Difference Between ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001

The Difference Between ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 standards is a common area of interest for organisations looking to enhance their management systems. ISO 14001 focuses on environmental management, aiming for sustainability and reduced environmental impact.

On the other hand, OHSAS 18001/ISO 45001 is dedicated to occupational health and safety, ensuring the well-being of employees. Understanding the nuances between these two standards is essential for businesses aiming for compliance and improvement in their respective domains. Take a look at the comparisons for each of the standards lSO 14001 vs OHSAS 18001/ISO 45001, in our blog.

Table of Contents

1) Overview of the ISO 14001 standard

2) Overview of the OHSAS 18001 standard

3) A brief look at the steps for risk reduction

4) Looking at the Difference Between ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001

5) Conclusion

An overview of the ISO 14001 standard

Here is an overview of the ISO 14001 standard, explained below through the following points:

a) Definition: ISO 14001 is the global standard for creating an effective Environmental Management System (EMS).

b) Purpose: It aims to help organisations minimise their environmental impact and comply with relevant laws and regulations.

c) Scope: The standard is applicable across all types of organisations, regardless of size or industry.

d) Framework: Provides a structured approach to setting environmental objectives and targets.

e) Environmental impact: Encourages organisations to reduce waste and energy consumption, promoting sustainability.

f) Compliance: Assists businesses in meeting legal requirements related to environmental performance.

g) Continuous improvement: Emphasises regular monitoring and improvement of environmental performance.

h) Global recognition: Being ISO 14001 certified can enhance an organisation's reputation and provide a competitive edge.

i) Risk management: Helps in identifying and controlling environmental risks and opportunities.

j) Customer confidence: Shows commitment to responsible environmental practices, boosting customer trust.

k) Implementation: It can be implemented alone or integrated with other management standards.

l) Cost savings: Leads to operational efficiency and potential cost savings through waste reduction.

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An overview of the OHSAS 18001 standard

Here is an overview of the OHSAS 18001 standard, explained below through the following points:

a) Definition: OHSAS 18001 is an internationally applied standard for the Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems (OHSMS).

b) Purpose: It aims to help organisations establish, maintain, and consistently improve their occupational health and safety performance.

c) Scope: The standard is relevant for all organisations, regardless of size or sector, aiming to manage occupational health and safety risks.

d) Framework: Provides guidelines for implementing a systematic approach to managing occupational health and safety, including risk management.

e) Employee safety: Focuses on ensuring a safe and healthy working environment by controlling risks and improving employee safety.

f) Compliance: Assists organisations in meeting legal and regulatory OHSAS 18001 Requirements related to occupational health and safety.

g) Continuous improvement: Emphasises regular evaluation and consistent improvement of the occupational health and safety performance.

h) Global recognition: Achieving OHSAS 18001 certification demonstrates an organisation's commitment to the well-being of its employees.

i) Risk management: Helps in identifying, assessing, and controlling occupational health and safety risks.

j) Stakeholder confidence: Enhances credibility and confidence among stakeholders, including employees, customers, and regulators.

k) Integration: Can be aligned with other management standards for an integrated approach.

l) Transition: Please note that OHSAS 18001 has been replaced by ISO 45001 since September 2021, providing an updated framework for occupational health and safety management.

A brief look at the steps for risk reduction

Here are the five key steps in the hierarchy of the risk reduction considerations for the 18001 standard:

a) Elimination: The physical removal of the hazard to ensure it does not pose any danger to the employees. Elimination should be the first line of defence in the hierarchy when possible.

b) Substitution: The most effective method after elimination of the hazard, where a similar non-risky product replaces the hazard.

c) Engineering controls: These controls are designed to isolate employees from the risk, instead of eliminating the hazards completely.

d) Administrative controls: Lights and signs can be utilised as audio or visual warning systems to keep employees distant from a particular risk. The effectiveness of the systems, however, depend on human understanding which is prone to containing errors. Employee training and procedural changes are better alternatives to change the way the team works.

e) Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): PPE comprises of hard hats, gloves, masks, safety goggles, and other equipment which employees may need for their safety on the job. PPE, is however the least efficient option as it depends significantly on fitting, training and maintenance.

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Looking at the Difference Between ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001

Here are the differences highlighted between ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001, as shown below:

Conclusion

The Difference Between the ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 standards lies in their core focus, namely environmental management, and occupational health and safety. Both standards play vital roles in responsible business operations, each addressing distinct aspects of sustainability and employee well-being, particularly in relation to ISO 14000 and 14001.

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