ISO 45001:2018 – Occupational Health & Safety Management System (OHSMS) Certification
1. What is ISO 45001?
- International Standard for Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) Management Systems
- Replaced OHSAS 18001 (newer, risk-based approach aligned with other ISO standards)
- Framework to improve workplace safety, reduce risks, and ensure legal compliance
- Applicable to all organizations (manufacturing, construction, offices, hospitals, etc.)
- Certification demonstrates commitment to worker health and safety
Key Differences from OHSAS 18001:
✔ Stronger leadership involvement (top management accountability)
✔ Risk-based thinking (preventive approach vs. reactive)
✔ Alignment with ISO 9001 & ISO 14001 (easier integration)
✔ Worker participation (employees involved in safety decisions)
2. Key Requirements of ISO 45001:2018
The standard follows High-Level Structure (HLS) with 10 clauses:
- Context of the Organization – Understand OH&S risks and needs of workers
- Leadership – Management must actively promote safety culture
- Planning – Address hazards, legal requirements, and OH&S objectives
- Support – Resources, competence, awareness, communication
- Operation – Hazard control, emergency preparedness, contractor management
- Performance Evaluation – Monitoring, audits, compliance reviews
- Improvement – Incident investigation, corrective actions, continual improvement
Core Focus Areas:
✔ Hazard identification & risk assessment
✔ Legal compliance (OSHA, local regulations)
✔ Worker consultation & participation
✔ Emergency preparedness & response
✔ Health & safety performance monitoring
3. Steps to Achieve ISO 45001 Certification
Step 1: Learn ISO 45001 Requirements
- Study the standard or hire an OH&S consultant
- Understand how it applies to your workplace
Step 2: Perform a Gap Analysis
- Compare current safety practices vs. ISO 45001
- Identify gaps (e.g., missing risk assessments, no emergency drills)
Step 3: Develop a Project Plan
- Assign OH&S Team Leader and safety representatives
- Set implementation timeline
Step 4: Train Employees
- General OH&S awareness for all staff
- Risk assessment training for safety team
- Internal auditor training
Step 5: Document the OHSMS
- Create:
- OH&S Policy
- Risk assessment records
- Emergency procedures
- Incident investigation reports
- Legal compliance register
Step 6: Implement the OHSMS
- Roll out new safety procedures (PPE, machine guarding, chemical handling)
- Conduct management reviews
Step 7: Perform Internal Audits
- Verify compliance with ISO 45001
- Address non-conformities
Step 8: Certification Audit
- Stage 1 (Document Review) – Check OHSMS documentation
- Stage 2 (On-site Audit) – Verify implementation (interviews, facility inspection)
- Certification decision – Valid for 3 years
Step 9: Maintain Certification
- Surveillance audits (annual)
- Re-certification audit after 3 years
4. Cost of ISO 45001 Certification
Cost-Saving Tips:
✅ Leverage existing safety
programs (OSHA compliance, incident reports)
✅
Train internal staff as auditors
✅
Start with high-risk areas first (e.g., machinery, hazardous substances)
5. Benefits of ISO 45001 Certification
✔ Reduced workplace
accidents & illnesses
✔ Legal
compliance (avoid fines and penalties)
✔ Lower
insurance premiums (improved safety record)
✔ Enhanced
reputation (contractor/client requirements)
✔ Improved
employee morale & productivity
6. Common Challenges & Solutions
| Challenge | Solution |
| Employee resistance | Involve workers in safety committees |
| Complex risk assessments | Use industry-specific guidelines |
| Keeping up with legal changes | Maintain a compliance register |
| High documentation burden | Use digital OH&S management tools |
7. Comparison with Other Safety Standards
| Standard | Focus | Certification Required? | Best For |
| ISO 45001 | Global OH&S framework | Yes | All industries |
| OHSAS 18001 | Older OH&S standard | Being phased out | Legacy systems |
| ANSI/ASSP Z10 | US-focused OH&S | No | US organizations |
| HSE Guidelines | UK regulations | No | UK-based companies |
8. Implementation Recommendations
- For manufacturing/factories: Focus on machine safety, lockout/tagout
- For construction: Emphasize fall protection, scaffolding safety
- For offices: Address ergonomics, fire safety
- For healthcare: Needle safety, infection control