An Overview of Certified ISO 45001 OH&S Systems in the Regional Context ^†

Abstract

Occupational health and safety (OH&S) and other management systems are crucial in enhancing the operational activities of organizations in regional countries improving their public image and ensuring safety. Despite the evident advantages, the practical implementation and integration of these systems frequently present substantial challenges. These challenges can significantly influence an organization’s decision to set up and certify integrated or particular management systems. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the general concept, current status, and quantitative evaluation of organizations that have implemented certified OH&S management systems within the region. The analysis utilizes the most recent data released by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), which includes wider statistics on the number, types, and trends of certified systems in the region. Based on this analysis, this paper offers well-informed observations, conclusions, and recommendations aimed at improving the current state and general measures to enhance OH&S in the regional context.

1. Introduction

The International Labour Organization (ILO) recently estimated that nearly 3 million workers lose their lives annually due to work-related accidents and diseases, marking an increase of over 5% since 2015. This alarming statistic highlights the ongoing global challenges in ensuring the health and safety of workers [1].

The International Labour Organization (ILO) announced that the majority of these work-related fatalities, totaling 2.6 million deaths, are attributed to occupational diseases. Additionally, work-related accidents result in approximately 330,000 deaths. According to the analysis, circulatory diseases, malignant neoplasms, and respiratory diseases are among the leading causes of work-related fatalities, collectively accounting for more than three quarters of the total occupational mortality.

These findings underscore the urgent need for enhanced workplace safety measures and health interventions to mitigate the risks associated with occupational hazards [1].

By implementing the ISO 45001 standard (ISO 45001—Occupational health and safety management systems—Requirements with guidance for use.), a safe working environment is ensured by identifying and controlling health and safety risks [2].

This has an additional value and increases the satisfaction and efficiency of all employees as well as society and reduces the likelihood of potential accidents.

Organizations can thereby manage to reduce the number of leave days and ensure full compliance with legal regulations at national and international levels.

ISO 45001 applies to organizations of all sizes and industries that strive to prevent work-related injuries and illnesses, specifically fatalities, and promote the establishment of a safe working environment and the continuous improvement of occupational health and safety and the overall management system [3].

2. Materials and Methods

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) regularly publishes the results of examinations for certified organizations per country and management systems annually [4]. The latest up-to-date and officially published data from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) was published in 2024. This Survey refers to the 2023 calendar year. The ISO Survey for 2023 includes an occupational health and safety (OH&S) certified ISO management system. This overview [5] includes data or data packets regarding [6]. The data collected for the Survey comprised:

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Number of valid certificates per country as of 31 December 2023. A valid certificate has been issued by a certification body accredited by IAF MLA members during the year of the Survey or in the two years preceding it and is still valid on 31 December 2023 of the Survey.

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Number of sites per country covered by their certificates. A site is a permanent location where an organization carries out work or a service.

Based on this data, it is possible to analyze both global and certain regional trends in the field of certified occupational health and safety (OH&S). In terms of regional trends, key indicators and results of the ISO Survey are presented and analyzed regarding management systems certification for countries in the region of Albania, Montenegro, Croatia, Slovenia, and North Macedonia, and particularly for the Republic of Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina (Figure 1), with a specific focus on the Republic of Srpska’s opportunities for the improvement of occupational health and safety (OH&S).

3. Results and Discussion

Based on published data from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), it is possible to analyze the global trends in the field of certified occupational health and safety (OH&S) systems. The total number of valid ISO 45001:2018 certificates worldwide is 185 166. In the observed regional context (Figure 1), there are 2808 valid certificates (1.51%).

The Survey data (Figure 2) shows a significant growth in value compared with the previous 5-year period (since 2019) for all listed regional countries. It is interesting to observe and analyze some countries’ data. For example, in Serbia, there is a seven-fold rise in the number of ISO 45001 certificates, while in Croatia and North Macedonia there is a four-fold rise and other countries have a smaller rise or an overall rise in the number of certificates.

Most countries have shown significant increases in the numbers from 2018 to 2023. This could be indicative of economic growth, increased industrial activity, or improved data collection methods. The Republic of Serbia shows the most substantial increase, from 209 in 2018 to 1425 in 2023. This is almost a seven-fold increase and requires a closer look to understand the driving factors. It could be due to major industrial developments, foreign investments, manufacturing, and construction. Both Albania and Croatia have experienced notable increases as well. Albania’s numbers rose from 43 to 281, while Croatia’s numbers increased from 136 to 523. These changes might be linked to economic expansion or improvements in specific sectors like manufacturing or construction. Bosnia and Herzegovina and North Macedonia also show significant growth, though not as drastic as Serbia’s. Bosnia and Herzegovina’s numbers more than doubled, from 54 to 115, and North Macedonia’s figures increased from 61 to 243. This suggests moderate economic or industrial development. While Montenegro shows a relatively small increase from 29 to 45, Slovenia’s numbers have grown more significantly from 46 to 176. Montenegro’s smaller growth might reflect a more stable but slower-growing economy, while Slovenia’s increase could indicate more dynamic economic activities or changes in industrial policies (i.e., moving production capacities to the other southeast European countries).

In the context of Bosnia and Herzegovina, occupational health and safety (OH&S) is under the jurisdiction of the entities of the Republic of Srpska and the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The ISO Survey data are presented at the level of Bosnia and Herzegovina, but such data are not available at the entity level. On the other hand, there is no unified record of the number of OH&S accidents at the level of Bosnia and Herzegovina and it is only available in the form of news reports [7] or upon request at the entity level. But, the situation can be understood based on the fact that in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina alone, in the past 5 years, a total of 65 fatalities occurred, there were 9 fatal work injuries in 2019, 8 in 2020, and 11 fatalities in 2021. In 2022, there were 13 and in 2023, there were 11 fatal injuries [8].

In the Republic of Srpska, in the past five years, a total of 53 fatalities were recorded: there were 11 fatal work injuries in 2019, 8 in 2020, and the tragic trend continued in 2021 with 16 fatalities. In 2022, there were 7 fatal injuries and in 2023, there were 10. According to the data in 2023, there were 76 serious work injuries, of which 12 were in the forestry and wood industry, 4 in the electric power industry, 15 in construction, 2 in the chemical industry, and 43 in other activities [7].

Figure 3 gives a list of general proposed measures for OH&S improvement from the perspective of legislative and executive authorities. It is important to implement the following:

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Improve comprehensive health and safety policy, legislation, and regulation to ensure safe working conditions across all industries.

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Work on the capacity building of OH&S bodies.

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Provide resources and programs for training and educating workers, employers, and health and safety professionals about best practices and emerging risks.

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Offer funding incentives, grants, or tax breaks to companies that invest in improving workplace safety and health conditions. Provide targeted support and resources for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to help them comply with health and safety regulations.

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Improve partnerships and campaigns to raise awareness about occupational hazards and the importance of workplace safety among the general public and within specific industries. Foster collaboration between government agencies, employers, and other stakeholders to promote a culture of safety and continuous improvement in occupational health and safety practices.

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Implement health surveillance programs to monitor the health of workers, particularly in high-risk industries and take proactive measures to prevent occupational diseases and injuries.

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Invest in research and development to identify relevant hazards as well as new risks and innovative solutions for improving workplace safety and health.

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Develop and promote emergency response plans and training to ensure work environments and places are prepared for accidents and disasters.

It is important to foster collaboration between government agencies, employers, labor organizations, and other stakeholders to promote a culture of safety and continuous improvement in occupational health and safety practices.

4. Conclusions

Based on the presented data, the increases across these countries could be driven by several factors, including:

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Economic development and overall economic activity, including foreign direct investment.

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Improved reporting and data collection methods.

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Changes in the regulatory frameworks in the process of EU accession and ISO 45001 issue (issued in the spring 2018 by ISO.).

Overall, the certified OH&S management systems data indicates significant growth in many countries’ metrics from 2018 to 2023, highlighting the dynamic nature of economic activities in the region, but also there is a need for a systematic approach to minimize the number of OH&S-related accidents, injuries and fatalities. For this reason, it is necessary to take a series of preventive measures, which include continuous education on the importance of occupational health and safety (OH&S), especially in secondary schools and academic institutions.

By addressing these issues, the Republic of Srpska can work towards creating safer workplaces and reducing the number of work-related injuries and fatalities through numerous recommendations, including, but not limited to, the following:

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Strengthening overall policy and legislative frameworks and enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance with safety standards across all industries.

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Focusing on safety programs in high-risk sectors such as construction and forestry.

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Training and education programs for students, workers, and employers are essential to raise awareness about occupational hazards and promote a culture of safety.

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Setting up an adequate reporting system for occupational incidents and providing more comprehensive data, aiding in the development of more effective safety policies.

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Investing in safety equipment, technologies, and infrastructure improvements is necessary to reduce the incidence of work-related accidents and fatalities.