.svg)
%20(1).svg)
Manufacturers face rising expectations to keep workplaces safe, compliant, and future-ready. Manufacturers aiming for safer workplaces have seen big changes in occupational health and safety standards over the past decade. Many companies once relied on OHSAS 18001 to manage risks and meet compliance demands. The release of ISO 45001 marked a turning point. Today, manufacturers are moving to the new standard to unlock stronger risk management, leadership engagement, and business growth. Understanding the main differences between these two standards helps organizations build stronger safety cultures, streamline compliance, and position themselves for long-term growth in a competitive market.
Why Safety Standards Matter More Than Ever
A single safety lapse can halt production, trigger regulatory fines, and harm a company’s reputation. Manufacturers must show regulators, customers, and investors that safety is not just a promise-it’s a system built into every process. That’s why the move from OHSAS 18001 to ISO 45001 is more than a paperwork update. It’s a shift in how manufacturers approach risk, leadership, and operational excellence.
What Was OHSAS 18001?
OHSAS 18001 provided a structured way for manufacturers to identify hazards, comply with legal requirements, and reduce workplace injuries. The standard focused on procedures and controls. Many companies achieved OHSAS 18001 certification to prove compliance, but the approach often remained reactive. Safety teams responded to incidents, rather than preventing them.
What Does ISO 45001 Change?
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 45001 introduces a risk-based, proactive mindset. The standard expects manufacturers to build safety into every level of the business. Instead of relying on a single safety manager, leader must take ownership. The standard fits seamlessly with other ISO management system standards, such as ISO 9001 and ISO 14001. This integration helps manufacturers manage multiple standards without duplication or confusion.
Key Differences: OHSAS 18001 vs ISO 45001
Practical Steps for Transitioning to ISO 45001
- Review your current system against ISO 45001 requirements.
- Introduce leadership to drive safety culture and allocate resources.
- Train all staff on the new standard and their roles.
- Update documentation to reflect “documented information.”
- Involve workers and suppliers in risk identification and solutions.
- Use data to track performance and drive continuous improvement.
Need help mapping ISO 45001 to your current systems? Talk to our compliance experts.
📍 Book a Demo
📧 hello@bprhub.com
Industry Examples, Why the Shift Matters
Pharmaceuticals
Imagine a pharmaceutical company integrating ISO 45001 directly into its batch manufacturing records. That kind of setup could make audits quicker and cleaner, with fewer surprises and a lot less scrambling to gather documentation.
Aerospace
In aerospace, a supplier might see real improvements in safety just by bringing shop-floor workers into the risk assessment process. With the right tools, incident rates could drop significantly—maybe even by a third.
Food Processing
For a food packaging plant switching from OHSAS 18001 to ISO 45001, tracking supplier compliance in real time could become a game changer. It might mean less downtime, faster responses to issues, and a boost in customer confidence.
Implementing ISO 45001 with BPRHub
Before BPRHub
- Safety data scattered across paper files and spreadsheets
- Audit preparation meant last-minute scrambles
- Leadership lacked real-time visibility on risks
- Corrective actions tracked manually, often missed
With BPRHub
- All safety records and compliance activities centralized
- Automated audit trails and reminders keep teams ready
- Leadership dashboards highlight risks and progress
- Corrective actions tracked, closed, and verified
Key Takeaways
→ ISO 45001 replaces OHSAS 18001 with a proactive, risk-based approach
→ Leadership and worker engagement are central to ISO 45001
→ The new standard aligns with quality and environmental management for easier integration
→ Documentation is more flexible and supports real business processes
→ BPRHub centralizes compliance, reduces risk, and keeps manufacturers audit-ready year-round
→ Manufacturers using BPRHub unlock faster audits, stronger safety culture, and scalable growth
📍 Book a Demo
📧 hello@bprhub.com
FAQ
What is the main difference between OHSAS 18001 and ISO 45001?
The main difference is that ISO 45001 uses a risk-based approach and requires leadership involvement, while OHSAS 18001 focused on hazard control and procedures.
Why are manufacturers moving from OHSAS 18001 to ISO 45001?
Manufacturers choose ISO 45001 for its proactive safety culture, stronger leadership, and better integration with other ISO standards.
How does ISO 45001 involve workers more than OHSAS 18001?
ISO 45001 expects all workers and stakeholders to participate in safety decisions, while OHSAS 18001 did not require this level of engagement.
What happens to OHSAS 18001 certification after ISO 45001 adoption?
Once a company transitions to ISO 45001, the old OHSAS 18001 certification is retired. The new standard becomes the benchmark for compliance.
How does ISO 45001 help manufacturers with compliance and growth?
ISO 45001 helps manufacturers reduce risk, improve safety, and streamline compliance. The standard supports business growth by building trust and efficiency.
%20(1).svg)