The international standard ISO 45001, which sets requirements for occupational health and safety management systems is expected in the second half of 2017.
The draft standard, inspired by the well-known OHSAS 18001, is designed to help companies and organizations around the world ensure the health and safety of the people who work for them.
David Smith, president of the project Committee ISO/PC 283, Occupational health and safety management system speaks about the project.
Major differences between OHSAS 18001 and the new ISO 45001
The overall aim of the standard remains the same and those familiar with OHSAS 18001 will recognize many of the themes in the new ISO standard. However, there have been some very interesting developments related to the new rules for developing International Management System Standards. For example, there is now a much stronger focus on the “context” of an organization as well as a stronger role for top management and leadership. An organization has to look beyond its immediate health and safety issues and take into account what the wider society expects of it. Organizations have to think about their contractors and suppliers as well as, for example, how their work might affect their neighbors in the surrounding area.
ISO 45001 insists that these occupational health and safety aspects now be embodied in the overall management system of the organization, requiring a much stronger buy-in from its management and leadership. This will be a big change for users who may currently delegate responsibility to a safety manager rather than integrate this entirely into the organization’s operations.
OHSAS 18001 is a widely adopted standard and has been very successful. Why are we developing an ISO standard?
Firstly, many organizations are already using a number of ISO management system standards, so an occupational health and safety tool that can be easily integrated into this makes things a lot easier.
In addition, we hope that the ISO name and recognition will give further credibility to the standard and drive wider adoption.
Major benefits of using this standard
Implementing a strong occupational health and safety management system helps organizations reduce accidents and ill health, avoid costly prosecutions, perhaps even reduce insurance costs, as well as create a culture of positivity in the organization when its people see that their needs are being taken into account.