Running a business requires proactive planning to manage unforeseen circumstances effectively. The challenges of 2020 have underscored that even the most well-prepared businesses can be caught off guard by unexpected events. Ensuring business continuity through well-structured processes, procedures, and systems is essential to minimize disruptions during such crises.
By adopting ISO standards and achieving ISO Certification, your organization can enhance its resilience, ensuring it can survive, recover, and prosper in the future.
ISO Standards
For nearly 75 years, the International Organisation for Standardization (ISO) has been providing universally recognized standards. These standards offer a crucial framework for organizations to improve their processes, enhancing safety and efficiency across the board. ISO certification is highly beneficial for businesses of all sizes and sectors and is even a legal requirement in certain industries.
While many businesses were unprepared for the COVID-19 pandemic, those with ISO 9001 or ISO 45001 certifications had an advantage, thanks to the pre-existing standards.
ISO 9001 and Its Role During the Pandemic
ISO 9001 is a globally acknowledged Quality Management System (QMS) that supports organizations in effectively managing and improving their systems, processes, and procedures. It ensures that the products or services provided are of the highest quality. Here are some ways ISO 9001 helped companies during the pandemic:
- Structured Approach: ISO 9001 provides a disciplined and structured framework, enabling companies to swiftly and effectively adapt to sudden changes.
- Risk Management: Compliance with ISO 9001 ensures that preventive measures are in place to manage and mitigate risks.
- Quality Control: During the pandemic, maintaining high-quality management is crucial. ISO 9001 ensures that supply chains remain robust and products consistently meet regulatory standards.
- Workplace Safety: Section 7.1 of ISO 9001 emphasizes the importance of a safe working environment. This makes integrating additional safety measures, such as PPE, much simpler compared to companies without such standards.
ISO 45001 and Its Impact During the Pandemic
ISO 45001 is an international standard focused on health and safety, providing a framework that benefits businesses of all sizes and industries. This standard helps integrate ISO practices into Occupational Health Systems, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations. Certification demonstrates a commitment to health and safety, enhancing performance, reducing workplace injuries, and improving overall employee wellbeing.
Here are some ways ISO 45001 can assist businesses during a pandemic:
- Risk Management: It provides a structure for identifying and managing potential risks to workers and visitors.
- Adapting to Change: ISO 45001 helps businesses identify necessary changes and supports the workforce in adapting to new requirements.
- Supporting Employees: It fosters a supportive environment, encouraging employees to assist each other, and provides better control over work tasks, creating a safer and more pleasant work environment.
- Additional Support: The standard emphasizes mental health alongside physical health, ensuring employees feel supported and valued through effective communication and support mechanisms.
Kloud Circle’s ISO Consultancy Services
Organizations worldwide are taking steps to ensure the health, safety, and wellbeing of their staff, as well as the productivity and success of their businesses. At Kloud Circle, our team of experts is ready to assist you in achieving ISO certification, gaining well-deserved recognition, and enhancing your business’s resilience. Contact us to speak with one of our ISO consultants about your needs. We’re here to help.