ISO 45001-2018 Requirements and Applicability
ISO 45001-2018 Requirements and Applicability
ISO 45001-2018 Requirements and Applicability
Not only has the standard superceded OHSAS 18001, it makes integration with other
management systems simpler than ever before; because it shares the new common structure
defined by Annex SL, it is directly aligned with the 2015 versions of ISO 9001 and ISO 14001.
You can find more information about this standard and the differences to OHSAS 18001 here
in the NQA ISO 45001 Gap Guide - download HERE.
There is the normal 3 year migration period so there is still time to plan your move over to
ISO 45001.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Because ISO 45001 is agreed globally, do you think it will be a 'watered down' version of
OHSAS 18001? No – it is a new standard using an established structure based on an effective
management model, it is designed to be used as part of a business management system.
Legislation Registers / Aspects and Impacts Registers: Is there a minimum requirement for
what they must contain? No – the contents are based on the business activity, geographical location
and local /national enforcement requirements. Each organisation is unique.
Risk. A universal definition of the term ‘Risk’ is clarified in ISO 45001 as the meaning of this
varies in some countries. The term ‘Hazard Identification’ is covered by the terms ‘risk
identification and ‘risk control’ to ensure we encompass all potential hazards applicable to all
industries and sectors.
The worker. There are differences in the definition of this term and various legal constraints
around this term in different countries – in the context of ISO 45001, ‘The Worker’ is defined as
the person working under the control of the organization and includes subcontractors.
The work place. There are questions amongst organizations regarding what the workplace is, is
it your organization’s site?
The issue of hazard identification is that it is currently very manufacturing, and hardware
orientated, when more and more of us are working in services. ‘Hazard’ identification, therefore
becomes ‘risk’ identification and ‘risk’ control to ensure we encompass all potential hazards
applicable to all industries and sectors.
If your organization sends people to work at other people’s site, what is your responsibility for
their safety? A universal definition of the term will need to be clarified.
What would be the damage to your business reputation if one of your outsourced suppliers or
contractors created a significant OHS incident? ISO 45001 looks to define the answer in a way
that can apply to all sectors and industries.
Worker participation:
There is some clarification required around expectations upon ‘worker participation’ and the
‘participation of worker representatives’ e.g. union and/or employee health & safety reps’
involvement in the day to day operations of the health & safety management system.
While top management will be responsible for setting organizational health & safety policy, they
should be in consultation with union representatives and health & safety personnel.
The International Labour Organization wanted a lot more requirements on this issue. Many
companies do not have any representatives what so ever. If there are no representatives within
an organization, the standard will not force this requirement upon them as it is not a legal
obligation either.
Charles Corrie’s recommendations to adopters and non-users of OHSAS 18001 health and
safety management systems:
Many clauses requirements of ISO 45001 are the same or similar to OHSAS 18001 – however
they are presented in a different sequence and may use different terminology
SO 45001 TIMELINE