## The New UNI ISO 45004:2024 Standard – A Practical Guide for Improving Health and Safety at Work

The release of the UNI ISO 45004:2024 standard marks a significant step forward in the management of health and safety at work. This standard provides practical guidelines for assessing performance in this crucial area, supporting organizations in the continuous monitoring and improvement of their practices.

### Performance Assessment in Health and Safety

The UNI ISO 45004:2024 standard is aimed at all organizations, from small businesses to large multinationals, regardless of their industry. It offers a framework for monitoring, measuring, and analyzing business performance in health and safety at work. Having clear standards allows for the establishment of measurable and relevant objectives, contributes to a culture of prevention, and fosters tangible improvements in the workplace.

One of the primary purposes of the standard is the selection and use of performance indicators that can provide a basis for continuous improvement. If well-defined, these indicators can become a powerful monitoring tool for companies.

### Design and Development of the Assessment Process

Implementing the standard requires a well-structured process for assessing performance in health and safety. UNI ISO 45004:2024 provides guidance on how to design and develop this process, outlining a series of good practices to adopt. It is essential to avoid common pitfalls and make necessary integrations to the performance assessment process.

This process is not limited to just one level of the organization; it can be broadly applied, involving not only top management but also various internal functions and specific job roles. A systemic approach ensures that each sector actively contributes to safeguarding health and safety in the workplace.

### Key Performance Indicators (KPI)

A fundamental aspect addressed by the standard is the importance of performance indicators. UNI ISO 45004:2024 defines the characteristics that these indicators must have in order to be effective. It distinguishes between reactive and predictive indicators.

Reactive indicators respond to events that have occurred, such as an accident or a non-conformity. These KPIs help identify problems in the system and allow for corrective actions to be taken. Conversely, predictive indicators enable organizations to make proactive decisions to mitigate risks before they can lead to incidents or injuries.

This differentiation between the two types of indicators is crucial for an effective approach to workplace safety: in fact, companies must essentially integrate both types of KPIs to gain a comprehensive view of their performance and implement necessary improvement measures.

### Conclusion

In conclusion, the UNI ISO 45004:2024 standard stands as a valuable tool for all organizations that wish to seriously commit to managing health and safety at work. By providing practical guidelines and clear directions, it represents an opportunity to evolve towards increasingly responsible and sustainable management models. Having clear metrics to measure performance not only helps prevent accidents but also contributes to building a safer and more productive work environment.

We invite you to follow our social media profiles to stay updated on further developments and information regarding health and safety at work. Make sure you don’t miss our latest news and updates!