Guide

ISO 45001 vs OHSAS 18001

ISO 45001 was published in March 2018 and replaced OHSAS 18001, a British Standards based specification. The migration period for certified organisations has ended, so OHSAS 18001 certificates are no longer valid. If you still have an OHSAS style system, here is what changed.

• Why OHSAS 18001 was withdrawn
• The five changes that matter most
• How to update an older safety system

The key differences

• Structure: ISO 45001 uses the high level structure shared with ISO 9001 and ISO 14001, making integration easier
• Context: you must understand internal and external issues and interested parties
• Leadership: top management must take active responsibility, not delegate safety to a manager
• Worker participation: consultation and participation of non-managerial workers is required
• Risks and opportunities: a proactive approach replaces OHSAS's largely reactive focus

What stayed the same

Hazard identification, risk assessment, legal compliance, emergency preparedness, incident investigation and internal audit all remain central. Good OHSAS systems usually need extending rather than rebuilding.

Updating an older system

• Add a context and interested parties assessment
• Formalise worker consultation and participation
• Rewrite the policy and objectives around risks and opportunities
• Align documents and records with the shared structure

Next steps

1. Gap assess. Compare your OHSAS style arrangements with ISO 45001.
2. Extend. Add context, leadership and participation evidence.
3. Certify. Book a full certification audit against ISO 45001.

Frequently asked questions

Is OHSAS 18001 still valid?

No. The migration period ended and OHSAS 18001 certificates are no longer recognised. ISO 45001 is the current standard.

Is ISO 45001 harder than OHSAS 18001?

It asks for more leadership and worker involvement, but organisations with a working OHSAS system usually adapt within a few months.

Related guides

• ISO 45001 certification guide, The route to ISO 45001 certification, from gap analysis to Stage 2 and surveillance.
• ISO 45001 checklist, A requirement by requirement self-assessment for your OH&S management system.

Move your safety system onto ISO 45001

Upload your existing safety documents and see an A.I. drafted gap map against ISO 45001 for your team to review.