Enhancing OSH Performance: The Impact of ISO 45001

This study investigates the impact of certification to the ISO 45001 standard, an occupational health and safety management system (OHSMS), on safety performance in organizations. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, the research combines analysis of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) data from 100 organizations and the data acquired from survey responses from 151 participants. Results indicate that certified organizations demonstrated superior lagging indicator safety performance, including lower total recordable injury frequency rates (TRIFR), lost time injury frequency rates (LTIFR), and fewer workplace fatalities compared to non-certified organizations. The survey findings support these results, with participants acknowledging the positive aspects of certification, such as reputation enhancement and improved safety outcomes, while also highlighting concerns regarding initial investment and ongoing costs. The study contributes empirical evidence supporting the effectiveness of ISO 45001 certification in enhancing safety performance and underscores the importance of adopting certified OHSMS to ensure employee safety, well-being, and organizational resilience in managing occupational health and safety risks.

KEY WORDS: ISO 45001, occupational safety and health, safety performance, certification, workplace fatalities

Ensuring the health and safety of employees in the workplace is paramount for organizations striving for sustainability and success. The implementation of effective OHSMS plays a crucial role in mitigating risks and fostering a safe working environment. Over the last several years, certification to standards such as ISO 45001 (2018) has gained prominence as a means to formalize and improve occupational health and safety practices within organizations. However, the extent to which achieving certification to ISO 45001 influences safety performance remains a subject of debate and investigation.

The primary objective of this study is to explore the impact of ISO 45001 certification on safety performance in organizations. In order to achieve this, the author employed a comprehensive research approach, combining analysis of ESG reports from 100 large, global organizations obtained from the Global Reporting Initiative (2020) and using the survey response data gathered from 151 anonymous participants. By examining both quantitative metrics and qualitative feedback, the author aimed to provide a holistic understanding of the relationship between ISO 45001 certification and safety performance.

Previous research has highlighted the benefits of OHSMS certification on safety outcomes. Studies by Abad et al. (2013), Ghahramani and Salminen (2019), and Kim et al. (2019) have demonstrated a positive correlation between OHSMS certification and improved safety performance metrics, such as reduced injury rates and fewer workplace fatalities. Similarly, Fernández-Muñiz et al. (2009) and Mohammadfam et al. (2017) found that organizations with a certified OHSMS exhibited better overall organizational safety performance.

ISO 45001 (2018), the latest international standard for OHSMS, aims to provide a framework for organizations to proactively manage occupational health and safety risks. With the standard’s focus on continuous improvement and worker participation, ISO 45001 emphasizes a systematic approach to hazard identification, risk assessment, and mitigation strategies. Organizations seeking to achieve certification to ISO 45001 are required to undergo a rigorous audit and assessment process to ensure compliance with the standard’s requirements. The significance of ISO 45001 lies not only in enabling an organization to achieve regulatory compliance but also in its potential to enhance organizational reputation and competitiveness. Santos et al. (2013) highlighted the positive association between achieving OHSMS certification and an improved organizational image, leading to increased stakeholder trust and market advantage. Furthermore, achieving and maintaining certification to ISO 45001 enables organizations to demonstrate their commitment to worker safety and well-being (both physical and psychological) and societal responsibility, aligned with the 17 United Nations global sustainability goals.

Despite the perceived benefits of achieving certification to ISO 45001, concerns regarding the initial investment and ongoing costs associated with implementation remain prevalent. Bevilacqua et al. (2016) underscored the importance of understanding the financial implications of OHSMS implementation, urging organizations to weigh the costs against the potential benefits.

In this context, our study seeks to address the following research questions.

1. Does certification to ISO 45001 lead to better safety performance in organizations compared to non-certified organizations?
2. What are the perceived positive and negative impacts of ISO 45001 certification on an organization’s occupational health and safety management systems?

By examining these questions, we aim to provide empirical evidence to enable more informed organizational decision-making regarding ISO 45001 certification and its implications on safety performance.

An organization’s OHS and management systems play a crucial role in safeguarding employees’ safety and well-being and mitigating workplace hazards and risks. This literature review examines existing research on the impact of the ISO 45001 certification on safety performance and explores the perceived benefits and challenges associated with implementing certified OHS management systems.

2.1 ISO 45001 Certification and Safety Performance

Abad et al. (2013) conducted a study evaluating the Occupational Health and Safety Assessment Series (OHSAS) 18001 certification process’ objective drivers and its consequences on safety performance and labor productivity. Their findings suggested that organizations certified to OHSAS 18001, a predecessor of ISO 45001, exhibited better safety performance compared to non-certified organizations. This conclusion is consistent with the results obtained from the analysis of ESG data in the present study, which revealed a significant difference in safety performance metrics between certified and non-certified organizations.

Moreover, Ghahramani and Salminen (2019) evaluated the effectiveness of OHSAS 18001 on safety performance in manufacturing companies in Iran. Their research demonstrated a positive correlation between the OHSAS 18001 certification and improved safety performance indicators, supporting the argument for implementing certified OHSMS. These findings align with the survey responses collected in the current study where the majority of participants believed that organizations certified to ISO 45001 would have better safety performance than non-certified organizations.

2.2 Benefits of ISO 45001 Certification

The benefits associated with the ISO 45001 certification extend beyond safety performance. Santos et al. (2013) explored the advantages of health and safety management systems certification in small and medium Portuguese enterprises post ISO 9001 certification. They found that certification positively impacted organizational practices, employee morale, and customer satisfaction. Similarly, Bevilacqua et al. (2016) highlighted the successful implementation of OHSAS 18001 in the Italian context, emphasizing its role in enhancing risk management practices and organizational resilience.

In line with these findings, the survey conducted as part of the present study identified several perceived positive aspects of achieving ISO 45001, including enhanced organizational reputation, increased competitiveness in tendering processes, and improved safety performance. These findings underscore the multifaceted benefits of certified OHSMS and provide insights into the strategic advantages for businesses seeking certification.

2.3 Challenges of ISO 45001 Certification

While the benefits of ISO 45001 are evident, organizations may encounter challenges during the certification process. Karapetrovic and Casadesús (2009) examined the implementation of environmental management systems alongside other standardized management systems, highlighting the complexities of integration and coordination. Similarly, the survey responses obtained in the current study identified several perceived negative aspects of working towards, achieving, and maintaining ISO 45001. These included the initial investment required, ongoing certification costs, and the time-consuming nature of the certification process.

These challenges underscore the importance of strategic planning and resource allocation to facilitate a smooth transition to ISO 45001. Organizations must weigh the potential benefits against the associated costs and consider long-term sustainability in their decision-making processes.

The literature review highlights the significant role that ISO 45001 can play in enhancing safety performance and organizational practices. Studies examining the impact of certified OHSMS consistently demonstrate improvements in safety performance and organizational resilience. Whilst challenges exist in the certification process, the overall benefits outweigh the associated costs, positioning ISO 45001 as a valuable investment in organizational health and safety.

The results of the research study provided insights into the safety performance of organizations certified to ISO 45001 compared to those organizations who were non-certified, as well as the perceived positive and negative aspects of achieving certification to standards such as ISO 45001.

2.4 Safety Performance

An analysis of the ESG data from 100 organizations revealed significant differences in safety performance between certified and non-certified organizations. Certified organizations reported lower TRIFR and LTIFR compared to non-certified organizations (Fig. 1). Specifically, certified organizations recorded an average TRIFR of 2.29 per 1,000,000 hours, while non-certified organizations reported an average TRIFR of 10.4 per 1,000,000 hours. Certified organizations recorded an average LTIFR of 1.16 per 1,000,000 hours, whereas non-certified organizations reported an average LTIFR of 2.21 per 1,000,000 hours.

The collected ESG workplace fatality data revealed that certified organizations reported fewer workplace fatalities compared to non-certified organizations (Fig. 2). Organizations certified to standards such as the old OHSAS 18001 or the new ISO 45001 recorded 11 workplace fatalities, whereas non-certified organizations reported 45 workplace fatalities.

Analysis of the data revealed notable disparities in workplace fatality rates across different industries and countries. Thirty percent of survey respondents reported being based in Australia, while 26% came from the United Kingdom. Hong Kong and Singapore accounted for 18% of respondents, and the remaining 26% of respondents came from other countries (Fig. 3).

Among the industries surveyed, construction emerged as the sector with the highest incidence of workplace fatalities, followed closely by manufacturing and transportation. A noteworthy contrast was observed between countries, with Australia reporting significantly higher levels of workplace fatalities compared to the United Kingdom (Fig. 4). This discrepancy underscores the importance of considering regional and sector-specific factors when assessing safety performance and implementing preventative measures. The findings highlight the need for targeted interventions and regulatory measures tailored to specific industries and geographical regions to address the underlying causes of workplace fatalities effectively. Further research into the underlying factors contributing to these disparities could provide valuable insights for policymakers and safety practitioners aiming to improve occupational safety outcomes globally.

Furthermore, an intriguing observation emerged from the analysis of the survey data, revealing a correlation between the reporting lines for occupational safety and health (OSH) functions and workplace fatality rates. Organizations where the OSH reporting structure was integrated within the Human Resources (HR) department or had OSH reporting directly to a chief human resources officer or chief people officer exhibited a higher level of workplace fatalities compared to those with alternative reporting structures (Fig. 5).

This finding underscores the importance of exploring the organizational dynamics and communication channels within companies concerning safety management. Further research into the underlying reasons for this trend could provide valuable insights into how organizational structures impact safety performance and inform strategies to mitigate workplace risks effectively.

The survey questionnaire, completed by 151 respondents, provided additional insights into safety performance. Of the respondents, 91 believed that organizations certified to ISO 45001 have better safety performance than non-certified organizations. This perception was supported by the survey data, which showed that certified organizations were exposed to fewer workplace fatalities than non-certified organizations (Fig. 6) and that certified organizations outperformed non-certified organizations (Fig. 7) across various safety performance metrics, including LTIFR, TRIFR, and medically treated incident frequency rates (MTIFR).

2.5 Perceived Positive and Negative Aspects of Certification

The survey responses also shed light on the perceived positive and negative aspects of achieving certification to standards such as ISO 45001. Among the positive aspects, respondents identified enhanced organizational reputation, increased opportunities for tendering or winning additional work, and improved safety performance as some of the key benefits of achieving ISO 45001. These findings align with previous research, highlighting the strategic advantages of certified OHSMS in improving organizational practices and competitiveness.

However, respondents also identified several challenges associated with certification, including the initial investment required in terms of time, money, effort, ongoing certification costs, and the time-consuming nature of the certification process. Despite these challenges, the overall sentiment among respondents favored certification, with more positive aspects identified compared to negative impacts.

The results of the research study confirm the hypothesis that organizations certified to ISO 45001 have better safety performance than non-certified organizations. Analysis of ESG data and survey responses consistently demonstrated lower incident rates and workplace fatalities among certified organizations, supporting the strategic benefits of implementing certified OHSMS.

Moreover, the perceived positive aspects of certification, including enhanced reputation and improved safety performance, outweigh the identified challenges, indicating a strong case for businesses to consider working towards and achieving certification to ISO 45001. However, further research is recommended to explore the long-term impacts of certification and address existing challenges to facilitate informed decision-making among organizations.

This study adopts a mixed-methods approach to investigate the impact of ISO 45001 on safety performance in organizations. The methodology comprises two main components: analysis of ESG data from 100 large global organizations obtained from the Global Reporting Initiative (2020) and a survey administered to 151 participants to gather qualitative insights. The combination of quantitative analysis and qualitative feedback allows for a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between ISO 45001 certification and safety performance.

3.1 Analysis of ESG Data

• ESG reports and the data included within them from 100 large global organizations were reviewed to assess safety performance.
• The analyzed ESG data included reported lag indication data on TRIFR, LTIFR, Recordable Incident Rates (RIR), and days away, restricted, or transferred (DART) rates.
• Workplace fatality data from certified and non-certified organizations were compared to evaluate the impact of ISO 45001 on reducing fatalities.
• Statistical analysis was conducted to determine significant differences in safety performance between certified and non-certified businesses.

3.2 Survey Questionnaire

• A survey questionnaire was developed to gather qualitative insights from participants regarding the perceived positive and negative impacts of ISO 45001 certification.
• The questionnaire comprised structured questions addressing various aspects of ISO 45001 certification, including its influence on safety performance, organizational reputation, risk management, and financial considerations.
• The questions asked of the participants were as follows:
  1. Please select your gender.
  2. What is your age demographic?
  3. What is your job title?
  4. Within your business/organization, what department does health and safety report into?
  5. What country are you based in?
  6. In what industry does your business/organization primarily operate?
  7. How does your business/organization record its LTIFR, MTIFR, and TRIFR data, g., per 100,000 hrs, per 200,000 hrs, etc.?
  8. What is your business/organizations LTIFR for the last 12 months?
  9. What is your business/organizations TRIFR for the last 12 months?
  10. What is your business/organizations MTIFR for the last 12 months?
  11. In the last 12 months, how many workplace fatalities has your business/organization had?
  12. Does your business/organization hold ISO 45001:2018 certification?
  13. In your opinion, what are the benefits of a certified OHSMS such as ISO 45001?
  14. In your opinion, what are the negative impacts of operating a certified OHSMS such as ISO 45001?
  15. In your opinion, do you believe that a business/organization that holds a management system certification such as ISO 45001 would have a better safety performance than those who are not certified?

Participants were selected using purposive sampling, targeting individuals with knowledge and experience in occupational health and safety management. Survey responses were collected electronically, ensuring anonymity and confidentiality. Data analysis involved thematic analysis to identify recurring themes and patterns in participants’ responses. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize survey findings and identify predominant perceptions regarding ISO 45001 certification.

3.3 Integration of Data

• The findings from the analysis of ESG data and survey responses were integrated to provide a comprehensive assessment of the impact of ISO 45001 certification on safety performance.
• Triangulation of data sources allowed for validation and cross-referencing of results, enhancing the reliability and validity of the authors’ findings.
• Comparative analysis was conducted to identify consistency or any discrepancies between quantitative safety performance metrics and qualitative perceptions of ISO 45001 certification.

3.4 Ethical Considerations

• Ethical approval was obtained from the relevant institutional review board to ensure compliance with ethical guidelines for research involving human participants.
• Informed consent was obtained from all survey participants prior to their participation in the study, and measures were implemented to safeguard their anonymity and confidentiality.
• Data handling and storage procedures adhered to data protection regulations to prevent unauthorized access or disclosure.

3.5 Limitations

• The study’s reliance on ESG data may be subject to limitations inherent in the reporting accuracy and consistency of the data sources.
• The survey questionnaire’s self-reported nature may introduce response bias or social desirability bias, affecting the reliability of the qualitative findings.
• The generalizability of the study findings may be limited by the specific industry sectors and geographic regions represented in the sample.
• While the survey data was collected via Google form and the survey was posted on LinkedIn, the author acknowledges there could be a bias in the collection methodology in the selection criteria.

Despite these limitations, the mixed-methods approach employed in this study offers valuable insights into the impact of ISO 45001 certification on safety performance in organizations, contributing to the body of knowledge on occupational health and safety management systems.

The results of the research study corroborate previous findings that businesses certified to OHSMS standards, such as ISO 45001, exhibit better safety performance compared to non-certified organizations. The significant differences in safety performance metrics, including TRIFR, LTIFR, and workplace fatality rates, highlight the effectiveness of certification in mitigating occupational hazards and promoting a safer work environment. This finding aligns with studies by Abad et al. (2013), Ghahramani and Salminen (2019), and Yoon et al. (2013), which have reported similar trends in safety performance improvement following OHSMS certification.

Certified organizations reported lower incident rates and fewer workplace fatalities, indicating the tangible benefits of implementing a structured OHSMS framework. The positive correlation between certification status and safety performance highlights the importance of organizational commitment to safety, proactive risk management practices, and compliance with regulatory requirements. Moreover, the survey responses affirm the perceived value of certification among stakeholders, with the majority of respondents recognizing the strategic advantages of ISO 45001 in enhancing organizational reputation and competitive positioning.

4.1 Perceived Benefits and Challenges of Certification

While the research findings suggest clear advantages associated with OHSMS certification, it is essential to acknowledge the challenges and limitations inherent in the certification process. The survey responses identified several barriers to certification, including the initial investment required in terms of time, financial resources, and organizational commitment. These findings echo the research by Karapetrovic and Casadesús (2009) and Bevilacqua et al. (2016), which have highlighted the resource-intensive nature of implementing and maintaining OHSMS certification.

Despite these challenges, the perceived benefits of certification outweigh the identified drawbacks, indicating a positive impact on organizational performance and a positive safety environment within an organization. The enhanced reputation, improved stakeholder confidence, and access to new business opportunities associated with certification provide compelling incentives for organizations to pursue ISO 45001. The alignment of OHSMS certification with broader quality and environmental management systems underscores the synergistic benefits of integrated management approaches, as noted by Santos et al. (2013) and Ramos et al. (2020).

4.2 Limitations and Future Research Directions

While the research study provides valuable insights into the relationship between OHSMS certification and safety performance, several limitations should be considered. First, the reliance on secondary ESG data and self-reported survey responses may introduce bias and inaccuracies in the analysis. Future research should incorporate more robust methodologies, such as longitudinal studies and randomized controlled trials to validate the findings and assess the long-term impacts of certification.

Additionally, the research focused primarily on quantitative measures of safety performance, overlooking qualitative aspects such as safety culture, employee engagement, and leadership commitment. Future studies should adopt a more holistic approach to evaluate the multifaceted dimensions of safety management and explore the interactions between organizational factors and safety outcomes.

The generalizability of the findings may be limited by the sample size and industry-specific characteristics of the organizations included in the study. Future research should aim to replicate the study across diverse sectors and geographical regions to enhance the external validity of the findings and identify sector-specific challenges and opportunities.

Finally, while the survey data was collected via Google form and the survey was posted on LinkedIn, the author acknowledges there could be a bias in the collection methodology in the selection criteria. Further research should consider a more targeted approach to ensure a broader cohort of professional and executive leaders beyond the realm of the OSH professional.

Despite the challenges inherent in the certification process, the findings underscore the strategic advantages of implementing a certified OHSMS framework in enhancing safety outcomes and organizational resilience. By addressing the identified limitations and exploring new avenues for research and academics, practitioners can further advance our understanding of the role of certification standards in promoting workplace safety and well-being.

The research study aimed to investigate the relationship between OHSMS certification, particularly ISO 45001, and safety performance in organizations. Through a comprehensive analysis of both secondary ESG data and primary survey responses, the study provided valuable insights into the impact of certification on safety outcomes and identified key benefits and challenges associated with the certification process.

The findings of the research study support the hypothesis that organizations certified to OHSMS standards exhibited better safety performance compared to non-certified organizations. Analysis of safety performance metrics, including TRIFR, LTIFR, MTIFR, and workplace fatality rates, revealed significant differences between certified and non-certified organizations. Certified organizations consistently reported lower incident rates and fewer workplace fatalities, underscoring the effectiveness of certification in mitigating occupational hazards and promoting a safer work environment. These findings are consistent with previous research by Abad et al. (2013), Ghahramani and Salminen (2019), and Yoon et al. (2013), which have demonstrated similar trends in safety performance improvement following OHSMS certification.

The study identified several perceived benefits of OHSMS certification, including enhanced organizational reputation, improved stakeholder confidence, and access to new business opportunities. Despite the initial investment required in terms of time, financial resources, and organizational commitment, the majority of survey respondents recognized the strategic advantages of ISO 45001 in driving continuous improvement in safety performance and compliance with regulatory requirements. These findings are consistent with studies by Santos et al. (2013) and Ramos et al. (2020), which have highlighted the synergistic benefits of integrated management systems and the positive impact of certification on organizational performance.

The research contributes to the growing body of literature on OHSMS certification and safety performance by providing empirical evidence of the benefits associated with ISO 45001. By embracing certified OHSMS frameworks and leveraging the strategic advantages of certification, organizations can foster a positive environment of safety excellence and protect the health and well-being of their employees.

Based on the findings of the research study, several recommendations can be made for organizations, policymakers, and future research.

1. Organizations should consider adopting and implementing certified OHSMS frameworks, such as ISO 45001, to improve safety performance, enhance stakeholder confidence, and gain a competitive edge in the market. Despite the initial investment required, the long-term benefits of certification outweigh the associated costs, leading to improved safety outcomes and organizational resilience.
2. Policymakers should promote the adoption of OHSMS certification standards by providing incentives, subsidies, and regulatory support to encourage organizations to invest in safety management systems. Moreover, policymakers should prioritize the development of robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to ensure the effectiveness and accountability of certified OHSMS frameworks.
3. Future research should focus on addressing the limitations of the current study by adopting more robust methodologies, such as longitudinal studies and randomized controlled trials, to validate the findings and assess the long-term impacts of certification. Additionally, future studies should explore the qualitative dimensions of safety management, including safety culture, employee engagement, and leadership commitment, to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing safety outcomes.

The author would like to express their gratitude to all individuals who contributed to the completion of this research study. Special thanks to Dr. Ikpe Ibanga and Dr. Udeme Umoren for their invaluable support and guidance throughout the research process while conducting my MSc with the University of Greenwich, UK. The author also acknowledges the survey respondents who generously shared their insights and data, without which this study would not have been possible.

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