ISO 45001 is an international standard for occupational health and safety management systems, set to replace OHSAS 18001. Organizations currently certified under OHSAS 18001 must transition to ISO 45001 to maintain their certification.
What is ISO 45001?
Applicable to organizations of all sizes and industries, ISO 45001 facilitates the integration of essential health and safety processes into business operations. It establishes frameworks to identify, manage, and mitigate risks, ensuring legal compliance and promoting a safe working environment.
ISO 45001’s structure allows for seamless integration with existing management systems, simplifying operations and enhancing overall employee health, safety, and wellbeing.
Migration Deadline Extension
Initially scheduled for March 2021, the deadline for transitioning from OHSAS 18001 to ISO 45001 has been extended by the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) due to the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The new deadline is now 30th September 2021, affording organizations additional time to complete the migration process and align with the new standard before OHSAS 18001 is phased out.
Key Differences Between ISO 45001 and OHSAS 18001
While both standards share common objectives, ISO 45001 introduces several enhancements:
- Organizational Context: ISO 45001 integrates health and safety throughout all aspects of the business, whereas OHSAS 18001 focuses more narrowly on managing hazards.
- Process Orientation: ISO 45001 adopts a process-based approach, replacing OHSAS 18001’s procedure-based methodology.
- Risk Management: ISO 45001 emphasizes both risks and opportunities, introduces new requirements for hazard elimination, and defines a hierarchy of control aligned with HSE best practices.
- Engagement and Communication: ISO 45001 encourages involvement of all organizational levels through meetings, forums, inspections, and open communication channels, fostering a proactive safety culture.
- Documentation and Compliance: ISO 45001 sets clearer guidelines for documentation, including defining objectives, measuring effectiveness, and continuous improvement of systems, procedures, and processes.
Transition Support from Kloud Circle
Kloud Circle is committed to assisting organizations with their transition from OHSAS 18001 to ISO 45001 to ensure compliance with the new standard.
If you have any inquiries regarding OHSAS 18001 or ISO 45001 certification, please contact us. Our knowledgeable experts are available to provide guidance and support.