ISO 45001:2018
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ISO 45001:2018
Occupational Health & Safety Management System
That is why we are committed to implementing and maintaining an Occupational Health & Safety Management System (OHSMS) in accordance with ISO 45001:2018. This standard sets out requirements to proactively manage health and safety risks, eliminate hazards as far as reasonably possible, and continually improve our safety performance.
What ISO 45001:2018 means for our agency
ISO 45001:2018 is an internationally recognised framework for workplace health and safety. As a nursing agency, we operate in high-risk environments – client homes, aged-care facilities, handling personal care, moving / lifting, managing care for people with complex or chronic conditions, and sometimes emergency or variable working hours.
ISO 45001:2018 provides us with:
- Structured risk management: We identify potential hazards (infection, manual handling, falls, ergonomic stress, chemical or biological hazards), assess risks, and put in place controls to reduce or eliminate those risks.
- Defined safety policies and procedures: From infection control to incident reporting, from safe workplaces to safe travel to client homes and for work in community, we have documented procedures designed to keep both our clients and staff safe.
- Employee participation and consultation: Our staff, caregivers, nurses, allied health workers, and support team are consulted, engaged, and involved in safety decisions. Their feedback helps us shape policies that work in real care settings.
- Training and competence: All team members receive health & safety training appropriate to their role – e.g. manual handling, body-mechanics, infection control, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), safe work practices in varied settings.
- Performance measurement & continuous improvement: We monitor our safety performance (incidents, near misses, safety audits) and review these regularly. Lessons learned are used to improve policies, practices and controls.
How ISO 45001:2018 relates to Australian Law
While ISO 45001:2018 is a voluntary standard, many of its requirements align directly with legal obligations under Australian workplace health and safety laws, including the Model Work Health & Safety (WHS) Act and Regulations, and relevant state/territory Acts.
Specific applications at NurseLink Healthcare
Here’s how we embed ISO 45001:2018 in our everyday operations:
- Risk Assessment & Prevention
Every new client environment (in-home, facility) is assessed for hazards. For example, we check for tripping risks, proper lighting, space for maneuvering equipment, and potential exposure to infectious diseases. Where hazards are identified, appropriate controls are adopted (e.g., use of assistive devices, PPE, training or environmental modifications). - Infection Control & Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Considering the close contact nature of care services (wound care, personal hygiene, dementia care, etc.), we have strict infection control protocols. Staff are trained in proper hand hygiene, use of gloves, masks, safe disposal of sharps, etc. Where needed, we ensure PPE is available and used correctly. - Manual Handling & Ergonomics
Lifting, repositioning, transferring clients, or moving beds and equipment all carry risk. We train staff in safe manual handling, the use of hoists or lifting aids, and proper body mechanics. Regular audits ensure equipment is safe, maintained, and used correctly. - Incident Reporting & Investigation
Any incidents or near misses (falls, slips, medication errors, etc.) are recorded, investigated, and root causes identified. We then put in place corrective actions to prevent recurrence. - Employee Wellbeing
We support the health and well-being of our staff via regular training, mental health supports, clear work hours, rest breaks, and supportive supervision. Stress and fatigue are considered safety hazards under ISO 45001. - Emergency & Response Planning
Every work location has emergency procedures. Our staff are trained in what to do in emergencies (medical emergencies, fire, natural disasters). For home visits, staff know how to contact backup/help and escalate issues safely. Supplier & Contractor Safety
Where we engage contractors or suppliers (e.g., medical supplies, equipment, cleaning services), we include safety requirements in our contracts and monitor their compliance.
Benefits for our clients, staff, & stakeholders
Implementing ISO 45001:2018 does more than just keep us compliant. It delivers real benefits:
- For clients & participants: safer care delivery, reduced risk of accidents or infections; confidence in staff professionalism.
- For staff: clearer expectations; safer working conditions; better training; more engagement; reduced injuries, illness, stress.
- For families and caregivers: peace of mind that the service provider follows recognised best safety practices.
- For the organisation and risk management: lower costs arising from workplace injury or incident; insurance premiums; legal liability; stronger reputation.
Governance, monitoring, & continuous improvement
To meet ISO 45001:2018, NurseLink Healthcare has established a governance structure responsible for safety and health oversight. This includes:
- A safety management team or safety committee, including management, nursing leaders, care coordinators, and staff representatives.
- Regular safety audits and inspections (internal and sometimes external).
- Performance metrics: e.g,. number of incidents / near misses, rates of staff injury or illness, days off work, and client safety incidents.
- Regular review of policies/procedures to ensure relevance (e.g,. with changes in regulation, or in care practice).
- Ongoing staff feedback mechanisms (surveys, meetings) to identify concerns or ideas for safety improvements.
Our pledge to you
At NurseLink Healthcare, our commitment to ISO 45001:2018 reflects our promise to deliver care without compromise. We pledge that:
- Safety is embedded into every aspect of how we deliver services.
- We will meet or exceed all applicable Work Health & Safety laws and regulations in Victoria, and all other jurisdictions where we operate.
- We will be transparent about our safety record and open to feedback.
- We will continually improve our system, using lessons learned and new best practices.
Why choose us for safe, quality care
When selecting a provider for homecare, NDIS support, community nursing or in-home care, it is vital to choose one that not only cares deeply, but does so safely. NurseLink Healthcare, with our ISO 45001:2018-aligned safety systems, ensures that:
- You receive care from staff trained and supported to work safely.
- Our environments and care practices are assessed regularly for safety, and risks are controlled.
- We respond promptly and appropriately to issues that arise, preventing harm wherever possible.
We believe in the dignity, comfort, and wellbeing of everyone we support—and that includes our caregivers and staff as well.
Contact us
If you would like more details about our ISO 45001:2018 Occupational Health & Safety Management System, or how we apply it in specific services (e.g. homecare, disability support, after-hospital care), please contact us at
info@nurselinkhealthcare.com.au
call (03) 9913 3023. We’re always happy to share our practices.