BS OHSAS 18001 Soon to Be Replaced by ISO 45001
BS OHSAS 18001 is an occupational health and safety management system designed for use in all kinds of workplaces. Published in 1999, this popular British Standard was originally developed to protect the safety of workers by providing a framework that would ensure businesses adopting the standard would meet all minimum health and safety requirements expected of them.
OHSAS 18001 to be replaced
It may surprise some, therefore, to learn OHSAS 18001 is set to be replaced by a new standard called ISO 45001. This standard has been developed by the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO), and has specifically been created to help businesses reduce the number of people who are injured, made ill, or lose their lives at work each year.
ISO 45001, the new kid on the block
While health and safety laws originally brought in during the Seventies have reduced accidents, deaths, and illnesses in the workplace by huge numbers, many people are still put at risk of these elements in some workplaces. Many companies and businesses around the world currently use OHSAS 18001 to help them approach their health and safety requirements in a well-structured way. However, the introduction of the standardised ISO 45001 occupational health and safety system is set to provide an enhanced framework for organisations to follow.
OHSAS 18001 and other occupational safety guidelines and management systems such as BS 8800 and ILO OSH 2001 were considered when developing this new standard. This means that the many businesses that have already adopted these other systems can be reassured that the wording, content, and format of all these existing systems will be the same.
However, anyone wishing to implement an occupational health and safety management system for the first time should now seriously consider implementing the new ISO 45001. Additionally, those who already have an OHS management system in place may find it a good idea to explore the new standard when it becomes available.
Demonstrating leadership, commitment and support
The original draft of the ISO standard began work in 2013, and it is now going through a public inquiry process. It is hoped the final standard will provide enhanced features and benefits for all those who decide to implement it. Early indications are that it will take a global view of occupational health and safety, and will provide information on how responsible parties must demonstrate leadership, commitment, and support to the ongoing implementation of the system.
ISO 45001, the future of health and safety management
Other elements set to be introduced are the importance of training – a vital element in the implementation of any ISO standard. Therefore, using ISO 45001 looks set to be the new preferred way to make sure your business has a health and safety management system it can rely on, and which protects its employees in every way. It should provide a far better option than those management systems such as OHSAS 18001 that are currently available.
World-class health and safety management frameworks
Quality Management Systems deliver a comprehensive range of world-class health and safety management, auditing, training and OHS software solutions to organisations wishing to create safer working environments, reduce accidents and improve regulatory compliance.
If you would like to learn more about our OHS solutions, and how we can help you develop world-class health and safety management processes please get in touch today.
Further reading…
More information about ISO 45001 from the International Organization for Standardization … here →
