ISO 45001:2018

Occupational Health and Safety Management System

حماية العاملين وتوفير بيئة عمل آمنة وصحية

What is ISO 45001:2018?

ISO 45001 is the premier international standard for Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) management systems. It provides a systematic framework for identifying and controlling workplace hazards, preventing injuries, and managing occupational health risks. Replacing OHSAS 18001, this standard aligns with the high-level structure of other management system standards.

What does ISO 45001:2018 cover?

The standard encompasses occupational hazard identification and assessment, workplace control, and ensuring worker participation in the safety system. It covers compliance with legal safety requirements, emergency preparedness, accident and injury investigation, and continuous performance improvement.

Who Needs ISO 45001:2018?

Manufacturing

Construction

Oil & Gas

Mining

Transportation

Facilities

Why is ISO 45001:2018 Important?

✓ Worker protection

✓ Reduce accidents

✓ Compliance

✓ Lower costs

✓ Better productivity

Key Requirements

1 Understanding context and health & safety stakeholders

2 Identifying and assessing occupational hazards

3 Identifying and complying with OHS legal requirements

4 Establishing an OH&S policy

5 Setting safety objectives and achievement plans

6 Ensuring worker participation and consultation

7 Controlling risks through hierarchy of controls

8 Managing change to ensure safety

9 Maintaining emergency preparedness and response

10 Investigating accidents and near-misses

11 Conducting internal audits and management reviews

Implementation Steps (Wadi Methodology)

Gap Analysis: Assessing current status against safety standards

Hazard Identification: Mapping all workplace risks and evaluating them

Planning: Establishing control plans, objectives, and programs

Documentation: Preparing policies, procedures, and records

Training: Qualifying all employees on safety requirements

Implementation: Applying controls and monitoring performance

Internal Audit: Verifying system effectiveness

Certification: External audit from a certification body

Required Documents & Records

Scope of the OH&S Management System

OH&S Policy

Hazard Identification and Assessment Register

Safety Legal Requirements Register

Safety Objectives and plans to achieve them

Critical Risk Control Procedures

Emergency Preparedness Plan

Accident Investigation Procedure

Safety Training Records

Internal Audit Reports

Accident and Injury Records

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Superficial hazard identification that doesn't cover all activities and sites

Weak worker participation in the safety system

Neglecting near-misses and failing to investigate them

Not updating risk assessments when changes occur

Focusing on documents rather than actual field implementation

Failure to conduct regular emergency drills

Treating safety as only the responsibility of the safety department

Frequently Asked Questions

What is ISO 45001?

An international standard for Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) management systems, designed to protect workers and prevent injuries.

Difference from OHSAS?

ISO 45001 replaced OHSAS 18001, putting more emphasis on context, leadership, and worker participation.

Mandatory in Saudi?

Not strictly mandatory, but it supports compliance with HR ministry requirements and is often needed for large contracts.

Time to certify?

Typically 4-6 months, depending on the risk level of the organization.

Hierarchy of controls?

The order of effectiveness for risk controls: Elimination, Substitution, Engineering, Administrative, and PPE.

Worker participation?

Through safety committees, surveys, hazard reporting, and consulting workers on changes.

Near-miss importance?

Investigating near-misses is a proactive way to prevent actual injuries and identify safety gaps.

Integrate with EMS?

Yes, they are highly compatible and often combined into a unified HSE system.

Cost?

Depends on organization size and occupational risk levels.

Choose CB?

Verify their accreditation and experience in your specific industry.

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