ILO-OSH 2001 Certification : Priority on safety and health at work

What is the ILO-OSH 2001 certification ?

The ILO-OSH 2001 certification, developed by the International Labour Office (ILO), is a world-renowned standard designed to boost the safety and health of workers at their workplace. It is based on a set of guidelines and recommendations designed to facilitate the establishment and improvement of an occupational health and safety management system (OHSMS). A OHSMS includes a comprehensive system to eliminate occupational hazards while improving working conditions through :

• The definition of a health and safety policy at work, marking the commitment and ambitions of the company in this field.
• The organization of health and safety, specifying the responsibilities, skills, methods of communication, as well as the modalities of participation and consultation of stakeholders.
• Planning and activation of risk prevention measures, through hazard identification, risk assessment, development of protection strategies and promotion of training, information and awareness of staff.
• Regular evaluation of the system to monitor its performance, with internal and external audits, as well as effective management of incidents and non-conformities.
• Continuous improvement through the analysis of malfunctions, the application of corrective and preventive measures, and the periodic update of the system according to the results obtained and the necessary evolutions. The ILO-OSH 2001 certification promotes a participatory approach and social dialogue, seeking to deeply integrate occupational health and safety into the overall strategy and corporate culture. It harmoniously complements other international certifications such as ISO 45001 or OHSAS 18001.

When should you consider ILO-OSH 2001 certification ?

The ILO-OSH 2001 certification, although not mandatory, represents a significant advantage for companies wishing to highlight their commitment to better health and safety at work. You should consider ILO-OSH 2001 certification if you aim to :

• Comply with legal and regulatory requirements specific to your business and country.
• Improve the well-being and motivation of your employees through a safe and healthy work environment.
• Strengthen the trust and loyalty of your customers by proving your societal and ecological commitment.
• Boost your economic performance by reducing costs associated with accidents, occupational diseases, absences, disputes, etc.
• Prevent risks related to technological innovations, restructuring, pandemics, and other emerging challenges.

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The ILO-OSH 2001 certification is relevant for all companies, regardless of their size, field of activity or location. It can also focus on specific segments of the company such as certain subsidiaries, departments, projects, etc. This certification of conformity is particularly recommended for companies operating in areas where health and safety standards are poorly developed, or for those engaged in high-risk sectors.

Why is ILO-OSH 2001 important for the environment ?

The ILO-OSH 2001 certification goes beyond a simple commitment to the health and safety of workers. It plays a crucial role in protecting the environment. By strengthening the prevention and management of occupational risks, it helps to reduce the negative environmental impacts caused by human activities. Concrete examples include :

• The reduction of air, water and soil pollution resulting from toxic emissions helps preserve biodiversity and improve the living environment of communities.
• Climate change mitigation, caused by the reduction of greenhouse gases, minimizes the disastrous effects on climate, natural resources, and the health and safety of individuals.
• The preservation of natural resources, such as water, soil, forests and minerals, in the face of overexploitation or poor management, promotes sustainable development.
• Improved waste management, from consumption and processing of raw materials, avoids storage, treatment and disposal issues.
• With the ILO-OSH 2001 certification, companies can adopt environmentally responsible practices such as:
• The assessment and control of environmental impacts related to their activities, products and services.
• The optimization of the use of energy, water and raw materials, encourage efficiency, economy and recycling.
• Limiting pollution through strict control of emissions and releases of hazardous substances.
• Waste management focused on prevention, reduction, reuse, recycling and recovery before disposal.
• Awareness and training of employees, suppliers and customers on environmental challenges and best practices.

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Obtaining the ILO-OSH 2001 certification is an effective way for companies to engage in sustainable development that combines economic performance, social responsibility, and environmental preservation. This certification strengthens their image, increases their competitiveness and fully assumes their environmental responsibility.

What are the criteria for obtaining an ILO-OSH 2001 certification ?

To obtain an ILO-OSH 2001 certification, you must meet the ILO-OSH 2001 standards. These are based on the guidelines and recommendations of the International Labour Office (ILO). The criteria relate to the various aspects of the Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OSHMS), discussed above. Here we will explore in detail the key requirements for each component of the OHSMS.

Occupational health and safety policy

The health and safety policy must be established by senior management and reflect its commitment and objectives to prevent occupational risks and improve working conditions. It must be :

• In line with the principles and international labour standards, as well as in compliance with the legal and regulatory obligations in force.
• Documented, applied, maintained and disseminated at all levels of the company.
• Reviewed regularly to ensure relevance and effectiveness.

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The organisation of health and safety at work

The health and safety structure must specify the roles, responsibilities, competencies, communication, participation and consultation mechanisms related to the OHSMS, including :

• The appointment of a senior official responsible for the implementation and monitoring of the OHSMS.
• Training, information and awareness of staff on the importance of occupational health and safety.
• The involvement of employees and their representatives in the development, implementation and evaluation of the OHSMS.
• Implementation of internal and external communication procedures on occupational health and safety topics.
• Coordination and cooperation with external parties, such as authorities, suppliers and subcontractors.

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Occupational health and safety planning and implementation

The planning and implementation strategy should identify hazards, assess risks, identify prevention and protection, and ensure training and awareness of staff. This includes :

• Conduct an initial hazard and risk analysis of the company’s activities, products and services.
• Identify objectives, targets and develop action plans to mitigate occupational risks.
• Develop technical, organizational and human solutions to protect the health and safety of workers.
• Comply with legal and regulatory requirements for occupational health and safety.
• Documenter et consigner les informations pertinentes concernant la planification et l’exécution du SMSST.

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Occupational Health and Safety Assessment

The purpose of the health and safety analysis is to measure the performance of the OHSMS, conduct audits and address incidents, accidents and non-compliances. It requires that :

• Identify indicators and methods for evaluating OHSMS performance.
• Conduct regular audits and periodic reviews of the system.
• Conduct internal and external audits according to a predetermined schedule.
• Collect and analyze data on incidents, accidents and occupational diseases.
• Identify the causes of non-conformities to implement corrective and preventive measures.

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Improving occupational health and safety

To significantly improve occupational health and safety, it is essential to carefully analyze the causes of incidents, implement corrective and preventive actions, and adjust the Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OSHMS) based on the results obtained and identified needs. Here are some key steps :

• Assess how effective and relevant corrective and preventive actions are.
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement of the OHSMS.
• Adjust the OHSMS at regular intervals, or as a result of significant changes.
• Effectively communicate advances and outcomes in occupational health and safety.
• Recognize and reward staff involvement and contributions in strengthening the OHSMS.

To obtain an ILO-OSH 2001 certification implies to respect these criteria, explained in detail in the ILO-OSH 2001 standard. This also requires partnering with an independent and qualified certification body, which will assess the OHSMS to ensure its compliance and effectiveness against established requirements. The next section will detail the benefits of obtaining the ILO-OSH 2001 certification for companies.

What are the benefits of ILO-OSH 2001 certification for companies ?

The ILO-OSH 2001 certification is a major asset for companies aspiring to stand out thanks to their commitment to health and safety at work. It is distinguished by various benefits, grouped into four main categories: human, social, economic, and environmental.

The human benefits

Obtaining the ILO-OSH 2001 certification means a significant reduction in work accidents and occupational diseases, thus protecting the health and well-being of employees. By improving the work environment, this certification boosts the satisfaction and motivation of the staff, who feel more valued. In addition, the certification promotes the enrichment of skills and knowledge through specifically adapted training and information.

Employee benefits

This certification reinforces the trust and loyalty of customers, attracted by the quality and reliability of products and services. It also builds a positive and responsible corporate image, respectful of international labour standards and workers' rights. The certification also encourages an active social dialogue, involving workers and their representatives in the continuous improvement of the occupational health and safety management system (OHSMS).

Economic benefits

Thanks to the ILO-OSH 2001 certification, the company can optimize its economic performance by reducing the costs associated with accidents, occupational diseases, absences, litigation, etc. It also promotes increased productivity and competitiveness through superior processes, products and services. This certification also helps to proactively anticipate and manage emerging risks, thus ensuring the sustainability of the company.

Environmental benefits

Adopting the ILO-OSH 2001 certification means taking action to reduce the negative effects on the environment due to the company’s activities, by limiting pollution, waste and degradation of natural resources. It is part of a sustainable development framework, aiming at a balance between economic, social and environmental performance. Finally, it ensures compliance with legal and regulatory environmental requirements and meets the expectations of external stakeholders, such as authorities or subcontractors.

Which countries recognize the ILO-OSH 2001 certification ?

Internationally renowned, the ILO-OSH 2001 certification is recognized by countries that have ratified the International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions on health and safety at work. At the heart of these conventions are Convention No. 155 concerning the safety and health of workers, Convention No. 161 on occupational health services, and Convention No. 187 which establishes a promotional framework for occupational safety and health.

These texts commit signatory countries to establish occupational health and safety policies and systems aligned with international labour standards and principles.

The ILO-OSH 2001 certification, although not required by the ILO, is freely chosen by countries according to their situation and specific requirements. Some States have preferred to develop their own national occupational health and safety standards or frameworks, which may or may not be compatible with ILO-OSH 2001 certification. Others opted for the promotion and support of this certification, considering it a voluntary and effective method to strengthen the performance of companies in this field.

Below are examples of countries that have recognized ILO-OSH 2001 certification, either directly or indirectly, through collaborations or partnerships with certification entities :

France

Since 2005, France has adhered to the ILO-OSH 2001 certification through an agreement between the ILO and AFNOR (French Association of Standardization), the main national certification body. AFNOR encourages French companies to obtain this certification, presenting it as a complement or alternative to other standards such as ISO 45001 or OHSAS 18001. It also supports companies in improving their Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS) by offering appropriate tools and training.

Brazil

Brazil, since 2006, officially recognizes the ILO-OSH 2001 certification through a collaboration between the ILO and SENAI (National Industrial Learning Service), an organization dedicated to vocational training and social promotion. SENAI allows Brazilian companies to certify according to the ILO-OSH 2001 standard, offering them technical and educational support. It also plays a key role in promoting the culture of occupational health and safety in the country, conducting awareness campaigns and thematic events.

Thailand

Thailand adopted the ILO-OSH 2001 certification in 2007, thanks to a pilot project launched by the ILO and the Ministry of Labour, in partnership with the Bureau of Safety and Health at Work and the Bureau of Industrial Standardization. This project encourages Thai companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises that dominate the industrial sector, to adopt this certification by providing them with guides, manuals and specialized training.

Who can issue an ILO-OSH 2001 certification ?

To obtain an ILO-OSH 2001 certification, it is necessary to contact an independent and competent certifying body. This body will examine the compliance and effectiveness of the Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS) with the criteria of the ILO-OSH 2001 standard. Many certification bodies around the world are authorized to issue this certification, depending on the country and region. Here are some examples of organizations recognized by the ILO (International Labour Organization), the entity behind the ILO-OSH 2001 standard.

AFNOR (the French Standards Association)

The main certifying body in France, AFNOR offers French companies the possibility to certify according to the ILO-OSH 2001 standard, as an alternative or in addition to other standards such as ISO 45001 or OHSAS 18001. AFNOR provides support to companies to develop and improve their OHSMS through dedicated tools and training. An agreement signed with the ILO in 2005 authorizes AFNOR to issue this certification in France and other French-speaking countries.

SENAI (National Industrial Learning Service)

As a vocational training institution in Brazil, SENAI enables Brazilian companies to obtain the ILO-OSH 2001 certification, offering them technical and educational support. It plays an active role in promoting the culture of health and safety at work by organizing awareness campaigns and thematic events. Through a partnership with the ILO in 2006, SENAI can deliver this certification in Brazil and other Latin American countries.

The Office of Safety and Health at Work (BSST)

As a Thai government agency, BSST encourages the adoption of the ILO-OSH 2001 certification by local companies, providing guides, manuals and targeted training. Focusing in particular on small and medium-sized enterprises, the majority in the Thai industrial sector, the BSST collaborated with the ILO and the Ministry of Labour in a pilot project in 2007, enabling it to award the ILOOSH 2001 in Thailand and other Southeast Asian countries.