An Introduction to New ISO 45001- Occupational Health and Safety Standards


The risk of workplace-related diseases and injuries is significant to both, employees and employers. It can result in staff absentees, early retirements, rising insurance premiums, etc.

[Pull Stat]- “Every day more than 7,600 people die from work-related diseases or accidents.”


To provide a substantial solution to this challenge, ISO has introduced a new standard, ISO 45001 - Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OH&S) on March 2018. It aims at reducing workplace mishaps by offering a framework to improve safety and create a risk-free working environment all across the world. 

What has Changed?

ISO 45001 is introduced in place of OHSAS 18001 and considered easier to integrate into the management system. 

There are several differences to highlight, however, the major change is that the new ISO 45001 focuses on communication between business and its environment. ISO 18001, on the other hand, focused primarily on managing OH&S hazards and related internal issues. Furthermore, contrary to ISO 18001, the new standard is dynamic in all clauses. While the ISO 45001 deals with both risks and opportunities, ISO 18001 considers merely risks.

Evidently, with the new standard in place, companies will have to change the way they have perceived health and safety management until now. Occupational health and safety management can no longer be treated as an additional task, rather, it has become a vital aspect of running a sustainable enterprise. 

The Transition from ISO 18001 to ISO 45001


When shifting from the old standard to the new ISO 45001 Occupational Health and Safety Management standard, it is imperative to create a strong foundation, which can be executed by: -

  • Performing a thorough evaluation of interested parties along with internal and external factors that might have an impact on the organization’s activities.

  • Establishing the opportunities of the present system with respect to what management has predetermined to achieve.

  • Using the above data to formulate processes, risk assessment, and key performance indicators for different company processes.
The companies can still use the data and tools of OHSAS 18001. So, while the approach is different, basic tools remain the same.

Companies Who Are New to ISO 45001

The implementation of the new standard depends on a company’s current knowledge about ISO management systems. ISO has adopted Annex SL to share high-level structures that are similar to core texts and terms of other recently revised standards such as ISO 14001:2015 (environmental management) and ISO 9001:2015 (quality management). If a company is aware of ISO’s common frameworks, then the latest ISO 45001 will be easier to implement.

However, for management with no prior knowledge about OH&S Management, the implementation could certainly be tricky. Primarily because the new standard is not easy to comprehend and requires a clear understanding of the interconnection between different clauses. So, it is better for companies to opt for a training course that can help them understand the full potential of this ISO standard and also hire a counselor while implementing the same.

The Use of ISO 45001


Companies can implement ISO 45001 to establish a productive OH&S management system and harness the recognition that its certification avails. However, it doesn’t necessarily require companies to certify to an ISO management system. A formal management system is also adequate to enforce best practices. Certification is merely an additional commendation showing external parties that an organization has achieved compliance with a particular standard.

Companies adhering to its requirements will have exceptional risk management systems in place, synchronized with compatible enterprises, and easier access to the global marketplace. Furthermore, it will display the best governance to shareholders, stakeholders, regulators, and masses. While it is not a mandatory standard, the report suggests that by 2019, over 100,000 companies will be in compliance with ISO 45001.

When implemented effectively, there are various benefits of ISO 45001 standard. It takes a risk-based approach to ensure that all the OH&S risks are identified, addressed, and controlled. Additionally, it also ensures compliance with global legislation. It generates a safer place to work and offers a host of corollary benefits like improving employee morale, reducing insurance costs, establishing a staunch reputation in the international market, etc.

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