ISO 45001:2018 is the global standard for Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) Management Systems. Replaced the earlier OHSAS 18001 benchmark, it provides a structured framework to prevent work-related injuries, illnesses, and fatalities while proactively improving workplace safety performance.
Core Pillars of ISO 45001
- Worker Consultation & Participation: Unlike earlier standards, ISO 45001 mandates that non-managerial staff must actively participate in identifying hazards, planning safety protocols, and evaluating controls.
- Proactive Hazard Identification: Emphasizes addressing physical hazards, ergonomics, emergency risks, and psychosocial factors (e.g., workplace stress, fatigue, and bullying) before incidents occur.
- Hierarchy of Controls: Requires organizations to control risks in a specific priority order: Elimination $\rightarrow$ Substitution $\rightarrow$ Engineering Controls $\rightarrow$ Administrative Controls $\rightarrow$ Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).