A new approach to occupational health and safety: the ISO 45001:2018 standard

The migration from OHSAS 18001:2007 to the new standard, ISO 45001:2018, started in the middle of this year and has a transition period until early 2021.

The difference between the OHSAS 18001:2007 standard, which focused on the management of safety hazards and other internal issues, and its successor, the International Standard 45001:2018, is that the latter focuses on the interaction between an organisation and its business environment, through the direct involvement of management and other key people in the company.

Why make the switch from OHSAS 18001 to ISO 45001?

Certificates issued under OHSAS 18001:2007 will no longer be accepted after the transition period, as ISO has approved 45001:2018 as a replacement.

The aim is also to improve the management of health and safety issues and procedures in the workplace; at the same time, costs for insurance premiums, workplace accidents or absenteeism and staff turnover will be reduced.

What are the steps to implement ISO 45001:2018?

  • Identify the levels in current management relevant to the occupational health and safety (OHS) management system and legal requirements.
  • Update management system documentation
  • Train members of the organisation on the changes brought about by the new standard
  • Conduct an audit to highlight compliance of procedures with the new standard
  • Obtain certification of compliance with the new standard

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