ISO 45003

Psychological Health & Safety at Work

ISO 45003, Psychological health and safety is the first global standard guiding employers on mental health and wellbeing.

In the same way physical health has a huge impact on the workforce of every business, so does mental health. Our working lives have the potential to have a significant impact on our mental health and well-being.

Recently it has been recognised that employers have a responsibility to protect both the physical and psychosocial health of their team, and this standard addresses this.

Identify the demands

This new ISO standard was developed so that businesses can identify the circumstance, conditions and demands of the workplace that could have a negative impact on the psychological health and well-being of their team. By identifying these risk factors and assessing them to determine what changes are required, improves the working environment.

It contains a set of detailed guidelines to provide employers with practical assistance on how to manage psychosocial risks in their business as part of an occupational health and safety management system.

The Benefits of ISO 45003:

The many benefits this standard brings:

Six strategies for a psychologically safe workplace:

A Whole Organisation Approach

ISO 45003 states: “The successful management of psychosocial risk calls for a commitment throughout the organisation”. The standard identifies that top management hold most of the responsibility, but it takes the full business to safeguard psychological safety.

Proactively Identify Psychosocial Hazards

Whether it’s by analysing work tasks, consulting with workers, holding group discussions, conducting workplace inspections or reviewing documentation (or all of these), proactively eliminating psychosocial hazards, reducing risks and promoting well-being will benefit every business.

Focus on the Data

The standard requires the business to “establish and implement a systematic approach for monitoring and measuring activities related to managing psychosocial risk and the performance of the OH&S management system”. By analysing the data, informed decisions can be made.

Communication, Communication, Communication

Communication is key as it demonstrates your commitment to manage psychosocial risks, and promotes well-being at work. It informs employees of what is expected from them and what they can expect from the organisation.

Launch a Well-Being Programme

Effective workplace well-being programmes go beyond just supporting employee health – they create a culture and working environment where individuals can flourish and thrive. Most workforces are made up of diverse individuals and a good well-being programme can support them when needed.

Include Everyone

Whilst the standard does not mention well-being champions, the business can only benefit from having them. Possibly your business has mental health first aiders who can help roll out the business initiatives and champion good mental health and well-being from within the organisation.