Why did OHSAS 18001 change to ISO 45001?

iso 45001 transition

The occupational health and safety management standard ISO 45001 replaces the previous standard in terms of occupational health and safety (OHSAS 18001).  It is now up to companies to adapt their existing management systems to the new requirements.  There is a transitional period of three years for this.  After iso 45001 transition, the certificates according to OHSAS 18001 lose their validity.  The aim and content of the new standard is to bring together traditional occupational safety and health management in the company.

 Companies that are certified according to OHSAS 18001 have to adapt to changing requirements for the management of occupational health and safety.

 The context of the organization now includes both the employees and the working conditions along the value chain, e.g. employees should be more involved in health protection management and included in consultations.  In addition, the conditions for employees of external companies or personnel of outsourced processes should also be taken into account.  And when it comes to occupational safety, companies will also have to consider the working conditions of their suppliers and service providers in the future.

The top management is more challenged than before.  Management must assume managerial responsibility for occupational health and safety and demonstrate commitment. Dangers must be identified, at the workplace as well as for certain groups of people or in emergency situations.  But the operational processes must also be considered explicitly.

Opportunities can e.g. resulting from changes in the organization or by eliminating occupational health and safety risks in the workplace or by adapting working conditions to the needs of employees.