ISO18001

ISO 18001 refers to the Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS) standard, which was superseded by ISO 45001 in 2018. ISO 18001 provided a framework for organizations to manage and improve their occupational health and safety performance.

The ISO 18001 standard focused on identifying and controlling health and safety risks in the workplace, as well as promoting a culture of health and safety within an organization. It provided guidelines for establishing an effective occupational health and safety management system, including:

Hazard identification and risk assessment: Organizations were required to identify potential hazards in the workplace and assess the associated risks to employee health and safety. This involved evaluating the likelihood and severity of potential incidents.

Legal compliance: Compliance with relevant occupational health and safety laws and regulations was a key requirement of ISO 18001. Organizations had to ensure they were aware of applicable requirements and take necessary measures to meet them.

Objectives and targets: Organizations set specific objectives and targets related to occupational health and safety, focusing on continuous improvement. These objectives were regularly monitored and reviewed to ensure progress.

Employee involvement and communication: ISO 18001 emphasized the importance of engaging employees in occupational health and safety matters. It encouraged open communication, involvement in decision-making processes, and the provision of training and awareness programs.

Emergency preparedness and response: Organizations were required to develop and implement procedures for responding to emergencies and incidents, ensuring the safety of employees and minimizing potential harm.

ISO 18001 aimed to help organizations improve their occupational health and safety performance, reduce accidents and injuries, and create a safer work environment. However, it is important to note that ISO 18001 has been replaced by ISO 45001, which provides a more comprehensive and updated approach to occupational health and safety management.

ISO 45001 builds upon the principles of ISO 18001 and places a stronger emphasis on the participation of top management, worker consultation, and continuous improvement. Organizations seeking certification in occupational health and safety management should refer to ISO 45001 as the current standard.