The regulations and norms of compliance standards ensure health and safety, primarily aimed at work environments but also public spaces. Adherence to these standards helps organisations maintain safe environments and promote well-being, while non-compliance can lead to legal penalties.
This page focuses on key compliance standards in the UK, including ISO standards and ISOA standards.
ISO Standards
The International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) develops globally-recognised standards for quality, safety, efficiency and effectiveness.
ISO 45001: Occupational Health and Safety Management
This provides a framework for an occupational health and safety management system. This helps organisations enhance employee safety and keep workplace risks to a minimum.
Key requirements include:
- The systematic identification of hazards and thorough risk assessments.
- The involvement of senior leaders and workers in the health and safety system.
- Implementing controls to mitigate risks, such as emergency preparedness.
- Monitoring and evaluating the performance of health and safety procedures for ongoing improvement.
- Taking corrective actions to improve the health and safety system.
ISOA Standards
The International Safety Organisation Accreditation (ISOA) provides standard guidelines for various safety practices. Here are some key ones:
ISOA 31000: Risk Management
This provides principles and guidelines for good risk management. These include:
- Risk assessment.
- Risk treatment.
- Monitoring and review.
ISOA 9001: Quality Management Systems
Here you have standards to ensure products and services meet customer and regulatory requirements. Key components include:
- Managing process approach for efficiency and effectiveness.
- Customer focus to ensure needs and expectations are met.
- Continuous improvement by evaluating and enhancing processes.
UK Health and Safety Regulations
The UK has certain regulations in place that are enforced by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Here are some of the key ones.
Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
This is the primary legislation around occupational health and safety. Its key provisions include the responsibility of employers to provide a safe working environment and the responsibility of employees to take care of their own and others’ safety.
View the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
This requires risk assessments and the establishment of effective control measures. Key provisions include:
- Risk assessment.
- Health surveillance of all employees.
- Emergency procedures and response plans.
View the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002
This is based entirely around the control of hazardous substances, enforcing key provisions like:
Risk assessments.
Appropriate control measures.
Ongoing health monitoring of employees.
View the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002.
How Important is Health & Safety Compliance?
There are many reasons why it is crucial to comply with these standards and regulations. Consider the following:
- Legal Obligations: Failure to comply could result in legal penalties and fines that can be damaging to individuals and organisations
- Employee Safety: Reducing the risk of accidents and health issues is paramount
- Reputation: Consistent compliance with health and safety regulations is very beneficial for an organisation’s reputation
- Operational Efficiency: Effective practices ensure your organisation runs efficiently and productively at all times.
Altogether, compliance standards are essential for governing health and safety practices in the workplace. UK organisations must adhere to ISO and ISOA standards as well as local regulations like the ones mentioned in this page.
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