What is an ISO Standard and Why are They Important?

We encounter ISO standards frequently in product descriptions, business certifications, and industry guidelines. But what exactly are they?

ISO standards play a crucial role in today’s global economy by ensuring consistency, safety, and quality across various industries. Managed by the International Organization for Standardization, these standards provide a framework for businesses to achieve excellence and comply with international norms.

In this blog, we will explore what ISO standards are, why they are important, key standards for workplace safety like ISO 45001, and how organisations can effectively implement and maintain these standards.

Defining ISO and its role

What are ISO standards, and what is their purpose?

ISO, or the International Organisation for Standardisation, is a global entity that develops and publishes international standards. These standards generally ensure that products and services are reliable, safe, and of high quality. In some cases, they merely serve as a common framework for comparison, for example units of measurement.

Moreover, ISO standards  help businesses streamline operations, and meet customer expectations by setting benchmarks according to a universally recognised reference frame. It drastically lowers the friction in negotiating terms of quality or evaluating suitability of products/services.

For example, ISO 9001 focuses on quality management systems, ISO 14001 on environmental management, and ISO 27001 on information security. By adhering to these standards, organisations can build trust with consumers, increase decision-making efficiency, and gain a competitive edge in the global market.

Key ISO standards for workplace safety

Overview of ISO 45001

ISO 45001 is an international standard for occupational health and safety (OHS) management systems. It provides a framework for organisations to improve employee safety, reduce workplace risks, and create better, safer working conditions.

How ISO 45001 helps improve occupational health and safety

ISO 45001 sets out criteria for an effective OHS management system, requiring organisations to identify potential hazards, assess risks, and implement preventive measures. It emphasises worker participation and leadership commitment to safety.

Benefits of implementing ISO 45001 in the workplace

Implementing ISO 45001 can lead to the following benefits:

• Reduced workplace incidents: A formal system for addressing risks reduces accidents and injuries.
• Lower administrative friction: Following a well-reviewed and tested framework saves the effort of deciding on protocol benchmarks.
• Regulatory compliance: Adherence to ISO 45001 helps meet legal and regulatory requirements.
• Improved reputation: Demonstrating a concrete commitment to safety will enhance an organisation's image and competitiveness.

Implementing ISO standards in an organisation

Steps to implement ISO standards

1. Gap analysis: Identify the gaps between current practices and the ISO requirements.
2. Action plan: Develop a detailed plan to address identified gaps, including timelines and responsibilities.
3. Documentation: Create and maintain thorough documentation of processes, procedures, and compliance measures.
4. Training: Provide comprehensive training for employees on the new standards and procedures.

The importance of top management commitment

Top management's commitment is crucial for successful ISO implementation. Leadership must:

• Allocate resources
• Set clear objectives
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement

Their support ensures that the necessary changes are effectively integrated into the organisation's operations.

Training and documentation requirements

Proper training ensures that all employees understand and adhere to ISO standards. Regular training sessions and updates help maintain compliance. Documentation is essential for tracking progress, demonstrating compliance, and facilitating audits. It includes manuals, procedures, records, and reports that detail the implementation and maintenance of ISO standards.

Maintaining compliance with ISO standards

Maintaining compliance with ISO standards requires ongoing efforts and regular audits. Continuous improvement involves consistently evaluating and enhancing processes to meet and exceed ISO requirements. Regular internal and external audits help identify areas for improvement and ensure sustained compliance.

How myosh can help

myosh offers comprehensive tools to support ISO standard implementation and compliance. Key features include:

• Configurable organisational hierarchies: Scalable solutions to match company structures and organise responsibilities
• Automated workflows: Getting the right people involved in the right steps of the process enhances collaboration and ensures accountability. Workflow automation makes this easy.
• Action management: Central repository for managing and tracking compliance actions by individuals or teams in the organisation.
• Training management: Assign and monitor employee training and competence.
• Document control: Secure and manage documentation with access controls and audit trails.

Learn more about myosh’s compliance solutions

Let myosh simplify your compliance journey

Now that you understand the significance of ISO standards and how they can enhance your organisation's quality, safety, and efficiency, it's time to take action. Implementing these standards can be challenging, but with the right tools, the process becomes much more manageable.

myosh provides comprehensive solutions to help you meet and maintain ISO compliance effortlessly.

Start your free trial with myosh today and experience the benefits of streamlined ISO implementation and management.