Health and Safety Records retention: an overview
ISO 15489 is the global standard for records management. The first of its kind, it was first published in 2001 and has since been revised and re-published, most recently in 2016. It has been adopted in over 50 countries around the world and has been translated to more than 15 different languages.
The revised standard is more modern. It contains less practical guidance and instead makes more references to metadata as a control mechanism for records. It has moved away from specialised records management principles, towards a more holistic understanding of records management and its relationship with the digital world, so topics like information security, compliance and risk management have become more important.
Overall, it’s better equipped to address the diverse needs of businesses nowadays, while still containing hands-on advice for companies across all sectors.
What does it do?
ISO 15489 provides a framework for managing all types of business records. It contains the key concepts and principles for creating a full or partial records management programme.
Topics covered include:
- Metadata for records
- Records systems and controls
- Monitoring of records
- Training for supporting the effective management of records
- Creation, capturing and managing of records
It applies to all types of business and technological environments, and helps those who use it to design, implement and manage processes that:
- Create consistent categorisation of records
- Manage access to records
- Verify and protect the authenticity, reliability and integrity of records
So, in short, ISO 15489 helps businesses organise and manage their records. It’s comprehensive and relatively easy to follow, making it the framework of choice for most. Any company looking to manage their records should be using ISO 15489 as a guide.
Why is it important?
ISO 15489 gives organisations the knowledge they need to create a robust and compliant records management system. In a time when GDPR and other laws around data protection are taken more seriously than ever, having such accountability is important.
However, it’s important to remember that while ISO 15489 is an international standard for records management, there are country-specific statutory retention periods for different types of document, which are legally enforced and must be adhered to.
Working with Access Records Management to manage your records
To remain compliant with records retention regulations, business must have a document storage strategy in place. As certain regulations are frequently updated, it can be challenging to remain on top of compliance.
At Access Records Management, we provide outsourced end-to-end document storage and records management services for all types of records. We are ISO 9001 certified and provide services to hundreds of companies across a variety of sectors, granting them with peace of mind that we are taking good care of their records.
We can manage and store your records in our secure facilities, and will provide strategic insight to help shape your records management strategy. If you need help with managing your business recordkeeping or would like more information regarding records retention, contact us today.
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