ISO 45001 vs OHSAS 18001 – Key Differences

Workplace health and safety standards have evolved significantly over the years. Two of the most recognized frameworks for managing occupational health and safety are ISO 45001 and OHSAS 18001. Many organizations face the challenge of understanding how these standards differ and which one best suits their needs. This post breaks down the key differences between ISO 45001 and OHSAS 18001 to help you make an informed decision.

Comparison of ISO 45001 and OHSAS 18001 standards in workplace safety

Background of OHSAS 18001 and ISO 45001

OHSAS 18001 was introduced in 1999 as a British standard to provide a framework for occupational health and safety management systems. It quickly gained international recognition and became widely adopted by organizations seeking to reduce workplace risks and improve safety.

ISO 45001, published in 2018, replaced OHSAS 18001 as the new international standard for occupational health and safety management. Developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), ISO 45001 aligns with other ISO management system standards, such as ISO 9001 (quality) and ISO 14001 (environment).

Structure and Approach

One of the most noticeable differences is the structure of the two standards. ISO 45001 follows the High-Level Structure (HLS) used by other ISO management system standards. This structure includes ten clauses, making it easier for organizations to integrate multiple management systems.

OHSAS 18001 has a different structure with four main sections: policy, planning, implementation and operation, and checking and management review. This difference means organizations transitioning from OHSAS 18001 to ISO 45001 need to adjust their documentation and processes.

Focus on Risk and Opportunity

OHSAS 18001 primarily focuses on identifying hazards and controlling risks to prevent accidents and ill health. It emphasizes hazard identification, risk assessment, and control measures.

ISO 45001 expands this approach by including the concept of opportunities alongside risks. It encourages organizations to proactively identify opportunities to improve occupational health and safety performance, not just prevent harm. This shift supports a more positive and forward-looking safety culture.

Leadership and Worker Participation

ISO 45001 places stronger emphasis on leadership and worker involvement. It requires top management to take accountability for the effectiveness of the health and safety management system and to actively promote a safety culture.

Worker participation is also more explicitly required in ISO 45001. The standard encourages consultation and involvement of workers at all levels in decision-making processes related to health and safety. This approach helps organizations benefit from frontline insights and fosters greater engagement.

Context of the Organization

ISO 45001 introduces the requirement to understand the context of the organization. This means identifying internal and external factors that can affect the occupational health and safety management system. Examples include legal requirements, industry trends, and organizational culture.

OHSAS 18001 does not explicitly require this analysis. Including context helps organizations tailor their health and safety efforts to their specific environment and challenges.

Documentation and Records

Both standards require documentation, but ISO 45001 offers more flexibility. It focuses on maintaining documented information necessary for the effectiveness of the management system without prescribing extensive paperwork.

OHSAS 18001 has more detailed documentation requirements, which can sometimes lead to heavier administrative burdens.

Transition and Certification

Organizations certified to OHSAS 18001 had a three-year transition period to migrate to ISO 45001 after its publication in 2018. This transition involved updating processes, training staff, and aligning with the new standard’s requirements.

ISO 45001 certification demonstrates compliance with the latest international best practices and is recognized globally. It also supports integration with other ISO standards, simplifying management for organizations with multiple certifications.

Practical Example: Construction Industry

Consider a construction company managing multiple sites with diverse risks. Under OHSAS 18001, the company would focus on identifying hazards like falls or equipment accidents and implementing controls.

With ISO 45001, the company would also analyze external factors such as new safety regulations or technological advances in equipment. Leadership would be more involved in safety planning, and workers would have a stronger voice in safety decisions. This approach helps the company not only reduce accidents but also improve overall safety culture and adapt to changes more effectively.

Summary of Key Differences

| Aspect | OHSAS 18001 | ISO 45001 |

|-----------------------------|-----------------------------------|----------------------------------|

| Structure | Four main sections | High-Level Structure (10 clauses)|

| Risk Management | Focus on hazard identification | Focus on risks and opportunities |

| Leadership | Less emphasis on top management | Strong leadership accountability |

| Worker Participation | Limited explicit requirements | Active worker involvement |

| Context of Organization | Not required | Required |

| Documentation | More prescriptive | Flexible documentation |

| Certification Recognition | Older standard, phased out | Current international standard |

Understanding these differences helps organizations choose the right standard or prepare for a smooth transition to ISO 45001.