The ISO 45001 Occupational Health and Safety Management System, defined as a set of planned activities aimed at developing an occupational health and safety policy within an organization in order to establish a safe, healthy, and sustainable working environment, is one of the most widely implemented management system standards worldwide. The standard was published in 2018, replacing OHSAS 18001 and adopting a stronger, risk-based, and preventive approach in the field of occupational health and safety. Since its publication, ISO 45001 has been adopted and implemented by numerous organizations operating in both the public and private sectors.
An occupational health and safety management system established in accordance with ISO 45001 provides a systematic framework aimed at identifying hazards that employees may be exposed to, assessing and controlling risks, ensuring compliance with legal and other requirements, and preventing occupational accidents and work-related diseases. The standard adopts a broad perspective that covers not only employees but also contractors, visitors, and third parties who may be affected by the organization’s activities.
Through the establishment and effective implementation of an ISO 45001 system, organizations can reduce occupational accidents and near-miss incidents, protect the health and safety of employees, improve compliance with legal obligations, and ensure business continuity. At the same time, it contributes to the development of a strong occupational health and safety culture by increasing employee participation and awareness. Proactive risk management helps reduce production losses and indirect costs, while significantly enhancing the organization’s corporate reputation and credibility among stakeholders.