ISO 45001:2018 – How It Ensures Safety and Health at Work
The World Day for Safety and Health at Work is observed every year on 28 April to raise awareness about workplace safety and health concerns. The International Labour Organization (ILO) has been commemorating this day since 2003, selecting different safety-related themes annually to engage all stakeholders.
According to ILO statistics, around 340 million people worldwide suffer work-related injuries each year, while 160 million individuals are affected by occupational diseases. These alarming figures highlight the critical importance of effective occupational health and safety management.
Major Health and Safety Concerns in the Workplace
Conducting a comprehensive workplace safety evaluation is vital for identifying and addressing potential risks. While concerns vary depending on the industry, the most common workplace hazards include:
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Slips and Falls – Often caused by wet floors, uneven surfaces, or poor housekeeping.
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Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) – Resulting from poor ergonomics, repetitive tasks, or improper lifting techniques, leading to conditions such as back pain, repetitive strain injuries, and carpal tunnel syndrome.
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Occupational Stress and Mental Health Issues – Factors like excessive workload, poor work-life balance, and unrealistic deadlines contribute to stress, anxiety, and depression.
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Hazardous Substance Exposure – Contact with harmful chemicals, fumes, dust, or biological agents can cause respiratory diseases, skin conditions, and other chronic illnesses, often due to inadequate PPE, poor ventilation, or insufficient training.
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Fire and Emergency Risks – Lack of proper fire safety systems, inadequate evacuation routes, or poor staff training increases vulnerability during emergencies.
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Electrical Hazards – Faulty wiring, defective equipment, or unsafe electrical practices can result in electric shocks, burns, or fires.
ISO 45001 and Workplace Safety
ISO 45001 is an international standard that provides a framework for effective occupational health and safety management. It helps organizations identify, assess, and control workplace hazards through a systematic approach that integrates safety management into daily operations.
Key focus areas include hazard identification, risk assessment, performance evaluation, and continual improvement.
Benefits of Implementing ISO 45001
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Prevention of Workplace Accidents – Proactively addressing risks reduces injuries, illnesses, and operational disruptions.
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Regulatory Compliance – Ensures alignment with local and international occupational safety and health laws.
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Enhanced Organizational Performance – Improved safety culture leads to higher productivity, reduced absenteeism, and better employee engagement.
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Stakeholder Confidence – Certification demonstrates commitment to safety, boosting trust among customers, suppliers, investors, and regulators.
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Continuous Improvement – Encourages ongoing review of safety measures to adapt to emerging risks and technologies.
TUV Austria’s Role in ISO 45001 Certification
TUV Austria Bureau of Inspection & Certification offers globally recognized auditing and certification services to help organizations implement and maintain ISO 45001. Our highly qualified auditors work closely with clients to ensure their Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems are not only compliant but also continuously improved to meet evolving safety demands.
Related Services
In addition to ISO 45001 certification, TUV Austria BIC offers: