What You Need To Know About ISO 45001 – The International Standard For Occupational Health and Safety

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) developed ISO 45001, Occupational health and safety management systems – Requirements, to provide a framework to improve employee safety, reduce workplace risks and create better, safer working conditions, all over the world.  Worldwide more than 7,600 people die each day from work-related accidents or diseases – nearly 2.8 million every year (according to the International Labour Organization).  Organizational leadership can provide a safe and healthy workplace for employees and visitors by implementing ISO 45001 to control all factors that may result in illness, injury, and even death, by mitigating adverse effects on the physical, mental and cognitive condition of a person.

ISO 45001 was published in 2018 and replaced OHSAS 18001. (Organizations had a three year transition period to implement the new standard.)  While ISO 45001:2018 draws on the former OH&S standard, it is not a revision or update, but is it’s own distinct standard.  It does take into consideration the International Labour Organization’s ILO-OSH 2001 guidelines and various national standards and is consistent with the ILO’s international labour standards and conventions.  

What are the major differences between OHSAS 18001 and ISO 45001?

• ISO 45001 incorporates the Annex SL framework
• ISO 45001 is process-based, not procedure-based
• ISO 45001 considers both risk and opportunities
• ISO 45001 does not include a clause on ‘Preventive Action’
• ISO 45001 includes the views of interested parties

Because this new standard utilizes Annex SL, it shares the high-level structure, core text, and terms and definitions with the other ISO management system standards such as ISO 9001 and ISO 14001.  This common framework makes it easier for ISO 45001 to integrate with the other ISO systems.

What are the benefits of ISO 45001?

• Enhanced reputation for workplace health and safety
• Reduces workplace illness and injury and increases productivity by reducing accidents and downtime.
• Reduced insurance costs
• Better identification of hazards and risks.
• Higher employee morale and improved safety of all persons affected by the company’s activities.
• Incorporates monitoring and measurement of key performance indicators in health and safety which improves management oversight.
• Reduced absenteeism and employee turnover.
• Improved business performance.
• Facilitates continual improvement.

ISO 45001 is the third most popular ISO standard following ISO 9001 and ISO 14001.

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