ISO 39001

ISO 39001 was developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and is an international standard defining the general requirements for establishing, implementing, and continuously improving a Road Traffic Safety Management System. The standard aims to reduce road accidents and boost road safety by applying a systematic approach to managing traffic-related risks.

ISO 39001 can be applied by all businesses and organizations (both private and public) that are directly or indirectly affected by vehicle use in their activities. Indicative examples include transport and logistics companies, businesses with vehicle fleets, car rental agencies, and any company seeking to enhance the safety of its personnel and on-the-road operations.

Developing a Road Traffic Safety Management System under ISO 39001 involves:

• Identifying risks related to vehicle traffic and movement
• Developing policies and procedures to prevent road accidents and reduce risk
• Training staff on road safety, defensive driving, and risk management
• Monitoring performance by recording and analyzing road incidents and safety indicators
• Continuously improving the system by adjusting procedures and safety measures

The complexity of implementing ISO 39001 depends on the company’s size, the nature of its operations, the number of vehicles managed, and the risk level of its activities. Companies with large fleets or operating in high-risk environments may require stricter policies and procedures. Working with specialized consultants can help ensure effective implementation and risk reduction.

Several certification bodies in Greece are accredited by the Hellenic Accreditation System (ESYD) or by equivalent organizations to issue relevant certificates, depending on the business’s activities. The certification process involves assessing the company’s compliance with road risk management and safety measures, evaluating the Road Traffic Safety Management System against the standard’s requirements, and reviewing its actual implementation.

Upon successful completion of the assessment, the Certification Body issues a three-year Certificate of Conformity. If there are significant nonconformities, corrective actions must be completed before the Certificate is issued, while minor deviations should be resolved by the next assessment.

The certificate remains valid as long as scheduled periodic assessments (at least annual) confirm ongoing compliance with the specified requirements.

Organizations adopting ISO 39001 can realize multiple benefits:

• Reducing road accidents and their impact on people and infrastructure
• Complying with legislative and regulatory requirements on road safety
• Improving employee and driver safety through training and risk prevention
• Lowering costs related to damages, repairs, and legal liabilities from road incidents
• Strengthening the company’s image by demonstrating a commitment to road safety and responsible transport management

The time required to develop and certify a Road Traffic Safety Management System depends on the company’s preparation, fleet size, existing safety policies, and staff involvement. For businesses with a small fleet, it usually takes 1 to 3 months.