ISO 45003
Certification
Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS)
ISO 45003
Certification
Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS)
Support psychological health and safety in the workplace with ISO 45003 certification.
- ISO 45003 is the first global standard providing practical guidelines for managing psychological health and safety in the workplace, focusing on mitigating psychosocial risks.
- The standard offers practical guidance on extending an occupational health and safety management system (OHSMS) to include psychological health.
- Adopting ISO 45003 guidelines demonstrates that your organisation is committed to maintaining and improving employee wellbeing.
- ISOQAR is one of the world’s largest UKAS-accredited certification bodies. We offer a transparent, simplified approach to ISO 45003 assessment with no hidden fees.
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Benefits of ISO 45003
- Enhanced employee well-being
- Reduced absenteeism and turnover
- Improved performance and productivity
- Legal and regulatory compliance
- Reputation and stakeholder confidence
- Risk mitigation
What is ISO 45003 certification?
ISO 45003 Psychological Health and Safety at Work is an international standard that plays a crucial role in addressing the growing importance of psychological health and safety in the workplace. The ISO 45003 standard:
- Provides guidance for identifying, assessing and mitigating psychosocial risks within the work environment, from excessive workloads to job insecurity and harassment.
- Is designed to complement ISO 45001 Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems, expanding on its requirements to incorporate mental health as well as physical health and safety.
- Is applicable to businesses of every size and sector, supporting a proactive risk-management approach to mental health.
By adopting ISO 45003:2021, organisations can create a work environment that supports employee well-being, fosters positive relationships, and ultimately contributes to their long-term success.
Why choose ISO 45003?
Adopting ISO 45003:
- Fosters a more supportive and positive work environment, leading to increased job satisfaction and morale among employees.
- Improves business resilience by helping organisations to proactively manage psychosocial risks that can undermine operational continuity.
- Increases productivity and reduces absenteeism, turnover rates and associated costs, contributing to better overall business performance.
- Minimises the likelihood of workplace conflicts, incidents and potential legal liabilities.
- Ensures organisations are compliant with relevant laws and regulations related to psychological health and safety at work.
- Demonstrates that you prioritise employee well-being, which helps your organisation to build a positive reputation and gain confidence of stakeholders, customers and partners.
Learn more about ISO 45003 certification
ISO 45003 implementation
7 steps to becoming ISO 45003 certified
Implementing ISO 45003 is simple, and we are here to support you at every stage. Just follow these 7 straightforward steps.
Step 1 - Read the Standard
It’s what you will be audited against.
Step 2 - Build Your Team
Get support from colleagues – you can’t do it all on your own.
Step 3 - Get the Skills
Book onto Academy training
Step 4 - Develop Your Management System
Do it yourself or consider using a consultant from the ISOQAR Associate Network (IAN)
Step 5 - Implement Your Management System
Make sure everyone is buying into it.
Step 6 - Check Everything
Carry out an internal audit – we can perform a pre-assessment audit for you.
Step 7 - Get Certified
Shout about your success! We give you logos to display your achievement on your website, stationery and vehicles.
How to implement ISO 45003
ISOQAR is accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS), the UK’s government-recognised accreditation body. As all UKAS-accredited ISO 45003 certification companies must remain impartial, we can’t help you implement the standard if we will also be conducting the compliance assessment.
But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here are the two routes you can use to implement ISO 45003 in your organisation:
Use an ISO consultant
There are many consultants available to help you. You can find them on our online database.
A consultant will take you from the beginning right through to certification. Consultants bring a wealth of experience and can share best practice from their work with other organisations.
Do it yourself
We will put together a package of support to help you through the complete journey.
A good starting point is to go on a foundation training course with the Academy. They deliver exceptional training whether you’re a beginner or an expert. Most of the courses are CQI IRCA accredited and are run by our own trainers.
ISO 45003 FAQs
We regularly receive questions about ISO 45003 ISO 45003 Psychological Health and Safety at Work. Below, you’ll find expert-written answers to some of our most frequently asked questions about the standard.
If you have any further queries, speak with our knowledgeable team on 0330 828 2752.
When was ISO 45003 introduced?
ISO 45003 was published in 2021 as the first international standard dedicated to managing psychological health and safety at work. It was developed to complement ISO 45001 by providing guidance on identifying and managing psychosocial risks within the workplace.
What is the primary focus of ISO 45003?
The primary focus of ISO 45003 is to help organisations create healthier working environments by managing factors that can affect employees’ psychological well being. The standard provides practical guidance for identifying and controlling psychosocial risks.
Is ISO 45003 a legal requirement?
No. Organisations are not legally required to implement ISO 45003. However, following the guidance can support compliance with health and safety legislation by helping employers manage workplace risks that could affect employees’ mental wellbeing and psychological health.
Is ISO 45003 certifiable?
No. ISO 45003 is not a certifiable standard because it contains guidance rather than auditable requirements. However, organisations can demonstrate their commitment to the principles of the standard through an independent ISO 45003 assessment, helping to show that appropriate measures have been implemented.
Is ISO 45003 certification worth it?
Although ISO 45003 does not result in formal certification, aligning your management system with its guidance demonstrates a commitment to employee wellbeing. It can help strengthen workplace culture, reduce psychosocial risks and provide reassurance to employees, clients and other stakeholders.
Can ISO 45003 accreditation help me win more business?
Yes. Demonstrating that your organisation follows recognised guidance for psychological health and safety can strengthen trust with customers and supply chain partners. It may also support tender applications where employee wellbeing and responsible business practices are considered during supplier selection.
What types of businesses should consider adopting ISO 45003?
ISO 45003 can benefit organisations in any industry. Whether you work in healthcare, construction, education, manufacturing, professional services or the public sector, the guidance can help you create a healthier working environment and improve the management of psychosocial risks.
Is ISO 45003 only for large organisations?
No. The guidance has been written so it can be applied by organisations of any size. Small businesses, charities, local authorities and multinational organisations can all implement ISO 45003 in a way that reflects their own working environment and organisational structure.
How many companies are ISO 45003 certified?
As ISO 45003 is not a certifiable standard, there are no official figures showing how many organisations have adopted it. Even so, its use continues to grow as employers place greater emphasis on psychological health and safety at work.
What is meant by ‘psychosocial risks’ in ISO 45003?
ISO 45003 psychosocial risks are aspects of work that have the potential to negatively affect an employee’s mental health or wellbeing. These may include excessive workloads, poor communication, bullying, harassment, lack of support or uncertainty during organisational change. The standard explains how these risks can be identified and managed.
What is the ISO 45003 clause structure?
ISO 45003 follows the same high-level structure as ISO 45001, rather than introducing a completely new management system. Its guidance aligns with the existing clause framework, providing recommendations across areas such as organisational context, leadership, planning, support, operation, performance evaluation and continual improvement to help organisations address psychosocial risks effectively.
How is ISO 45003 related to ISO 45001?
ISO 45003 has been developed as a supporting guidance standard for ISO 45001. While ISO 45001 sets out the requirements for an Occupational Health and Safety Management System, ISO 45003 expands on those requirements by providing detailed guidance on managing psychological health, wellbeing and psychosocial risks in the workplace.
Can I implement ISO 45003 with an existing ISO 45001 OHSMS?
Yes. In fact, ISO 45003 is intended to be implemented alongside an existing ISO 45001 Occupational Health and Safety Management System. Organisations can incorporate its guidance into their current management system without creating separate processes, making implementation both practical and efficient.
How much does ISO 45003 certification cost?
The cost of an independent assessment will depend on the size of your organisation, the complexity of your existing management system and the scope of the assessment. Contact ISOQAR for a quotation based on your organisation’s requirements.
How do I apply for ISO 45003 certification?
The first step is to implement the guidance within your Occupational Health and Safety Management System. ISO 45003 training is a great way to develop your understanding of the standard and how to implement it. You can then arrange an independent assessment to review how effectively your organisation has applied the recommendations and identify any opportunities for further improvement.
What can I expect from the ISO 45003 assessment?
An ISO 45003 assessment reviews how your organisation manages psychological health and safety in line with the guidance set out in the standard. The assessor will examine your existing processes, discuss how psychosocial risks are managed and provide feedback to support continual improvement. If you’d like to learn more, ISOQAR’s team can explain the assessment process in greater detail.
Who issues the ISO 45003 certificate?
Because ISO 45003 is a guidance standard, there is no official ISO 45003 certificate issued as there is with standards such as ISO 9001 or ISO 45001. However, organisations such as ISOQAR can carry out independent assessments that recognise commitment to the guidance and demonstrate alignment with best practice.
What should I look for in an ISO 45003 certification company?
When selecting an assessment provider, choose one with expertise in occupational health and safety, experience of ISO management systems and a clear understanding of ISO 45003. It’s also worth considering the support available before and after your assessment, as well as the provider’s reputation for delivering practical, impartial guidance.
ISO 45003 requirements
If you’re new to the ISO 45003 standard, this free guide will give you a clear understanding of what the framework is all about and what’s required to implement it in your organisation.
This guide is for you if:
- You’re planning to implement ISO 45003 and want a plain English explanation of the requirements
- You’re currently implementing ISO 45003 and need to know what else must be done to align with the guidance
- You already manage workplace wellbeing risks and want to formalise your approach in line with ISO 45003 guidance
Download guide to ISO 45003 certification requirements
Discover the key requirements for successful ISO 45003 accreditation.
ISO 45003 implementation
7 steps to becoming ISO 45003 certified
Implementing ISO 45003 is simple, and we are here to support you at every stage. Just follow these 7 straightforward steps.
Step 1 - Read the Standard
It’s what you will be audited against.
Step 2 - Build Your Team
Get support from colleagues – you can’t do it all on your own.
Step 3 - Get the Skills
Book onto Academy training
Step 4 - Develop Your Management System
Do it yourself or consider using a consultant from the ISOQAR Associate Network (IAN)
Step 5 - Implement Your Management System
Make sure everyone is buying into it.
Step 6 - Check Everything
Carry out an internal audit – we can perform a pre-assessment audit for you.
Step 7 - Get Certified
Shout about your success! We give you logos to display your achievement on your website, stationery and vehicles.
How to implement ISO 45003
ISOQAR is accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS), the UK’s government-recognised accreditation body. As all UKAS-accredited ISO 45003 certification companies must remain impartial, we can’t help you implement the standard if we will also be conducting the compliance assessment.
But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here are the two routes you can use to implement ISO 45003 in your organisation:
Use an ISO consultant
There are many consultants available to help you. You can find them on our online database.
A consultant will take you from the beginning right through to certification. Consultants bring a wealth of experience and can share best practice from their work with other organisations.
Do it yourself
We will put together a package of support to help you through the complete journey.
A good starting point is to go on a foundation training course with the Academy. They deliver exceptional training whether you’re a beginner or an expert. Most of the courses are CQI IRCA accredited and are run by our own trainers.
ISO 45003 FAQs
We regularly receive questions about ISO 45003 ISO 45003 Psychological Health and Safety at Work. Below, you’ll find expert-written answers to some of our most frequently asked questions about the standard.
If you have any further queries, speak with our knowledgeable team on 0330 828 2752.
When was ISO 45003 introduced?
ISO 45003 was published in 2021 as the first international standard dedicated to managing psychological health and safety at work. It was developed to complement ISO 45001 by providing guidance on identifying and managing psychosocial risks within the workplace.
What is the primary focus of ISO 45003?
The primary focus of ISO 45003 is to help organisations create healthier working environments by managing factors that can affect employees’ psychological well being. The standard provides practical guidance for identifying and controlling psychosocial risks.
Is ISO 45003 a legal requirement?
No. Organisations are not legally required to implement ISO 45003. However, following the guidance can support compliance with health and safety legislation by helping employers manage workplace risks that could affect employees’ mental wellbeing and psychological health.
Is ISO 45003 certifiable?
No. ISO 45003 is not a certifiable standard because it contains guidance rather than auditable requirements. However, organisations can demonstrate their commitment to the principles of the standard through an independent ISO 45003 assessment, helping to show that appropriate measures have been implemented.
Is ISO 45003 certification worth it?
Although ISO 45003 does not result in formal certification, aligning your management system with its guidance demonstrates a commitment to employee wellbeing. It can help strengthen workplace culture, reduce psychosocial risks and provide reassurance to employees, clients and other stakeholders.
Can ISO 45003 accreditation help me win more business?
Yes. Demonstrating that your organisation follows recognised guidance for psychological health and safety can strengthen trust with customers and supply chain partners. It may also support tender applications where employee wellbeing and responsible business practices are considered during supplier selection.
What types of businesses should consider adopting ISO 45003?
ISO 45003 can benefit organisations in any industry. Whether you work in healthcare, construction, education, manufacturing, professional services or the public sector, the guidance can help you create a healthier working environment and improve the management of psychosocial risks.
Is ISO 45003 only for large organisations?
No. The guidance has been written so it can be applied by organisations of any size. Small businesses, charities, local authorities and multinational organisations can all implement ISO 45003 in a way that reflects their own working environment and organisational structure.
How many companies are ISO 45003 certified?
As ISO 45003 is not a certifiable standard, there are no official figures showing how many organisations have adopted it. Even so, its use continues to grow as employers place greater emphasis on psychological health and safety at work.
What is meant by ‘psychosocial risks’ in ISO 45003?
ISO 45003 psychosocial risks are aspects of work that have the potential to negatively affect an employee’s mental health or wellbeing. These may include excessive workloads, poor communication, bullying, harassment, lack of support or uncertainty during organisational change. The standard explains how these risks can be identified and managed.
What is the ISO 45003 clause structure?
ISO 45003 follows the same high-level structure as ISO 45001, rather than introducing a completely new management system. Its guidance aligns with the existing clause framework, providing recommendations across areas such as organisational context, leadership, planning, support, operation, performance evaluation and continual improvement to help organisations address psychosocial risks effectively.
How is ISO 45003 related to ISO 45001?
ISO 45003 has been developed as a supporting guidance standard for ISO 45001. While ISO 45001 sets out the requirements for an Occupational Health and Safety Management System, ISO 45003 expands on those requirements by providing detailed guidance on managing psychological health, wellbeing and psychosocial risks in the workplace.
Can I implement ISO 45003 with an existing ISO 45001 OHSMS?
Yes. In fact, ISO 45003 is intended to be implemented alongside an existing ISO 45001 Occupational Health and Safety Management System. Organisations can incorporate its guidance into their current management system without creating separate processes, making implementation both practical and efficient.
How much does ISO 45003 certification cost?
The cost of an independent assessment will depend on the size of your organisation, the complexity of your existing management system and the scope of the assessment. Contact ISOQAR for a quotation based on your organisation’s requirements.
How do I apply for ISO 45003 certification?
The first step is to implement the guidance within your Occupational Health and Safety Management System. ISO 45003 training is a great way to develop your understanding of the standard and how to implement it. You can then arrange an independent assessment to review how effectively your organisation has applied the recommendations and identify any opportunities for further improvement.
What can I expect from the ISO 45003 assessment?
An ISO 45003 assessment reviews how your organisation manages psychological health and safety in line with the guidance set out in the standard. The assessor will examine your existing processes, discuss how psychosocial risks are managed and provide feedback to support continual improvement. If you’d like to learn more, ISOQAR’s team can explain the assessment process in greater detail.
Who issues the ISO 45003 certificate?
Because ISO 45003 is a guidance standard, there is no official ISO 45003 certificate issued as there is with standards such as ISO 9001 or ISO 45001. However, organisations such as ISOQAR can carry out independent assessments that recognise commitment to the guidance and demonstrate alignment with best practice.
What should I look for in an ISO 45003 certification company?
When selecting an assessment provider, choose one with expertise in occupational health and safety, experience of ISO management systems and a clear understanding of ISO 45003. It’s also worth considering the support available before and after your assessment, as well as the provider’s reputation for delivering practical, impartial guidance.
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