In this article, we'll explore how ISO 45005 can support your organization's health and safety goals.
ISO 45005 offers practical guidance for risk assessment and infection control, helping companies deal with workplace hazards in a proactive and comprehensive manner. It provides a framework that helps companies adapt to changing workplace safety needs, letting you effectively manage risks and maintain safe operations.
This international standard applies across different sectors. It supports safer work environments through a structured, adaptable approach. ISO 45005 addresses a wide range of health and safety risks in the workplace, with a focus on managing infectious diseases.
It covers several areas:
- Risk assessment and management of health hazards, especially related to infectious diseases.
- Safe working practices to prevent disease transmission, including hygiene, ventilation, and distancing.
- Mental health and well-being support for workers – this relates to all aspects of working life, including social factors at work, work environment, equipment and hazardous tasks.
- Inclusivity to ensure protection for vulnerable workers and considering diverse needs.
- Effective communication and use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Emergency preparedness for outbreaks and related disruptions.
benefits of ISO 45005
ISO 45005 provides practical guidance to help organizations maintain safe work environments while minimizing health risks. If your company is already certified under ISO 45001, incorporating ISO 45005 will be seamless. The standard is designed to deliver multiple benefits:
- Cross-sector and global applicability, allowing businesses in different industries and countries to adopt the standard.
- Access to the latest industry best practices, providing up-to-date strategies for infection control.
- Enhanced risk assessments, with real-world examples on how to mitigate risks effectively.
- Flexibility to respond to changing risk levels, ensuring businesses can adapt quickly to evolving circumstances.
- Better management of other communicable diseases, reducing the spread of flu or other illnesses.
- Alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) 3, 8, 9, 10 and 11)
- Building confidence among stakeholders, including employees, authorities, and customers, by demonstrating a commitment to safety.
understanding the structure of ISO 45005
Although ISO 45005 doesn’t follow the High-Level Structure (HLS) of other ISO standards – such as ISO 45001 or ISO 14001 – it aligns closely with those frameworks. The guideline is structured around four key areas:
- Plan (Chapters 4 to 8): Focuses on risk assessment, managing suspected or confirmed cases of infectious diseases, addressing psychological well-being, and ensuring inclusivity in your safety planning.
- Do (Chapters 9 to 12): Covers the implementation of safety measures, such as communication strategies, hygiene protocols, personal protective equipment (PPE), and operational adjustments.
- Check (Chapter 13): Emphasizes reviewing and evaluating the effectiveness of your safety measures.
- Act (Chapter 14): Encourages continuous improvement by identifying potential optimizations and defining solutions to enhance safety protocols.
ISO 45005 goes beyond short-term crisis management
Its flexible, risk-based framework supports companies in maintaining a safe and healthy workplace by emphasizing continuous improvement, inclusivity, and adaptability. By implementing these guidelines, businesses can reduce risks, enhance stakeholder confidence, and align their safety protocols with global sustainability goals.
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