A new ISO standard for occupational health and safety management systems: is this the right approach?

This policy brief looks at the new ISO45001 draft international standard for occupational safety and health (OSH) management systems.

After describing the process for international standard-setting, the brief analyses the relationship of this new proposed ISO45001 with the European Union's 1989 framework directive on health and safety. It identifies several concerns over the structure and approach as well as the potential effect of the standard on SMEs.

It concludes that the current draft could 'lead to reduced levels of protection and greater bureaucracy and burdens as contractors, employers and regulators focus on certification of a standard rather than on the real indicators of a strong safety system; effective risk management, good outcomes; and full consultation and involvement with union...'.
Finally it ends with four concrete policy recommendations for trade unions and policymakers.

ESO: Background Information: Press Release: Health and safety at work: Strategic Framework sets out EU objectives for 2014-2020 http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-health-and-safety-at-work-strategic-framework-sets-out-eu-objectives-for-2014-2020/

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