Ballot starts on international standard for safer workplaces

Voting has now begun on new international standards to improve safety in the workplace worldwide.

Photo credit: iStock.com/MACIEJ NOSKOWSKI

The ISO 45001 draft outlines the requirements for an occupational health and safety management system for businesses of all sizes that puts in place structures that protect and reduce risks to employees.

The draft is currently at the first consultation phase, which will see participating International Standards Association (ISO) members, approximately 70 countries, form a national position on the draft.

Why an ISO standard?

Figures from the International Labour Organization show around 2.34 million people died as a result of work-related accidents and diseases in 2013. Approximately 2 million were the result of work-related illnesses like cancer and more than 300,000 were due to accidents.

According to the ISO, a strong occupational health and safety management system can help reduce accidents and ill health linked to the workplace, as well as help organisations avoid expensive prosecutions or insurance costs.

ISO 45001 is being developed by ISO project committee ISO/PC 283, Occupational health and safety management systems. The Secretariat is currently held by the ISO member for the United Kingdom, BSI.