ISO 45001: 2018 – A proactive approach to safety

 

ISO45001:2018 was published in March 2018 and will supersede the BS OHSAS 18001. ISO 45001:2018 is a new ISO standard in that this is the first publication of the standard. However, to health and safety experts a lot of what they were familiar with vis-à-vis BS OHSAS 18001 will still be applicable with ISO45001:2018. ISO 45001 does use the high-level structure and so follows the same the same 10 clause structure as ISO 9001 and ISO 14001. This also means that it is going to be easier for companies looking to implement integrated management systems.

Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems (OHSMS) play an important role in enabling worker safety and a safer working environment. The OHSMS is not to be confused with OSHA regulations. Each country may or may not have their own health and safety regulations. In the US is it OSHA. OSHA requires compliance. ISO 45001:2018 as a management system standard is a voluntary standard and as such organizations choose to conform to it for the benefits of a system approach to health and safety.

Some question the need for an OHSMS given that OSHA regulations already exist. The two are often even confused. To clarify the OHSMS is the framework within which all applicable regulations (e.g. OSHA) are incorporated. Management systems get top management involved in taking accountability for the effectiveness of the system. They provide a framework based on the Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle for continual improvement of the system.

An OHSMS based on ISO 45001:2018 requires leadership to ensure the participation of workers in the planning and implementation of the system. A process for identifying hazards and addressing them. The need for workers to actively participate in reporting hazards without fear. More importantly ISO 45001:2018 adopts the principle of risk-based thinking (per the high-level structure) and gets organizations to be pro-active in identifying trends/data/near misses for potential risks/non-conformities so they may be addressed timely.

ISO 45001 as a management system framework require organization to be pro-active taking into considering the changing business environment and needs of stakeholders. The system must address non-conformities timely and take measures to implement systemic corrective actions. The review of the system done by management brings to light for the leadership the state of their system. The output of this review will lead to measures for continual improvement of the system.

ISO 45001:2018 Lead Auditor training by QMII introduces participants to the standard, its interpretation and application for implementation. Additionally, students also learn how to audit these systems for effectiveness. ISO 45001 is nothing new but the incorporation of best practices from across the globe. A well implemented system will deliver the results intended where the system is proactive in mitigating health and safety hazards. Creating a better work environment and a safer workplace

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