ISO 45003: The future of psychosocial risk management
ISO 45003 is the first international standard to offer guidelines for managing psychosocial risks. Learn how its implementation can benefit your organisation and employee well-being in Portugal, aligned with ISO 45001 and the Portuguese Labour Code.
· 5 minutos · Segurança no Trabalho
In mid-2021, the official translation of the ISO 45003:2021 standard was published, entitled Occupational health and safety management — Psychological health and safety at work — Guidelines for managing psychosocial risks. This is the first international standard to provide practical guidance on managing psychosocial risks and promoting well-being in the workplace.
Interconnection with ISO 45001
As established in its introduction, this document is intended to be used in conjunction with the ISO 45001 standard. ISO 45001 contains the requirements and guidelines for planning, implementing, reviewing, evaluating and improving an occupational health and safety management system.
Thus, the implementation of the ISO 45003 standard in an organisation presupposes prior or simultaneous compliance with ISO 45001. This interpretation is shared by experts and the main certification bodies.
Strategic approach and organisational responsibility
The standard allows the management of psychosocial risks to adopt a strategic approach at organisational level, rather than being limited to a narrow view of internal prevention services. It is crucial to understand that it is the responsibility of organisations to provide a safe and healthy working environment, which includes the promotion and protection of both the physical and mental health of workers.
In Portugal, Article 131 of the Portuguese Labour Code enshrines the employer's right and duty to provide continuous training to their workers, not only for the development of technical skills, but also for the promotion of a healthy working environment that minimises psychosocial risks and promotes well-being.
Practical benefits of ISO 45003
The application of the ISO 45003 standard will allow organisations in Portugal to:
- Implement a continuous improvement system (PDCA cycle – Plan, Do, Check, Act) to effectively and adequately manage psychosocial risks.
- Eliminate hazards and reduce psychosocial risks, seeking the best fit between work tasks, structures and processes, and the needs of workers.
- Monitor and measure the performance of activities related to psychosocial risk management in a systematic way.
The growing importance of psychosocial risks
In recent years, the management of psychosocial risks has been gaining prominence. Documents such as ISO 45003:2021 and the growing awareness of mental health in the workplace underline the importance that this area will have in the coming years.
The challenge of managing psychosocial risks is one of the greatest for occupational safety, health and well-being, requiring continuous attention and proactive strategies from organisations.