WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN OHSAS AND ISO 45001?
There are many differences, but the main change is that ISO 45001 concentrates on the interaction between an organization and its business environment while OHSAS 18001 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
This standard replaces OHSAS 18001:2007, an OH&S management system standard developed by a smaller group of international experts outside of ISO Certification.
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 Certification includes the views of interested parties – OHSAS 18001 does not
It’s different because it adopts the High Level Structure used in the other key management systems standards. In addition it increases the emphasis on:
Leadership and the need for those at the top to lead by example and be held accountable for OH&S performance
Consultation with and involvement of workers in making sure the OH&S management system covers all necessary areas and communicates effectively with everyone involved
Designing an OH&S management system to suit the needs of each organization individually according to its own context
WHY SHOULD YOU USE THIS STANDARD?
It tackles a global need to improve the occupational health and safety of people working in organisations
It enables organizations to provide safe and healthy working conditions that prevent work-related injury and ill health, and proactively improve the organization’s OH&S performance
It includes how to develop and implement an OH&S policy and objectives which take into account applicable legal requirements and other requirements to which the organization subscribes
It takes into account factors such as the context in which the organization operates and the needs and expectations of its workers and other interested parties
It is designed to align with other key management systems standards such as ISO 9001 quality management and ISO 14001 environmental management for ease of integration.
