Since its first publication in 1999, OHSAS 18001 is a recognized standard of health and safety management system. 19 years later, a new ISO standard is being developed to replace OHSAS 18001 with ISO 45001.
Recent developments in International Systems Standards have made it imperative to create a new ‘ISO’ standard for Occupational Health and Safety – which, in fact, has a common structure and approach to international standards of Management Systems such as ISO 14001: 2015, ISO 9001: 2015 etc.
Main Changes from OHSAS 18001: 2007
ISO 45001 will have a common structure, common terms and definitions with ISO 9001: 2015 – ISO 14001: 2015
This structure aims to facilitate the implementation process and the integration of different management systems in a harmonized, structured and effective manner.
The Agency, by adopting this model, should define its FRAMEWORK not only by recording its own health and safety issues but also examining what society expects from the Agency.
Active involvement and increased responsibilities of the Agency’s leadership
Replace ” Hazard Identification” with “Risk Identification” to cover a wider field.
Expanding the word “risk” and how suppliers – subcontractors manage their risks.
Changing the term “worker – workplace”. There are also new definitions of terms such as: monitoring, measurement, efficiency, performance and process
The terms “document” and “record” have both been replaced by “documented information” in ISO 45001. The standard also states that the documented information should be kept as necessary to be confident that the processes have been carried out as planned.
Finally, continuous improvement will continue to be a substantial requirement. However, the new model is expected to be linked to the operational opportunities presented to substantiate the benefits of the management system.
The final standard is expected to be published in March 2018. As OHSAS 18001 will be withdrawn at the time of publication of ISO 45001, organizations currently certified according to OHSAS 18001 have the opportunity to upgrade to ISO 45001 within three years.
