ISO 45001, the international standard for occupational health and safety (OH&S) management systems, offers a voluntary yet comprehensive framework aimed at enhancing employee safety, minimizing workplace risks, and promoting the well-being of all. While compliance with or certification to ISO 45001 is not mandatory, it represents a proactive approach to aligning with global best practices in OH&S.
In this article, we’ll review the adoption of ISO 45001 worldwide and key ISO 45001 clauses that align with and support regulatory requirements in different geographical regions.
North America
In North America, particularly in the United States and Canada, there’s a growing recognition of ISO 45001 as a valuable framework for enhancing workplace safety and health management systems. While not legally mandated, many organizations across various sectors adopt ISO 45001 to complement existing national standards and OSHA regulations, using it to achieve best practices and demonstrate commitment to safety. Its adoption is seen as a mark of excellence and can be a competitive advantage for businesses.
ISO 45001 Clauses That Complement Workplace Safety Regulations in North America |
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|---|---|
| Regulations | ISO 45001 Clause |
| OSHA – ensures safe and healthy working conditions by setting and enforcing standards and providing training, education, and assistance at the federal level in the United States. | ISO 45001 Clause 5 ISO 45001 Clause 6.1 ISO 45001 Clause 6.2.2 ISO 45001 Clause 7.2 ISO 45001 Clause 8 |
| The Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200) – requires employers to inform employees about dangerous chemicals and provide them with training on safe handling practices. | ISO 45001 Clause 7.2 |
| The Respiratory Protection Standard (29 CFR 1910.134) sets requirements for the use of respiratory protection equipment in environments with harmful airborne contaminants. | ISO 45001 Clause 8 |
| The Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) Standard (29 CFR 1910.147) outlines procedures for controlling hazardous energy sources during equipment maintenance. | ISO 45001 Clause 8.1.2 |
| Machine Guarding Standards (29 CFR 1910.212 – 219) ensure protection from moving machinery parts. | ISO 45001 Clause 8 |
| Fall Protection Standard (29 CFR 1926.501) safeguards against falls in construction. | ISO 45001 Clause 8.1.2 |
| Electrical Safety Standards (29 CFR 1910 Subpart S and 29 CFR 1926 Subpart K) – establishes requirements for electrical safety. | ISO 45001 Clause 8 |
| Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Standards (29 CFR 1910 Subpart I and 29 CFR 1926 Subpart E) – establish requirements for the use of protective gear. | ISO 45001 Clause 8.1.2 |
| Canada Labour Code, Part II (Federal): Occupational Health and Safety Regulations (SOR/86-304) – cover various aspects of workplace safety, including hazard identification and control, workplace ergonomics, personal protective equipment, and training requirements. | ISO 45001 Clause 6.1, ISO 45001 Clause 7.2 ISO 45001 Clause 8 ISO 45001 Clause 8.1.2 |
Europe
Europe has shown strong support for ISO 45001, partly due to the standard’s alignment with the European Union’s solid framework for occupational health and safety. Many European countries have well-established safety cultures and regulations, and ISO 45001 is often used to enhance these existing systems. Adoption across Europe is facilitated by the general compatibility of ISO standards with EU directives related to workplace safety. This makes it a logical step for organizations looking to demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement in OH&S.
ISO 45001 Clauses That Complement Workplace Safety Regulations in the European Union |
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|---|---|
| Regulations | Applicable ISO 45001 Clauses |
| Framework Directive 89/391/EEC: This directive details the general principles for preventing occupational hazards and protecting workers’ safety and health. It requires employers to assess and prevent risks to workers’ health and safety, provide appropriate training and information, and establish measures to eliminate or reduce workplace hazards. | ISO 45001 Clause 8, ISO 45001 Clause 6.1 ISO 45001 Clause 7.3 |
| Directive 89/654/EEC on workplace equipment: This directive details the minimum health and safety requirements for the workplace, including providing and maintaining workplace equipment. | ISO 45001 Clause 7 ISO 45001 Clause 8 |
| Directive 89/655/EEC on the use of work equipment: This directive requires employers to ensure that work equipment is suitable for its intended use, properly maintained, and used correctly by workers. | ISO 45001 Clause 8.1.3 ISO 45001 Clause 8.1.4 |
| Directive 2009/104/EC on the use of work equipment by workers at work: This directive sets out specific requirements for the use of work equipment, including training and supervision of workers and measures to protect workers from risks associated with using such equipment. | ISO 45001 Clause 7.2 ISO 45001 Clause 7.3 ISO 45001 Clause 8 |
| Directive 92/57/EEC on construction sites: This directive addresses health and safety requirements for construction sites, including risk assessment, safety planning, and coordination of activities. | ISO 45001 Clause 6 ISO 45001 Clause 6.1 ISO 45001 Clause 7 ISO 45001 Clause 8.1.3 ISO 45001 Clause 8.1.4 |
ISO 45001 Clauses That Complement Workplace Safety Regulations in Europe (other than the EU) |
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|---|---|
| Regulations | How They Relate to ISO 45001 |
| United Kingdom (UK): Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974: The primary health and safety legislation in the UK. It requires employers to ensure their staff’s health, safety, and well-being, as well as the well-being of anyone their work activities could impact. | ISO 45001 Clause 5 ISO 45001 Clause 6.1 ISO 45001 Clause 8 ISO 45001 Clause 10 |
| Switzerland: Swiss Labour Law: Switzerland has comprehensive labor laws that include regulations related to workplace safety. Employers are required to provide a safe working environment for their employees. | ISO 45001 Clause 5 ISO 45001 Clause 6.1 ISO 45001 Clause 6.2.2 ISO 45001 Clause 7.4 ISO 45001 Clause 8 ISO 45001 Clause 10 |
| Norway: Working Environment Act: This legislation in Norway discusses the responsibilities of employers and employees in maintaining a safe work environment. It covers risk assessments, training, and measures to prevent workplace accidents and injuries. | ISO 45001 Clause 5 ISO 45001 Clause 6.1 ISO 45001 Clause 6.2.2 ISO 45001 Clause 8 ISO 45001 Clause 10 |
| Turkey: Occupational Health and Safety Law No. 6331: This regulation requires employers to take measures to prevent work-related accidents and illnesses, provide training to employees, and establish health and safety committees. | ISO 45001 Clause 5 ISO 45001 Clause 6.1 ISO 45001 Clause 8 ISO 45001 Clause 10 |
Asia
The adoption of ISO 45001 in Asia varies widely due to the region’s vast differences in economic development, industrialization levels, and regulatory frameworks. In advanced economies like Japan, Singapore, and South Korea, there is a significant uptake of ISO 45001 as part of these countries’ commitment to maintaining high workplace safety standards. In contrast, in emerging economies, while there is interest in ISO 45001, challenges such as lack of resources, awareness, and infrastructure can affect the pace of adoption.
ISO 45001 Clauses That Complement Workplace Safety Regulations in Asia |
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|---|---|
| Regulations | ISO 45001 Clause |
| Japan: Industrial Safety and Health Act (ISHL) – covers various aspects of workplace safety, including hazard assessment, safety management systems, training, and the prevention of occupational accidents and diseases. | ISO 45001 Clause 6.1 ISO 45001 Clause 8 |
| China: Work Safety Law of the People’s Republic of China – aims to prevent and reduce workplace accidents and occupational hazards. It covers risk assessment, safety management systems, emergency response planning, and employee training. | ISO 45001 Clause 5 ISO 45001 Clause 7.2 ISO 45001 Clause 7.3 ISO 45001 Clause 8.2 |
| India: The Factories Act, 1948 – regulates factory operations and sets out requirements for ensuring the safety, health, and welfare of workers. It covers aspects such as factory layout and construction, machinery safety, hazardous processes, and providing amenities for workers. | ISO 45001 Clause 6.1.2 ISO 45001 Clause 8.1.4 |
| Singapore: Workplace Safety and Health Act (WSHA) aims to promote workplace safety and health and prevent workplace accidents and occupational diseases. It covers various aspects of workplace safety, including risk assessment, safety management systems, training, and reporting workplace incidents. | ISO 45001 Clause 6.1.2 ISO 45001 Clause 8 ISO 45001 Clause 10 |
| South Korea: Industrial Safety and Health Act (ISHA) regulates safety and health in industrial workplaces and aims to prevent accidents and occupational diseases. It covers aspects such as hazard assessment, safety management systems, training, and the provision of personal protective equipment. | ISO 45001 Clause 6.1 ISO 45001 Clause 7.2 ISO 45001 Clause 8 |
| Malaysia: Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 (OSHA 1994) – covers various aspects of workplace safety, including risk assessment, safety management systems, training, and the provision of personal protective equipment. | ISO 45001 Clause 6.1 ISO 45001 Clause 7.2 ISO 45001 Clause 8.1.1 |
| Taiwan: Occupational Safety and Health Act covers aspects such as hazard assessment, safety management systems, training, and the provision of personal protective equipment. | ISO 45001 Clause 5 ISO 45001 Clause 6.1 ISO 45001 Clause 8 |
| Thailand: Occupational Safety, Health, and Environment Act covers various aspects of workplace safety, including risk assessment, safety management systems, training, and the provision of personal protective equipment. | ISO 45001 Clause 5 ISO 45001 Clause 6.1.2 ISO 45001 Clause 8 |
| Indonesia: Work Safety Act covers aspects such as hazard assessment, safety management systems, training, and the provision of personal protective equipment. | ISO 45001 Clause 6.1 ISO 45001 Clause 7.2 ISO 45001 Clause 8.2 |
| Philippines: Occupational Safety and Health Standards (OSHS) covers various aspects of workplace safety, including hazard assessment, safety management systems, training, and the provision of personal protective equipment. | ISO 45001 Clause 5 ISO 45001 Clause 6.1 ISO 45001 Clause 7.2 ISO 45001 Clause 8 |
Africa
In Africa, the adoption of ISO 45001 is emerging, with interest growing among large and multinational companies. Implementing the standard is seen as a way to align with international best practices and improve competitiveness. However, adoption is uneven across the continent, with some countries facing challenges such as limited awareness, resources, and infrastructure for comprehensive OH&S management systems.
ISO 45001 Clauses That Complement Workplace Safety Regulations in Africa |
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|---|---|
| Regulations | ISO 45001 Clause |
| South Africa: Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) – includes requirements for hazard identification, risk assessment, safety management systems, and worker training. | ISO 45001 Clause 5 ISO 45001 Clause 6.1 ISO 45001 Clause 7.2 |
| Nigeria: Factories Act – includes requirements for hazard identification, risk assessment, and safety management systems | ISO 45001 Clause 6.1 ISO 45001 Clause 8 |
| Kenya: Occupational Safety and Health Act – covers hazard identification, risk assessment, safety management systems, and worker participation. | ISO 45001 Clause 5 ISO 45001 Clause 6.1 ISO 45001 Clause 7.2 |
| Ghana: Factories, Offices, and Shops Act – includes requirements for hazard identification, risk assessment, safety management systems, and worker training. | ISO 45001 Clause 6.1 ISO 45001 Clause 7.2 ISO 45001 Clause 8 |
| Egypt: Labor Law – covers aspects such as hazard identification, risk assessment, safety management systems, worker training, and worker participation. | ISO 45001 Clause 5 ISO 45001 Clause 6.1 ISO 45001 Clause 7.2 ISO 45001 Clause 8 |
| Tanzania: Occupational Safety and Health Act – includes requirements for hazard identification, risk assessment, safety management systems, and worker participation. | ISO 45001 Clause 5 ISO 45001 Clause 6.1 |
| Uganda: Occupational Safety and Health Act – covers aspects such as hazard identification, risk assessment, safety management systems, and worker participation. | ISO 45001 Clause 6.1 ISO 45001 Clause 7.2 ISO 45001 Clause 8 |
| Morocco: Labor Code – covers requirements for hazard identification, risk assessment, safety management systems, and worker participation. | ISO 45001 Clause 5 ISO 45001 Clause 6.1 ISO 45001 Clause 8 |
| Ethiopia: Labor Proclamation – covers aspects such as hazard identification, risk assessment, safety management systems, and worker participation. | ISO 45001 Clause 5 ISO 45001 Clause 6.1 ISO 45001 Clause 8 |
| Angola: Occupational Safety and Health Law – includes requirements for hazard identification, risk assessment, and safety management systems | ISO 45001 Clause 5 ISO 45001 Clause 6.1 ISO 45001 Clause 8 |
Australia and Oceania
Australia and New Zealand have shown a keen interest in ISO 45001 and are using it to build on their already strong legislative frameworks and safety cultures. The standard is regarded as a valuable tool for organizations to enhance their OH&S management systems, with businesses in these countries adopting ISO 45001 to demonstrate their dedication to safety excellence. In smaller Pacific Island nations, adoption is more gradual, influenced by economic and logistical challenges.
ISO 45001 Clauses That Complement Workplace Safety Regulations in Australia and Oceania |
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|---|---|
| Regulations | ISO 45001 Clause |
| Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act and Regulations (Australia) – covers various aspects of workplace safety, including hazard identification and control, safety management systems, training, and consultation with workers. | ISO 45001 Clause 5 ISO 45001 Clause 6.1 ISO 45001 Clause 8 |
| Model Codes of Practice – provide practical guidance on compliance with the WHS Act and Regulations. They cover specific hazards and risks in various industries and workplaces, such as hazardous substances, manual handling, and working at heights. | ISO 45001 Clause 6.2 ISO 45001 Clause 8 ISO 45001 Clause 8.1.2 |
| WorkCover Authorities – Each state and territory in Australia has a WorkCover or similar authority responsible for regulating workplace health and safety. These authorities enforce the WHS Act and Regulations, conduct inspections, and provide guidance and support to employers and workers. | ISO 45001 Clause 5 ISO 45001 Clause 6.2.2 ISO 45001 Clause 7 ISO 45001 Clause 8 |
| National Heavy Vehicle Laws (NHVL)— sets out specific requirements for workplaces in the transport and logistics sector to ensure the safety of heavy vehicles and their operators. These requirements include measures to manage fatigue, vehicle maintenance, and safe driving practices. | ISO 45001 Clause 6.1 ISO 45001 Clause 6.2.2 ISO 45001 Clause 8.2 |
| New Zealand: Health and Safety at Work Act (HSWA) – covers similar aspects as the WHS Act in Australia, including hazard identification, risk assessment, safety management systems, worker participation, and training. | ISO 45001 Clause 5 ISO 45001 Clause 6.1 ISO 45001 Clause 7.2 ISO 45001 Clause 8 |
| Fiji: Health and Safety at Work Act – outlines employer responsibilities for ensuring a safe work environment, including conducting risk assessments to identify potential hazards and implementing necessary safety measures to protect workers. | ISO 45001 Clause 5 ISO 45001 Clause 6.1.2 ISO 45001 Clause 8 |
| Papua New Guinea: Industrial Safety, Health and Welfare Act – includes requirements for hazard identification, risk assessment, safety management systems, and worker training. | ISO 45001 Clause 6.1 ISO 45001 Clause 7.2 ISO 45001 Clause 8.1.1 |
| Vanuatu: Occupational Safety and Health Act – covers aspects such as hazard identification, risk assessment, safety management systems, and worker participation. | ISO 45001 Clause 5 ISO 45001 Clause 6.1 ISO 45001 Clause 8 |
South America
In South America, the adoption of ISO 45001 is gaining momentum as organizations recognize its benefits in aligning with local and international occupational health and safety standards. While South American countries have their own regulatory frameworks for workplace safety, ISO 45001 offers a comprehensive approach that complements these national regulations.
The standard’s emphasis on leadership involvement, active worker engagement, and a structured method for identifying and managing hazards aligns with regional initiatives to improve workplace safety and health.
Adoption varies across countries, with larger economies and multinational companies leading the way in implementing ISO 45001 as part of their commitment to safety excellence and to meet international best practices.
ISO 45001 Clauses That Complement Workplace Safety Regulations in South America |
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|---|---|
| Regulations | ISO 45001 Clause |
| Brazil: Consolidation of Labor Laws (CLT) – includes provisions related to workplace safety, including requirements for employers to provide a safe work environment, conduct risk assessments, and implement safety measures. NR-1 to NR-36 (Normas Regulamentadoras) – specific regulations that address various aspects of workplace safety and health. |
ISO 45001 Clause 5 ISO 45001 Clause 6.1 ISO 45001 Clause 8 |
| Argentina: Law on Hygiene and Safety at Work (Ley de Higiene y Seguridad en el Trabajo) – includes requirements for hazard identification, risk assessment, safety management systems, and worker training. | ISO 45001 Clause 6.1 ISO 45001 Clause 7.2 ISO 45001 Clause 8 |
| Chile: Law No. 16744 – includes requirements for hazard identification, risk assessment, safety management systems, and worker participation. | ISO 45001 Clause 6.1 ISO 45001 Clause 7.2 ISO 45001 Clause 8.1.1 |
| Colombia: Occupational Health and Safety Management System (Sistema de Gestión en Seguridad y Salud en el Trabajo – SG-SST) – requires employers to implement occupational health and safety management systems, conduct risk assessments, provide worker training, and establish safety committees. | ISO 45001 Clause 5 ISO 45001 Clause 6.1.2 ISO 45001 Clause 7.2 ISO 45001 Clause 7.4 |
| Peru: Law on Safety and Health at Work – covers hazard identification, risk assessment, safety management systems, and worker participation. | ISO 45001 Clause 5 ISO 45001 Clause 6.1 ISO 45001 Clause 8 |
| Venezuela: Organic Law on Prevention, Working Conditions, and Environment (Ley Orgánica de Prevención, Condiciones y Medio Ambiente de Trabajo) – covers hazard identification, risk assessment, safety management systems, and worker training. | ISO 45001 Clause 6.1 ISO 45001 Clause 7.2 ISO 45001 Clause 8 |
| Ecuador: Occupational Health and Safety Law (Ley de Seguridad y Salud Ocupacional) – addresses workplace health and safety, including requirements for hazard identification, risk assessment, safety management systems, and worker participation. | ISO 45001 Clause 5 ISO 45001 Clause 6.1 ISO 45001 Clause 8 |
| Bolivia: General Law on Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare, No. 16.998 – covers hazard identification, risk assessment, safety management systems, and worker training. | ISO 45001 Clause 5 ISO 45001 Clause 6.1 ISO 45001 Clause 7.2 ISO 45001 Clause 8.1 ISO 45001 Clause 9.1 |
| Uruguay: Occupational Health and Safety Law (Ley de Seguridad y Salud Ocupacional) – includes requirements for hazard identification, risk assessment, safety management systems, and worker participation. | ISO 45001 Clause 5 ISO 45001 Clause 6.1 ISO 45001 Clause 8 |
| Paraguay: General Technical Regulation on Occupational Safety, Hygiene and Medicine – covers aspects such as hazard identification, risk assessment, safety management systems, and worker training. | ISO 45001 Clause 5 ISO 45001 Clause 6.1 ISO 45001 Clause 7.2 ISO 45001 Clause 8 ISO 45001 Clause 9.1 |
To wrap up, the article effectively illustrates how ISO 45001 complements workplace safety practices on a global scale. Despite its non-mandatory status and varied adoption rates across regions, investing in ISO 45001 compliance yields significant benefits both in the short and long term. By adhering to these standards, businesses can bolster safety protocols, minimize risks, and boost operational effectiveness.
ISO 45001 Clauses Descriptions
- ISO 45001 Clause 5: Leadership and Worker Participation underscores the importance of leadership and worker participation, aligning with the directive’s requirements for training and supervision
- ISO 45001 Clause 6.1: Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment provides a systematic approach for identifying hazards and assessing risks specific to construction sites.
- ISO 45001 Clause 6.2.2: Planning to Achieve OH&S Objectives ensures organizations focus on continuous improvement and preventive action in the workplace, promoting an ongoing effort to enhance safety measures and prevent harm.
- ISO 45001 Clause 7: Support – outlines various support mechanisms necessary for the effective implementation of an occupational health and safety (OH&S) management system.
- ISO 45001 Clause 7.2: Competence: emphasizes the importance of assessing the competence of personnel and ensuring that they have the necessary skills to carry out their duties safely and effectively within the organization’s OH&S management system.
- ISO 45001 Clause 7.3: Awareness – requires organizations to ensure that employees are aware of the OH&S risks associated with their work activities, as well as the OH&S objectives and the importance of conforming to the OH&S management system
- ISO 45001 Clause 7.4 Communication emphasizes the importance of effective communication strategies concerning the OH&S management system, both internally among workers and externally.
- ISO 45001 Clause 8: Operations – establishes operational controls for managing work-related hazards and risks, including those associated with work equipment.
- ISO 45001 Clause 8.1.1: Operational Control details how to plan, implement, and manage processes related to operational controls within an occupational health and safety management system
- ISO 45001 Clause 8.1.2: Eliminating hazards and reducing OH&S risks emphasizes the identification, assessment, and control or elimination of workplace hazards and risks
- ISO 45001 Clause 8.1.3: Management of Change addresses the need to assess the impact of changes on OH&S performance in construction projects
- ISO 45001 Clause 8.1.4: Procurement, Including Contractor Control, focuses on managing contractors and procurement practices to support OH&S objectives, ensuring all parties on a construction site work under compatible and effective health and safety management systems
- ISO 45001 Clause 8.2: Emergency Preparedness and Response ensures that organizations are fully prepared to respond to emergencies that could impact occupational health and safety.
- ISO 45001 Clause 9.1: Monitoring, Measurement, Analysis, and Performance Evaluation ensures that an organization’s OHSMS is effective and continually improving by requiring them to identify what needs to be observed and evaluated and the methods for doing so to ensure valid results
- ISO 45001 Clause 10: Improvement ensures that organizations regularly evaluate and enhance their OH&S management systems, contributing to the sustained well-being of employees.
