Occupational health and safety in the United States
A commitment to the best possible occupational safety
Cost savings through reduction of risk
Improved reputation of your organization
Enhanced monitoring and management of legal compliance requirements
What is ISO 45001?
The goal of the occupational health and safety standard is to establish transparent and effective processes that lead to a high level of safety at work. The key features include work policy, employee consultation and participation, hazard identification and risk assessment, as well as risk management. In addition, there is a strong focus on legal subjects relating to occupational health and safety.
ISO 45001:2018 was published as the successor to the standard BS OHSAS 18001 (Occupational Health and Safety) on March 12, 2018, and in September of 2021, it officially replaced the old standard. In order to remain valid, companies had to be certified to the new standard.
How can my organization in the United States benefit from an ISO 45001 certification?
An occupational health and safety management system according to ISO 45001 follows the basic structure of other important management system standards, including High Level Structure (HLS). This means that ISO 45001 is compatible with ISO 9001 (quality) and ISO 14001 (environment), making it well suited to be part of an integrated management system.
Why does ISO 45001 certification make sense for my company?
- Detection of deficits in occupational health and safety
An occupational health and safety management system (OHS) according to ISO 45001 helps you to successively as well as efficiently detect and eliminate deficiencies in the existing system. The certification thus helps to prevent occupational accidents or safety incidents. - Strengthening the health and motivation of the workforce
By implementing a structured OHS management system, you can expect the overall health of your company to improve significantly. In addition to physical and mental stress being reduced, employees often have higher motivation and less absenteeism overall. - Greater legal certainty
Compliance also impacts the health and safety of the organization. By obtaining ISO 45001 certification, companies strengthen their legal security. They combine occupational health and safety with compliance which reduces the risks of liability and the danger of high consequential costs. - Competitive advantages
Companies certified to ISO 45001 are attractive to employees because it demonstrates that occupational health and safety is prioritized within the organization. With certification, they also guarantee compliance with important standards and requirements. In a time where there is a high shortage of skilled workers, proving that your company strongly values employee health and safety with an ISO 45001 certificate can be extremely valuable. - Cost savings and higher productivity
Implementing a structured health management system can also help to reduce sick leave among employees which in turn increases productivity and limits interruptions to operations. - Improved safety awareness among the workforce
An ISO 45001 certification requires active participation of all employees in their respective work environments, resulting in an increased awareness of health and safety issues company wide. Workers become multipliers for how safety in the workplace can be achieved sustainably. - Integration into an existing management system
ISO 45001 is based on the fundamental structure of all modern management systems, the High Level Structure. This means that health and safety management can be integrated into an existing management system, such as into a system according to ISO 9001 or ISO 14001.
Who is authorized to administer an ISO 45001 certification?
What are the steps to achieve an ISO 45001 certification?
Companies seeking to get an ISO 45001 certification with DQS Inc. will go through a multi-stage certification process. If a certified management system is already established, the process can be shortened, and if a company already has an accredited ISO 45001 certificate, a transfer can take place.
In the first step, we will discuss your company, occupational health and safety requirements, and the goals of ISO 45001 certification together. After our conversation, you will promptly receive a detailed and transparent quote, customized to your company's specific needs.
After the contract is signed, we prepare for the audit. Typically, this process involves careful planning so that we can schedule and coordinate on-site implementation. If you wish, we can carry out an optional gap assessment for you. This allows us to identify important starting points so that the certification can be carried out in an even more targeted manner.
The actual certification audit takes place in two stages. In the stage 1 audit, the system analysis, we will analyze and evaluate your management system on site. In the stage 2 audit, our auditors evaluate your management system and identify potential areas of improvement. The audit results are presented at a final meeting. If necessary, action plans are agreed upon.
For a comprehensive system evaluation, we prepare a written report. If your company has fulfilled all standard requirements, you will receive the ISO 45001 certificate.
After successful certification, we will conduct an annual surveillance audit to ensure that your company continues to meet all the key criteria of ISO 45001. This provides expert support for the continuous improvement of your health and safety management system.
A certificate according to ISO 45001 is valid for three years. DQS Inc. will start the recertification process before your certificate expires to ensure continued compliance of the standard. If the requirements are met, a new certificate is issued.
What does an ISO 45001 certification cost?
For these reasons, the cost of ISO 45001 certification will depend on your organization's specific needs. We are happy to work out a customized quote for you that is individually tailored to your company.
Why should your company choose DQS?
- Personal, smooth support from our U.S.-based specialists with international support
- Individual offers with flexible contract terms without hidden costs
Ready to Prioritize Occupational Health? Enroll in an ISO 45001 Courses
Enable your team to lead in occupational health and safety. Discover DQS Academy's ISO 45001 courses, taught by industry experts. We have courses customized to meet the needs of all experience levels from introductory to mastery. Elevate your skills, ensure compliance, and create a safer workplace environment.