Introduction to health and safety:

The scope of occupational health and safety has evolved in response to changes in society. The need to protect workers against injuries, accidents, sicknesses, and diseases related to the working environment continues to be a major concern to organizations. Maintaining occupational health and safety is key to achieving a sustained healthy work environment and building a preventive safety culture that would lead to the continuity of the business. In this article, we will discuss the difference between OHSAS 18001 and ISO 45001 to better help you understand the evolution of occupational health and safety management systems.

What is OHSAS 18001?

The now-defunct OHSAS 18001 (Occupational Health & Safety Assessment Series) British Standard for occupational health and safety management systems aimed at helping organizations maintain occupational health and safety while managing hazards and safety issues. The primary focus of the OHSAS 18001 was solely on occupational risks.

What is ISO 45001?

ISO 45001 is the new international standard for occupational health and safety management systems. ISO 45001 replaced OHSAS 18001 in March 2018 superseding the old standard and making integration with other management systems easier than before. ISO 45001 is now the globally accepted standard that specifies the requirements for an effective OHS management system.

Difference between OHSAS 18001 and ISO 45001

Although they share similar goals, OHSAS 18001 and ISO 45001 take different approaches to achieve their objectives. Failing to understand the difference between OHSAS 18001 and ISO 45001 can negatively impact an organization.

Table: Difference between OHSAS 18001 and ISO 45001

Benefits of ISO 45001:

Realizing that lots of lives are lost daily due to work-related diseases and workplace fatalities, ISO 45001 Standard provides the framework that organizations can and should adopt to prevent such incidents and ensure a safe and healthy work environment. There is no substitute for occupational health and safety. The earlier ISO 45001 OHSMS is implemented, the better. Adopting the principles of ISO 45001 will benefit your company in the following way:

• • Build a well-regarded reputation as an industry leader
  • Create a safe and healthy work environment trusted by employees and visitors
  • A boost in employee morale that allows them to build healthy work relationships
  • Retain existing clients and gain new ones
  • A massive reduction or total elimination of workplace hazards, risks, and accidents
  • Reduction of downtime, redundancy, and sick leave; increasing employee productivity
  • Ensure customer satisfaction while meeting their requirements

Maintaining ISO 45001:

Many organizations who know the difference between OHSAS 18001 and ISO 45001 have transitioned from OHSAS 18001 to ISO 45001, or simply implemented the ISO 45001 Standard. Simultaneously, many do not know how to maintain it. Here comes the job of the ISO 45001 Lead Auditor. The skills and services of an ISO 45001 Lead Auditor are in high demand. The roles and responsibilities of this professional are key in maintaining an effective occupational health and safety management system within an organization. To become an ISO 45001 Lead Auditor and to gain the skills needed to help an organization maintain an effective OHSMS, you need to attend the 40 hours ISO 45001 Lead Auditor training course. The CQI IRCA is the international certification body for this standard and the only body that can award the chartered quality professional status; hence, it is important that you attend the ISO 45001 Lead Auditor training course at an approved training partner of CQI IRCA.

How 3FOLD Training can help?

3FOLD is an Approved Training Partner of CQI IRCA that offers the ISO 45001 Lead Auditor training course in her 100% interactive virtual class. Our CQI IRCA ISO 45001 OHSMS Lead Auditor training course is aimed at arming delegates with the required knowledge and skills to audit an organization against the ISO 45001 Standard. After completing the training with us, you will be able to conduct first, second, and third party audits of the occupational health and safety management system. Read also, Best Institute for ISO 45001 Lead Auditor Training. 

Conclusion on the difference between OHSAS 18001 and ISO 45001:

A major difference between OHSAS 18001 and ISO 45001 is that while OHSAS 18001 focused on hazard control, ISO 45001 focuses on hazard reduction, risks evaluation, and incident and accidents prevention. ISO 45001 is the globally recognized and accepted standard for occupational health and safety management systems. Implementing the standard in your organization will help you maintain the health and safety of your workers and ensure the continuity of your business.

A periodic ISO 45001 OHSMS audit is necessary to help you identify gaps that need to be improved on. The ISO 45001 Lead Auditor is a professional with the skills to identify these gaps and recommend a corrective course of action. Attend 3FOLD Training’s CQI IRCA ISO 45001 OHSMS Lead Auditor training course to gain the skills and knowledge required to plan and execute 1st, 2nd, and 3rd-party OHSMS audits. 

To learn about how 3FOLD can help you become an ISO 45001 Lead Auditor, contact us today through our enquiry form, whatsapp, or email.