Comparing OHSAS 18001 to ISO 45001

Jump to any section of this article:

• Structure & Annex L
• What’s New from OHSAS 18001?
• Major Key Changes
• Terminology
• Compare & Contrast Chart: OHSAS 18001 vs ISO 45001

Structure & Annex L

The structure of ISO 45001 from OHSAS 18001 was one of the biggest changes. ISO 45001 is now based on the same high level structure as other management systems, such as quality (ISO 9001: 2015) and environment (ISO 14001: 2015).

Annex L is a new management system format that helps streamline the creation of new standards. As a result of it being used across multiple standards, it makes implementing a number of standards within a single organization easier. Annex L replaces ISO Guide 83. Guide 83 originally was a base structure and standardized text for management system standards. This structure was not common across the multiple standards making it difficult for organizations to implement multiple standards.

In 2012, ISO decided that all management system standards shall use a common framework. This framework contains several key features including:

• a unified high level structure
• common text and terminology
• individual management systems standard will add additional “discipline-specific” requirements

There are several advantages of the high level structure of ISO 45001 compared to OHSAS 18001. The new standard allows for enhanced compatibility of standards due to the common framework.  It is now easier to implement new standards and transition, easier to integrate standards into an organization’s management system, increase values for users, and increase the effectiveness in standard development for the technical committees.

The Annex L, or high level structure, has 10 clauses:

1.  Scope
2.  Normative References
3.  Terms and Definitions
4.  Context of the Organization
5.  Leadership
6.  Planning
7.  Support
8.  Operation
9.  Performance Evaluation
10. Improvement

Within this structure, the 10 clauses are organized by four steps called “Plan-Do-Check-Act” (PDCA). The first three clauses are not a part of the PCDA, they consist of general information and support for understanding the clauses. Clauses 4-7 fall under plan, Clause 8-Operation falls under do, Clause 9- Performance Evaluation falls under check, and Clause 10-Improvement falls under act.

What’s New from OHSAS 18001?

There are several key changes from OHSAS 18001 to ISO 45001 in regards to structure. Overall the purpose of the standard remains the same. In regards to the structure, some key changes are:

• the new standard provides additional focus on process approach, and clarifies why it is essential to implement it throughout the organization

• The commitments maintain the same but there is strengthening within the basic concepts

• There are new specific requirements of top management in terms of demonstrating leadership, commitment and encouraging a positive occupational health and safety culture throughout the organization

• ISO 45001 has more documentation flexibility

• Emphasis put on the importance of hierarchy of controls

• Proactive strategic approach

• ISO 45001 focuses on identifying and controlling risks, rather than hazards as it is required in OHSAS 18001

Major Key Changes:

-Risk based thinking is one of the biggest changes. This requires organizations to consider the risks and opportunities associated with the issues that are identified in clause 4.  This clause has made a significant change by replacing preventive actions and reducing the need for corrective actions.

–Interested Parties is the other big key change. There is a greater focus on stakeholders in ISO 45001 compared to OHSAS 18001. There are two new subclauses that address interested parties “understanding the organization and its context” and “understanding the needs and expectation of interested parties.”

–Implications is another key change. Annex L helps facilitate management system standards and integration. This helps deliver increased benefits and efficiencies while providing a more complete view of an organization often spanning multiple sites, geographies and suppliers. Overall there are more areas where top management is required to demonstrate their direct involvement and engagement with the OH&S management system.

Terminology

There are several new definitions in ISO 45001. Three key definitions are Worker, Workplace, and Contractor.

Worker: “person performing work or work related activities under the control of the organization.” This means that it can be paid or unpaid, regular or temporary workers, includes workers from external providers, contractors, individuals and situations where the organization has some degree of control over the workers such as agency workers.

Workplace: “place under the control of the organization where a person needs to be or to go by reason of work.”

Contractor: “external organization providing services to the organization at a workplace in accordance with agreed specifications, terms and conditions… Services may include construction activities.”

There are several common terms used throughout Annex L for ISO 45001 including:

Interested Party: “Person or organization that can affect, be affected by, or perceive itself to be affected by a decision or activity.”

Documented Information: “Information organizations are required to control and maintain, including the medium on which information is contained.”

Top management: “Person or group of people who direct and control an organization at the highest level.”  

Injury and ill health: “Adverse effect of the physical, mental or cognitive condition of a person.”

Competence: “Ability to apply knowledge and skills to achieve intended results.”

Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS)/OH&S Management System: “Management system, or part of a management system used to achieve the OH&S policy.”

Policy: “Intentions and direction of an organization, as formally expressed by its top management.”