First certification will be on ISO 45001
An independent accreditation institute is being created by the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) that will debut this summer. The fee-based program will certify an organization’s occupational safety and health products and services based on recognized voluntary national and international consensus standards. The institute will be used by organizations worldwide.
A third-party registrar will carry out the assessments and the institute will verify the results and issue a certification mark when all requirements are met.
“As the market for workplace safety and health products and services becomes more global, certifications become more valuable and are more frequently pursued,” said ASSE president Jim Smith. “ASSE has been leading the evolution of workplace safety for more than 100 years, so it makes sense to leverage our experience and create a seal of approval that identifies a strong commitment to safety and health.”
The first certification provided by the institute will be on the new ISO 45001 Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems. The global standard was published in March, offering a framework that enables companies to increase employee safety, reduce workplace risks and improve business outcomes. The certification will confirm adherence to the ISO 45001 standard.
Examples of where the institute might expand its certifications following ISO 45001 include hydrogen sulfide safety training, management of confined spaces, environmental safety and health training, construction and demolition operations and other safety and health management systems.
“I think companies will have a competitive advantage when displaying the institute’s certification mark,” Smith said. “It will demonstrate compliance with quality-driven standards that are geared to reduce workplace injuries, illnesses and fatalities. Investors and customers will gain confidence in knowing that.”
