Latest update on ISO 45001
New Standard consolidating the best practice knowledge on Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) which is expected to replace OHSAS 18001.
Latest update on ISO 45001 – 13 June 2016
We would like to update our clients on the development of ISO 45001, a new standard consolidating the best practice knowledge on Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) which is expected to replace BS OHSAS 18001.
Following publication of the Draft International Standard (DIS) in February 2016, The International Committee met in Toronto from 6-10 June 2016 to discuss over 3,000 comments which had been submitted during the ballot. It was agreed at the closing plenary session to move to publication of a 2nd DIS, which is expected in December 2016 or January 2017. The final standard is now expected in the second half of 2017.
The discussions during the committee meeting centred on minor changes needed to some key ‘Terms and Definitions’ such as the definitions relating to ‘worker’, ‘participation’ and the definition of hazard. Minor changes were also proposed relating to areas such as ‘Participation and consultation’, ‘awareness’ and ‘the hierarchy of controls’. The next International Committee meeting is scheduled for October 2016 where the remainder of the comments submitted will be discussed and the content of the 2nd DIS finalised.
Recognizing how vital OH&S is to keeping employees safe and healthy around the world, BSI is best positioned to keep our clients and all other interested parties up-to-date regarding the status of this process. To support this effort, BSI has produced a Migration Guide as well as other materials to help guide our clients through the process of moving from one standard to the other. In the meantime, we continue to support our BS OHSAS 18001 certified clients to help reduce risk, protect workers and maintain compliance.
What are the anticipated benefits of ISO/DIS 45001?
ISO/DIS 45001 brings occupational health and safety management and continual improvement into the heart of an organization. This new standard is an opportunity for organizations to align their strategic direction with their OH&S management system. In addition, there is an increased focus on improving occupational health and safety performance.
Our customers tell us they get multiple benefits as a result of implementing and adopting occupational health and safety management systems, such as:
- Reduce work related injuries, ill health and death
- Eliminate or minimize OH&S risks
- Improve OH&S performance and effectiveness
- Demonstrate corporate responsibility and meet supply chain requirements
- Protect brand reputation
- Motivate and engage staff through consultation and participation
There is a worldwide need to harmonize health and safety management systems using an international standard and share best practices. ISO 45001 is a great opportunity to further improve occupational health and safety performance. With an international standard to refer to, together with the right infrastructure and training, organizations will be able to address these risks better in future.