Following much anticipation and after international consensus was reached, on 12 March the ISO Standard 45001 on workplace health and safety management systems was published. Its publication marks the migration from OHSAS 18001 to ISO 45001:2018.
Due to the exceptional situation caused by the COVID-19, the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) has extended the migration period from OHSAS 18001:2007 to ISO 45001:2018 until 30 September 2021.
This Standard includes the international preventive best practices that have been consolidated over the last few decades from the various points of reference previously available, and it incorporates the requirements of a management system aligned with the High-Level Structure.
Some key features of the Standard:
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Preventing injury and the deterioration of workers’ health, with the goal of ensuring safe and healthy workplaces.
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Leadership and commitment of the senior management team, assuming accountability for the management system.
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Eliminating dangers and minimising risks through effective prevention measures, taking advantage of opportunities and improving performance.
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Consulting and involving workers at all levels and applicable functions of the organisation.
- Developing an organisational culture that supports the expected outputs of the management system.
