ISO 45001:2018 will become the New International Standard from 11 September 2021
During the past few months businesses have faced challenging times during the COVID-19 crisis. One of the many issues businesses have needed to contend with before they could reopen their doors, are the new guidelines to ensure the health and wellbeing of their staff, customers and public. As we adapt to the “new norm” and ensuring risk assessments are reviewed and in place, it would be easy to overlook the current international standard for OSH (OHSAS 18001) is coming to an end.
Although OHSAS18001 has been the guidance for Health and Safety Management Systems, to ensure compliance for the past 21 years, professionals have discovered the standards need to change to keep pace with a rapidly changing work environment.
On 25 October 2013, ISO 45001 was initially created by a committee, with an estimation of 70 countries working on its development. Planning the standard and drafting of issues continued until December 2015. During this time, until the first draft was released in 2017, it failed to achieve adequate support from ISO members. In 2017, a revised second draft was approved, and this was made into the final draft. The standard was published on 12 March 2018.
OHSAS18001 was due to be withdrawn 3 years after ISO45001 was implemented, however, due to the pandemic this timeframe has been extended.
If your organisation is currently using the OHSAS 18001 standard, migrating to ISO 45001 using Gap Analysis, is a beneficial solution, as multiple clause requirements of ISO45001 are equivalent. It also aligns with ISO9001 (Quality Management System) and ISO14001 (Environmental Management System).
Overall ISO 45001 can only be a positive transition, giving flexibility and leadership to businesses as well as lightening the load for smaller firms. This new standard is also expected to reduce workplace injuries, illnesses and fatalities significantly around the world.
Embark Consulting Limited have helped numerous companies in the UK and around the world with their migration to ISO45001, as well as setting up systems for new businesses.
With our fully qualified and trained Lead Auditor’s, we can help your company achieve accreditation with ease and peace of mind. Contact Embark Consulting today to speak to one of our Consultants.