ISO 45001 is the new international standard for occupational health and safety. This standard will provide an internationally accepted framework that will help protect employees as well as protecting the longevity and health of an organisation.
What is ISO 45001?
ISO 45001 is the new ISO standard for occupational health and safety (OH&S). It’s purpose is to improve levels of workplace safety.
ISO 45001 puts greater emphasis on top management involvement and worker participation to make workplaces safer and healthier. It has been designed to reduce confusion and fragmentation across global markets, by enabling the same criteria to be used by organisations worldwide. The high level structure is the same as the quality and environmental management systems standards, ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015 – which will make it easier to integrate.
Differences between 18001 and 45001
There are many differences, but the main change is that ISO 45001 concentrates on the interaction between an organization and its business environment. OHSAS 18001 on the other hand was focused on managing OH&S hazards and other internal issues. But the standards also diverge in many other ways:
- ISO 45001 is process-based – OHSAS 18001 is procedure-based
- ISO 45001 is dynamic in all clauses – OHSAS 18001 is not
- ISO 45001 considers both risk and opportunities – OHSAS 18001 deals exclusively with risk
- ISO 45001 includes the views of interested parties – OHSAS 18001 does not
When will ISO 18001 be withdrawn?
Upon publication of ISO 45001, there is a three-year period of migration allowed for organizations already certified to OHSAS 18001 to upgrade their OH&S management system. ISO 45001:2018 was published on 12th March 2018 and OHSAS 18001 will be withdrawn on 12th March 2021.
If you’re currently certified to OHSAS 18001 then you will need to migrate to ISO 45001 as OHSAS 18001 will be withdrawn. We have the expertise and knowledge to help you to upgrade your certification and get the most from ISO 45001.
Need help?
If you need help with ISO 45001 or any occupational health and safety compliance then ISA Business Development & Support Services can help. Contact them today for advice. www.isasupport.co.uk