The Purpose of ISO 45001

The core purpose of ISO 45001 is to prevent work-related injuries, illnesses, and fatalities by fostering a proactive approach to occupational health and safety. It aims to create safer work environments by requiring organizations to systematically identify and control hazards, such as unsafe machinery, ergonomic risks, or psychosocial stressors, before they cause harm. By emphasizing risk-based thinking and worker participation, the standard ensures that safety measures are practical and tailored to specific workplace conditions, protecting employees, contractors, and visitors.

Beyond safety, ISO 45001 seeks to enhance organizational resilience and efficiency by reducing workplace incidents and their associated costs, such as medical expenses, downtime, or legal liabilities. The standard promotes a culture of continual improvement, encouraging organizations to regularly evaluate and refine their safety practices to adapt to changing conditions, new technologies, or regulatory updates.