ISO 45003 is the first global standard to provide detailed guidance on promoting mental well-being in the workplace and managing psychosocial hazards. Published in June 2021, it expands upon the broader ISO 45001 framework for occupational health and safety (OH&S), focusing specifically on psychological health and safety.
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ISO 45003 emphasizes proactively identifying work-related factors that could harm psychological health. These include excessive workloads, poor communication, lack of role clarity, and workplace bullying. Organizations are encouraged to assess the impact of these risks on individuals and the organization, integrating psychosocial risk management into their broader OH&S management systems.
The standard highlights the critical role of leadership in creating a psychologically safe environment. It calls for top management to demonstrate commitment, foster a supportive organizational culture, and ensure that workers at all levels are consulted and involved in decisions affecting their psychological health. This includes fostering trust, respect, inclusion, and open communication.
ISO 45003 promotes a preventive approach by embedding psychosocial risk management into business processes and adopting a continuous improvement cycle. It encourages organizations to implement controls, monitor effectiveness, provide support systems (like mental health resources or training), and continuously improve policies and practices through feedback, data, and reviews.
ISO 45003 is the recognized global standard that defines guidelines on the management of psychosocial risks in the workplace used within an occupational health and safety (OHS) management system. It helps organizations identify and address work-related concerns that can cause mental injury, such as workload, communication issues, and lack of support. Building upon ISO 45001, it deals with psychological and social hazards in particular, promoting safer, more supportive working environments. Although not a certifiable standard, ISO 45003 provides best-practice guidance on how to improve employee well-being, reduce burnout, and strengthen organizational culture.
The standard was released in June 2021 and is the world’s first to give a framework for addressing psychosocial risks in the workplace. It assists organizations in:
Identify and address psychosocial hazards: These are job factors that can affect the psychological well-being of an employee. They can include such things as workload excess, poor communication, low control over work, and bullying or harassment at work.
Prevent work-related psychological injury: Through the identification and control of these hazards, organisations are able to avert stress-related injuries and illnesses, burnout, anxiety, and depression.
Promote well-being in the workplace: The standard promotes a good work environment in which employees feel secure and supported, and this can bring advantages such as better engagement, productivity, and staff retention.
Although ISO 45003 is a voluntary standard, following its principles will assist organizations in fulfilling their legal and moral obligations to safeguard the health and safety of their workers. It can be applied by organizations of any size and in any industry, and although it is intended to be implemented with an ISO 45001 management system, it can also be utilized as an independent guide.
