By Louise Woodburn, Partner KBC Risk Solutions
Since when does simply “ticking boxes” ever actually truly benefit a business? Even more so when it comes to compliance. True leadership demands a proactive approach to safety. ISO standards aren’t just certifications, they aren’t just tick boxes; they’re frameworks for building a resilient, safe, and globally recognised organisation. Think of it as a blueprint for creating a workplace where safety is not just a policy, but a core value.
ISO 45001 in particular is a framework that helps organisations across industries establish, implement, maintain, and improve a safe and healthy working environment. It’s based on a risk-based approach, identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing controls to mitigate accidents, injuries, and health issues.
Essentially, it’s a roadmap to identify hazards, assess risks, and implement effective controls to prevent accidents, injuries, and illnesses in the workplace. This globally recognized standard, replacing OHSAS 18001, ensures consistency and best practices across industries and borders.
The benefits of ISO 45001 are numerous, making it one of the most important standards a company can adhere to. Primarily It helps reduce workplace accidents and illnesses by identifying and mitigating risks. It also demonstrates your businesses’ commitment to employee well-being, leading to higher job satisfaction and engagement.
It helps you meet the requirements of South Africa’s Occupational Health and Safety Act and other relevant legislation while helping attract multinational clients, demonstrating your commitment to international best practices.
Saving lives isn’t the only draw, you can also save money by reducing your insurance premiums, lowering compensation costs, and increasing productivity. It also helps you systematically identify and mitigate risks, ensuring a safer working environment while demonstrating your commitment to OHS, enhancing your reputation and credibility.
ISO 45001 is not just an “extra” layer; it’s a systematic approach to fulfilling your legal obligations and elevating your safety standards to a global benchmark.
Navigating the complexities of ISO 45001 can be daunting. That’s where KBC comes in. We understand that every organisation, from small businesses with five employees to multinational corporations, has unique needs. Our approach is designed to help speed up the process, brings best-practice knowledge to simplify and provide peace of mind.
We also provide expert guidance by conducting thorough gap audits, developing tailored systems to help guide you through the implementation and certification process. We also help you understand and meet the hundreds of pieces of legislation related to occupational health and safety in South Africa, providing ongoing support and guidance from initial assessment to final certification
Whether you’re a small business with five employees or a multinational corporation, KBC can help you achieve ISO 45001 certification and unlock the benefits of a safer, more productive workplace.
Don’t just comply with local laws, strive for international best practices. Partner with KBC to implement ISO 45001 and take the first step towards a safer, healthier, and more productive work environment.
