Latest on ISO/DIS 45001

Until now the best known standard for Health & Safety management in the UK has been OHSAS 18001.

However that is about to change, by the end of this year ISO 45001 is set to be published with the intention of replacing the well-known OHSAS 18001 as a now internationally recognised standard.

The current draft of the new standard is available now for review and feedback with an expected full publication in October.

ISO 45001 will follow a familiar format with Annex SL High Level Structure using the Plan, Do, Check, Act cycle also seen in ISO9001:2015, ISO14001:2015 and many other ISO standards.

This is an important change because not only does it mean that the Health & Safety standard will now be internationally recognised, but it also means a much easier integration with other key management systems such as those mentioned above.

They key changes have been summarised as below:

Explicit requirements for:

• Management of change

• Outsourcing

• Contractors

Requirements for:

• Risks and opportunities

• Participation and consultation

• Strategic OH&S Management

• Leadership and OH&S culture

• Information and communication

• Documentation and processes