Difference Between OHSAS 18001 and ISO 45001

The Difference Between OHSAS 18001 and ISO 45001 Standards is a significant topic for organisations aiming to ensure the highest standards in Occupational Health and Safety. OHSAS 18001, previously a widely accepted standard, has been succeeded by ISO 45001 since September 2021, introducing enhanced guidelines and requirements.   

Understanding the distinctions between these two standards is crucial for businesses seeking to align their practices with modern expectations and legal requirements. Read this blog to learn the key Difference Between OHSAS 18001 and ISO 45001 and their impact on an organisation's safety practices. 

Table of Contents 

1) A brief introduction to Health and Safety 

2)An overview of OHSAS 18001 

3) An overview of ISO 45001 

4) What is the Difference Between OHSAS 18001 and ISO 45001? 

5) How an organisation can maintain their ISO 45001 Certification?

6) Benefits of ISO 45001

7) Conclusion 

A brief introduction to Health and Safety 

Workplace Health and Safety is a comprehensive approach intended for the well-being and safety of employees within a work environment. It encompasses various aspects, from physical safety measures, like proper equipment handling and emergency protocols, to mental well-being, stress management and psychological support.   

Additionally, employers are responsible for implementing and maintaining these measures, adhering to legal requirements and creating a culture where safety is a priority. The concept extends beyond the individual, as a safe and healthy workplace promotes efficiency, morale, and productivity.   

Moreover, it is akin to the framework of a building, where each component supports the other to create a robust and nurturing environment. The concept is not merely a set of rules; it's an organisation's core, enhancing the overall quality of work life. 
 

An overview of OHSAS 18001 

OHSAS 18001, or the ‘Occupational Health and Safety Assessment Series’, is a British Standard for management systems in Occupational Health and Safety. The standard exists to help organisations implement demonstrably sound occupational health and safety practices.    

The main aim of OHSAS 18001 is to guide organisations in managing and controlling their risks around health and safety while improving their overall performance. It defines the criteria for a balanced and structured approach to managing workplace health and safety, encouraging a culture where employees are aware of and actively participate in achieving safer working conditions.    

Set your control guidelines and minimise risks at your workplace, by signing up for the ISO 18001 Foundation now! 

An overview of ISO 45001 

ISO 45001 is a standard recognised internationally for Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems, referred to by the acronym 'OHSMS', introduced in 2018. It replaced OHSAS 18001, setting more robust and flexible guidelines for organisations to ensure workplace safety.  

Additionally, the core aim of ISO 45001 is to provide a framework that enables organisations to reduce accidents and illnesses by proactively improving occupational health and safety performance. It emphasises leadership, employee involvement, and a continuous improvement culture, helping organisations identify and control their health and safety risks.   

Furthermore, compliance with ISO 45001 is not merely about meeting legal requirements; it demonstrates an organisation's commitment to protecting its employees' well-being. Applicable across all sizes and types of organisations, this standard integrates with other ISO management systems, offering a comprehensive approach to organisational management. By adopting ISO 45001, organisations make a strong statement about their dedication to workplace safety and health.

What is the Difference Between OHSAS 18001 and ISO 45001?

How an organisation can maintain their ISO 45001 Certification?
 

Maintaining ISO 45001 certification within an organisation can be systematically approached through the following key actions: 

a) Continual improvement: Regularly review and update health and safety policies, procedures, and objectives to ensure alignment with the standard's requirements.  

b) Regular audits: Conduct frequent internal and external audits to monitor compliance and identify improvement areas.  

c) Employee engagement: Foster a safety culture by involving employees in safety-related decisions and training them on their roles and responsibilities.  

d) Legal compliance: Continually assess and document adherence to legal and other regulatory requirements related to occupational health and safety.  

e) Monitoring and measurement: Consistently monitor and measure OHS performance, making necessary adjustments.  

f) Management reviews: Conduct periodic reviews to ensure the OHS management system aligns with the organisation's strategic goals.  

g) Surveillance audits: Collaborate with a certification body to conduct surveillance audits, confirming that the system meets the ISO 45001 Standard. 

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Benefits of ISO 45001

Recognising the lives that are lost each day due to work-related illnesses and workplace accidents, the ISO 45001 Standard offers a framework for organisations to adopt, aiming to prevent such incidents and establish a secure and healthy work environment. Occupational health and safety have no alternative. Here are some of the benefits of implementing ISO 45001: 

a) Build reputation as an industry leader

b) Develop a work environment that is trusted by both employees and visitors for its safety and health standards

c) Elevate employee morale creating a healthy work relationship at

d) Maintain current clients and attract new ones

e) Significantly reduce or completely eliminate workplace hazards, risks, and accidents

f) Decrease downtime, redundancy, and sick leave, thereby increasing employee productivity

g) Guarantee customer satisfaction by meeting their requirement

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Conclusion 

The Difference Between OHSAS 18001 and ISO 45001 Standards lies in their approach, structure, and emphasis on leadership and employee engagement. ISO 45001 represents a more modern, comprehensive framework for Occupational Health and Safety management, building on the foundations laid by OHSAS 18001 and aligning with contemporary business practices. Understanding the distinctions between OHSAS 18001 vs ISO 45001 greatly benefits organisations in the long term while building and implementing their health and safety framework. 

Understand the new ISO standard and its structure, by signing up for the ISO 45001 Foundation Course now!