Because of significant on-line interest, we’ve put together an ISO 45001 PDF Download (downloadable here).  It address some of the questions asked about migration from OHSAS18001 to ISO 45001

Meanwhile, to add some context, Rob Govier, Sales and Marketing Consultant, asked Colin Brown, Senior Consultant about the changes.

RG:- Why has the standard been revised?

CB:- All standards are revised every six or so years. This one is delayed because of a change to the master document which defines the standard template/format of all management system standards (ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, etc), known as Annex SL.

RG:- Are there any looming deadlines?

CB:- No. The standard is due to be published in November 2017. Then there is a window of three years before OHSAS 18001 is no longer recognized. Frankly, rather like the early interest in ISO 9001:2015, the volume of internet  searches on this topic puzzles me. It’s very “early days”.

RG:- What are the major differences?

CB:- Ultimately, they can only be guessed at for now! The final version is still awaited. However, we know that it has to comply with Annex SL, so we can guess at a couple of changes.

RG:- Which are..?

CB:- A variance of the organisation definition requirements. See section 4 of the revised ISO’s 9001, 14001 or 27001. And the whole concept of “risk” is highlighted; there will be an emphasis on definition and documenting of risks.  And their assessment. This has been common in the other recent standards based around Annex SL.

RG:- What benefits does the new version bring?

CB:- Simplification! Specifically in the integration of management systems across ISO standards. Put simply, a more common “core” of shared and applied values. There’s a move to integrate standards. So much so that, I suspect that the next issue of 9001/14001/45001 could be a single standard that addresses all three disciplines. And possibly more.

RG:- And any potential “challenges” you can see, even now?

CB:- The increased focus on measured objectives, could be hard for some Health & Safety Managers. Reliable statistics are difficult to obtain in this area.

RG:- So, if an organisation is currently using OHSAS 18001, what should they do?

CB:- Carry on as you are until the details of ISO 45001 are clear. In my experience, standards need time to “evolve”. It’s far too easy to make a false start on an incomplete basis. I was aware of this concerning ISO9001:2015.  But meanwhile, if you need help, why not give me a ring ?

RG:- Any Other “Homework”?

It’s probably worth looking at the relevant sections of the latest versions of ISO 9001 and 14001 as this will show where change is inevitable. Pushing for more focus on risk, especially when related to Health and Safety, and a higher profile in management meetings will also assist compliance in the longer term. Lots of people seem to be doing some kind of preparation, as the search term ISO 45001 PDF Download is popular.

But, if major changes to your documentation are needed, and folks are struggling to know where to start, they are welcome to drop me a line and I can quote for a risk assessment update, or a complete new management system. As ever, I work according to a company’s day-to-day needs, so our “ISO 45001 PDF Download” is just an outline. Please get in touch!