Learn more about the standard by downloading our free Executive Briefing here.
What is BS ISO 45006 - preventing and managing infectious diseases about?
One impact of climate change is that infectious diseases are on the rise, risking disruption and impacts on organizational performance. BS ISO 45006:2023 has been developed to help all types of organization plan for and be prepared to prevent and manage infectious diseases.
Who is BS ISO 45006 - preventing and managing infectious diseases for?
Organizations of all sizes and types across all sectors, recognizing that:
-
some may not have specialist infectious disease support in-house or readily accessible
-
some smaller organizations may have fewer support staff to prevent and manage a response to infectious disease.
Users are likely to include:
-
the occupational health & safety function
-
those with responsibility for health, safety and well-being within the organization
-
business continuity professionals.
What does BS ISO 45006 - preventing and managing infectious diseases cover?
BS ISO 45006:2023 gives guidelines on how to prevent or control exposure to infectious agents and manage the risks associated with infectious diseases that:
-
present a risk of severe ill health or death and can impact the health, safety and well-being of workers and relevant interested parties
-
present a lower risk to health yet have a significant impact on the organization, its workers and relevant interested parties.
BS ISO 45006 applies to organizations of all sizes and sectors.
NOTE: This document does not provide comprehensive guidance to those parts of an organization that implement mandated infection controls such as hospitals and medical or biological laboratories because there is an inherent potential for exposure to infectious diseases. Applicable legislation and guidance is provided by government, regulators and health authorities for specific infection controls for the protection of workers in such settings and for work activities on or with pathogenic microorganisms.
Why should you use BS ISO 45006 - preventing and managing infectious diseases?
-
It prompts you to identify what may impact your organization, to put prevention controls in place and know where you’d need to go to get help and advice.
-
It makes good business sense to be prepared and be able to respond quickly.
-
It reduces the likelihood of adverse health and well-being impacts in the workplace, reducing losses from absence and productivity.
-
It contributes to business continuity processes.
-
It promotes a positive culture in the organization, flagging that well-being is seen as important.
-
It helps build a good reputation for the organization, giving stakeholders confidence in your resilience.
-
It helps multinational organizations, and those with significant travel, to consider infectious disease risks wherever they operate or travel to for work.
-
It helps organizations to develop their expertise with infectious disease control.
-
It strengthens organizational risk management.
-
It can be integrated into current OHS management standard processes and be tailored to suit the size, structure, and complexity of any organization.