The National Metrology Institute of South Africa (NMISA) received its ISO 45001:2018 certification. ISO 45001:2018 is a new international standard for the Occupational Health and Safety Management System requirements, replacing the British standard of OHSAS 18001. The scope of registration covers all activities, products, services, and facilities that the organisation controls or influences, which can result in a health and/or safety risk, related to the provision of test and calibration laboratories services.

This is a risk-based approach system standard and a critical part of managing NMISA OHS risk strategy. Providing the framework for managing risks and opportunities for the prevention of workplace injuries and illnesses.

It has been largely proven that workers are more productive in workplaces that are committed to health and safety. Improved health and safety reduce downtime caused by illness and accidents, which in turn means less disruption in the workplace. Therefore, the ISO 45001 Certification indicates that NMISA achieved total compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Standard requirements, demonstrating that NMISA is committed to its employees’ health, safety, and wellbeing.

ISO 45001:2018 certification also provides management with information and processes that enhance the carefully considered risk-related factors in the decision-making process. This means that as an institute, NMISA has reduced its occupational health and safety risks and promoted a safe working environment. Employees and other individuals under NMISA control are protected against injuries, diseases and sicknesses that might arise from the institutes’ daily operations.  It also helps NMISA to comply with occupational health and safety, legal and other requirements.

The certified OHS system helps to better manage operational related risks by improving the working environment and reduces possible non-compliance liabilities, which in turn gives confidence to NMISA stakeholders, ISO 45001 certification, therefore, opens new markets and maintains current business relationships.

How did NMISA get certified for ISO 45001:2018?

Registration and certification to this standard entailed implementation of the OHS MS based on the requirements of the standard whilst ensuring that all supporting evidence in the form of records and documents is available. Records included medical certificates, training certificates, internal and external audits, Annual Reports, management reviews, inspections, inductions, contractor management, etc.

This process was followed by a third-party audit, conducted by the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) to verify that NMISA has implemented, maintained, and continues to improve the system, in accordance with the standard.  This audit also included interviews with several members of NMISA staff, including managers, to ensure that the system supports the entire organisation, and all affected and interested parties. The registration cycle is three years, with annual surveillance audits to ensure continued maintenance and improvement of the system. A legal compliance audit was performed by external OHS legal experts as part of the requirements.

This certification confirms NMISA’s commitment to serve its clients in a law-abiding and responsible manner, in compliance to the statutory regulations relevant to NMISA as a type 3A public entity.

This achievement is the result of the joint commitment and effort by NMISA staff members, championed by the NMISA SHEQ section, which also includes the EHS Representatives, First Aiders, Fire Fighters, Emergency Evacuation Team, Disaster Recovery Team, and Business Continuity Team.

NMISA staff members from various levels within the organisation continuously contribute to the success of this effort by raising potential deviations and non-conformances that need to be resolved to ensure ongoing improvement, and by complying to the set procedures and policies which ensures the sustainability of the OHS system.

The National Metrology Institute of South Africa (NMISA)

Contact number: +27 12 947 2800

Email: info@nmisa.org

Website: https://www.nmisa.org

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