**Management Systems for Health and Safety at Work: The Importance of UNI ISO 45002:2023**

The adoption of a health and safety management system (HSMS) is a fundamental element for organizations that wish to ensure a safe and healthy working environment. In this regard, the recent publication of the UNI ISO 45002:2023 standard provides practical and detailed guidance to facilitate the implementation and maintenance of a system compliant with UNI ISO 45001:2018, which establishes the requirements for effective management of health and safety at work.

### The UNI ISO 45002:2023 Standard

Entering into force on June 1, 2023, UNI ISO 45002:2023 is a voluntary technical standard that supports companies in developing an HSMS. This standard is distinguished by its practical and contextual approach, offering case studies and recommendations for adoption and continuous improvement. It not only focuses on operational standards but also takes into account the specific needs of different categories of workers, such as gender, age, and belonging to minorities, recognizing that a generic approach may not adequately meet all needs.

### The ISO 45000 Standards Family

UNI ISO 45002 is part of a broader regulatory framework, the ISO 45000 family, which includes various standards relevant to workplace safety management:

– **UNI ISO 45001:2018**: The main standard that establishes the requirements for HSMS.
– **UNI ISO 45003:2021**: Provides guidelines for managing psychosocial risks, which are essential for worker well-being.

The clarity of the standards in the 45000 family offers organizations practical tools to improve their safety practices, reducing potential injuries and occupational illnesses.

### Why is it Essential to Have a Management System for HSMS?

Management systems for HSMS are organizational structures that integrate health and safety activities into daily business operations. Adopting a systemic approach allows overcoming a merely technical view of prevention, promoting a safety culture that involves all employees. The main benefits of a management system for HSMS include:

– **Improvement of Performance**: Implementing an HSMS facilitates the continuous evolution of business practices, contributing to improved safety performance.
– **Risk Reduction**: Effective management can lead to a significant reduction in workplace injuries and occupational illnesses, creating a safer working environment.
– **Economic Benefits**: Organizations that invest in health and safety can also benefit from reductions in costs associated with illnesses and injuries, access to discounts on insurance premiums, and an improved corporate image.

### Objectives of UNI ISO 45001:2018

UNI ISO 45001:2018 is considered the primary reference for workplace safety management systems. This standard is not mandatory, but organizations that choose to adopt it position themselves at the forefront of HSMS management. Its main objectives include:

– **Integration with Other Management Systems**: ISO 45001 is designed to be compatible with other management standards, following the “high-level structure” (HLS) to facilitate integration.
– **Exemption Effectiveness**: The adoption of a compliant management system allows for a presumption of no liability for work-related injuries and illnesses, helping to protect the organization from potential legal disputes.

### Utilizing Management Systems According to the Consolidated Security Act

According to Legislative Decree 81/2008, the Consolidated Security Act, adopting an appropriate organizational model is essential to ensure the exemption effectiveness of the administrative liability of legal entities. Models that comply with the guidelines can assume alignment with regulatory requirements, promoting compliance while simultaneously improving the overall safety performance of the organization.