ISO Certification for Small Business
Information to get ISO Certification for small business.
Key Takeaways:
- Small businesses can get ISO certified with a small and easy to implement management system
- The costs are generally $15,000+ (depending on business size and industry)
- Your business will need to undergo a third-party audit
- Contact us for a free consult
What is ISO certification?
ISO Certification (or accreditation) is a certification granted to organisations that can demonstrate they have management systems in place that align with the ISO standards. The most common of these are:
- AS/NZS ISO 45001 OHS Management Systems
- AS/NZS ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems
- AS/NZS ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems
A company can achieve certification in any or all of the above standards.
We have a detailed article on ISO certification here.
Its important to remember that “ISO Certification” is a slang term, and generally speaking the certification is issued by JASANZ. You can read about JASANZ here.
How do I get my small business certified?
The answer is: Contact us. We can organise the entire process, from the system build (or gap analysis), implementation and audit preparation all the way through to certification audit.
Even if you wish to manage the process on your own, we are happy to provide advice to help you get the ball rolling. If you did wish to do it yourself, the following are some good steps to start:
- Purchase the relevant standard/s from Standards Australia:
- Develop a management system that complies with the standard, including:
- Policies
- Procedures
- Registers
- Forms and Tools
- Implement the system and generate records
- Get your workplace legally compliant and ready for audit
- Arrange a third-party auditor – we recommend Certify Hub.
What is a management system?
A management system is a set of documents which outline how something is managed within an organisation. Typically, these include:
- Policies
- Procedures
- Plans
- Forms, Tools and Registers
We have a detailed article on What is a WHS Management System.
We also supply Integrated Management Systems which comply with safety (45001), quality (9001) and environmental (14001) standards.
Can small businesses achieve ISO certification?
Absolutely! The good thing about the ISO standards is that the management system must be built taking into consideration the “organisational context”. That is, smaller organisations can make use of smaller, easier to implement and more streamlined management systems.
We specialise in getting small and medium-sized businesses ISO certified!
How much does it cost?
The cost depends on a number of factors, including:
- Which standards you want to be certified to (e.g. just 45001? Or 45001, 9001 and 14001?)
- Size of the company, including:
- Number of staff
- Number of contractors
- Number of operational sites
- The industry (higher risk industries generally cost more to certify)
If you are a small business seeking 45001 certification only, a reasonable estimate is approx. $15,000. That cost includes:
- Engaging a consultant to build the management system and help get you ready for audit, and
- The audit and certification cost
What is the audit process?
To obtain ISO certification for small business, the audit process usually consists of 2 stages:
- Stage 1 (Desktop / Offsite Audit) – This stage involves the auditor reviewing the documented system and ensuring that all requirements of the standard are met.
- Stage 2 (Onsite Audit) – This stage will require the auditor to visit your site and ensure that the management system is implemented.
There are also ongoing audits required to maintain your certification. These are typically yearly surveillance audits and 3-yearly re-certification audits.
How long does ISO certification take?
The fastest we have ever completed an ISO certification (from system build, implementation and audit) is around 6-weeks. However, for most companies, 2 – 3 months minimum is a good timeframe.
Did You Know
One of the earliest recorded safety regulations dates back to the Code of Hammurabi in ancient Babylon (circa 1754 BC), which included laws to execute builders if their constructed houses collapsed and caused fatalities.
Fast forward to the Industrial Revolution in the 18th century, safety management began focusing on technological advancements to prevent accidents caused by machinery failures.
However, it wasn’t until the late 20th century, after incidents like the Three Mile Island nuclear meltdown and the Challenger space shuttle disaster, that the human factor in safety management was recognized as crucial.
FAQs
What are the benefits of getting ISO certified?
Most clients that are seeking ISO certification for small business need it to tender for larger projects or government works. Certification can also provide the following benefits:
- Improved legal compliance
- Increased reputation
- Higher corporate social and environmental responsibilities
Which ISO standards are most relevant for small businesses?
The most common standard that we get asked for is 45001 (Safety). However, 9001 (Quality), 14001 (Environmental) and 27001 (Information Security) are all commonly needed ISO certification for small business.
What are the steps to achieve ISO certification for small business?
Purchase the relevant standard/s from Standards Australia, develop and implement a management system that complies with the standard/s and arrange a third-party auditor.
How often does ISO certification need to be renewed?
Surveillance audits are required yearly, with re-certification audits every 3 years.
Article Sources and Further Reading
- Joint Accreditation System of Australia and New Zealand (JASANZ) <https://www.jasanz.org/>
- Leadership Commitment’s Affect On WHS (Spire Safety) <https://spiresafety.com.au/resources/whs-leadership-commitment/>
- WHSMS Implementation Plan: Basics for Beginners (Spire Safety) https://spiresafety.com.au/resources/whsms-implementation-plan-basics-for-beginners/
We help clients from any industry implement practical and cost-effective workplace safety solutions according to their individual needs. Our consultants are experts in their field and are committed to providing high-quality workplace safety services.
WHS Compliance Auditing
WHS Audits will help businesses determine what legal responsibilities are being met and what areas have gaps in safety management.
Our WHS Compliance Auditing service is designed to ensure your business not only meets but exceeds the rigorous standards set for workplace health and safety.
Through a comprehensive review of your current practices, policies, and procedures, we identify potential gaps in compliance and provide actionable recommendations to mitigate risks. Our expert team stays abreast of the latest regulations and industry best practices, offering you peace of mind that your operations are safeguarded against potential liabilities.
Partner with us to foster a safer work environment, enhance employee well-being, and secure your company’s reputation as a leader in health and safety excellence!
ISO Certification
Achieving ISO accreditation from an accredited certification is a vital ambition for corporations looking to demonstrate their commitment to HSEQ performance.
Our ISO Certification service is tailored to guide your business through the intricate process of achieving and maintaining ISO standards compliance.
By leveraging our deep understanding of the ISO framework and industry-specific requirements, we offer a structured approach to prepare your organization for certification. From initial gap analysis to implementing process improvements and conducting internal audits, our team supports you every step of the way.
Let us help you demonstrate your commitment to quality, sustainability, and continuous improvement, setting your business apart in the competitive landscape.
System & Procedure Development
Management systems and procedures outline how the business manages its responsibilities and document how critical functions are performed.
Our Safety System and Procedure Development service is meticulously crafted to build robust safety frameworks tailored to your organization’s unique needs.
Recognizing the critical importance of workplace safety, we work closely with you to develop and implement comprehensive safety systems and procedures that not only comply with regulatory standards but also promote a culture of safety and responsibility. From risk assessments and safety planning to training programs and emergency response strategies, our expert team provides end-to-end support.
By partnering with us, you empower your business to minimize risks, protect employees, and enhance operational efficiency!
WHS Training & Gap Analysis
Legally, staff must be trained and competent to perform their jobs. As a rule, the amount and level of training should be directly proportional to the safety risk involved with the job.
Our WHS Training and Gap Analysis service offers a dual approach to fortifying your workplace safety and compliance.
Starting with a thorough gap analysis, we meticulously evaluate your current WHS practices against industry standards and regulatory requirements, identifying areas for improvement and providing clear, actionable insights.
By choosing our service, you not only elevate your compliance and safety standards but also empower your employees with the knowledge and skills to maintain a safe working environment!
Other Safety Services & Advice
Spire Safety can provide experienced and qualified safety professionals wherever and whenever you need them.
Understanding that each business faces unique challenges, we provide Other Safety Services and Advice tailored to your specific requirements. Whether you need assistance with ergonomic assessments, chemical safety management, mental health initiatives, or any other safety concern, our expert team is equipped to deliver.
We offer practical advice, innovative strategies, and hands-on support to ensure your workplace not only meets safety regulations but becomes a benchmark for best practices in your industry.
Partnering with us means gaining access to a wealth of knowledge and experience, dedicated to enhancing the safety, well-being, and productivity of your workforce!










No matter the workplace, no matter the occupation, our consultants are passionate about providing quality advice to ensure the highest standard of compliance, safety culture and wellbeing within your organisation.
Our WHS services:
- WHS Compliance Auditing
- ISO Certification
- System and Procedure Development
- WHS Training and Gap Analysis
- Other Safety Services and Advice
We also offer engaging and interactive training programs suitable for a range of workplaces. All training is conducted by professionals, who are experts in their field and have the relevant training and assessing qualifications. Our training includes courses accredited by ASQA (Australian Skills Quality Authority) and non-accredited courses that can be tailored and specialised to meet our client’s needs.