When the long-awaited ISO 45001 standard was published in 2018, the amount of time to either implement or upgrade from OHSAS 18001 seemed like an eternity. Three full years to upgrade, “No problem” said many organizational leaders. Now we are nearing the end of the three years, and organizations are rapidly trying to understand how to quickly upgrade or implement and beat the clock.

If this is your organization, this post is for you. While this is a new standard, the original intent established in OHSAS 18001 is the same. Both standards use a management system framework designed to prevent work-related injuries and to provide safe and healthy workplaces.

There are important differences in ISO 45001 as a result of its focus on health and safety performance.  While it is not presented strictly as a performance standard, continual improvement is a shall requirement.  As a result, it improves from OHSAS 18001 in two key areas – proactive risk management and worker involvement.

ISO 45001 requires assessing and controlling risks versus hazards.   It also adds the requirement to address opportunities to further improve performance.  Adequately evidencing a pro-active and ongoing assessment process is challenging. Ongoing and proactive is a key shall requirement within the standard. Organizations will need a methodical and dependable tool which will capture the original and subsequent assessments. Whether you use paper or software, ensuring the assessments are reflective of the employees performing various tasks is key.

While the standard does not specify assessor “qualifications”, dependable assessments rely on competent resources. Choosing assessors across relevant levels and functions in the organization offers some advantages  First there is an opportunity to expand knowledge of workplace hazards and risks from those employees performing assessments. More employees gain more knowledge about hazards and risks, and then avoid their own unsafe acts, identify unsafe conditions, setting an example for others to follow. This can be one meaningful way an organization can incorporate participation and consultation with employees and contractors. The organization who delivers meaningful training for new assessors on the risk analysis methodology and tools and calibrates assessors periodically likely will gain the most benefit. The participation and consultation requirement is a big change from OHSAS 18001 and incorporating employees and contractors into risk analysis provides valuable input, and the other benefits as described above.

In addition to risk assessment involvement, workers have other opportunities for participation including involvement in objectives and targets, management of change, incident investigation, and internal audit.

If you are contemplating your action to upgrade from OHSAS 18001 or implement ISO 45001, action on risk analysis with participation and consultation will help you achieve conformance and make your system more proactive. The clock is ticking as the ISO 45001 standard was published on March 12, 2018.  The three year milestone is upcoming March 12, 2021. This is the year for action!

Posted in Management Systems