions.
- It specifies requirements that help organisations provide safe and healthy workplaces by preventing work-related injury and ill health and improving overall OH&S performance.
- Its aims include eliminating hazards, minimising OH&S risks, capitalising on OH&S opportunities and addressing management system non-conformities.
- Intended outcomes include continual improvement in OH&S performance, safer work environments, greater employee involvement, and compliance with legal and other requirements.
- The standard applies to any organisation regardless of size, activities and products, covering OH&S risks under the organisation's control.
- In South Africa, employees have a legal right to safe, healthy working conditions, and non-compliance can lead to injury, brand damage and business closure.
Frequently asked questions
What is the ISO 45001:2018 standard?
ISO 45001:2018 is the Occupational Health and Safety Management System standard. According to the article, it provides a framework to improve employee safety, reduce workplace risks and create better, safer working conditions. It specifies requirements that enable organisations to prevent work-related injury and ill health while improving overall OH&S performance.
What are the main aims of ISO 45001:2018?
The standard aims to eliminate hazards and minimise occupational health and safety risks. It also helps organisations capitalise on OH&S opportunities and address management system non-conformities, working toward continual improvement in OH&S performance.
Which organisations can use ISO 45001:2018?
ISO 45001:2018 applies to any organisation regardless of its size, activities and products. It covers the OH&S risks that are under the organisation's control, making it relevant across sectors including food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries.
Why does health and safety compliance matter in South Africa?
In South Africa, employees have a legal right to safe and healthy working conditions. The article stresses that non-compliance can carry serious consequences, including workplace injury, damage to your brand, and even business closure.
What outcomes can an organisation expect from ISO 45001:2018?
Organisations implementing ISO 45001:2018 work toward continual improvement in OH&S performance and safer work environments for employees. Other intended outcomes include increased employee involvement and performance, plus compliance with legal and other requirements.