OHSAS 18001 has been replaced: what it means now

OHSAS 18001 was the former specification for occupational health and safety management systems. It was replaced by ISO 45001 in 2018, and the transition period for existing certificates ended on 30 September 2021. Businesses can no longer obtain accredited OHSAS 18001 certification.

However, the old specification may still appear in customer requirements, supplier questionnaires or tender documentation. So, what should you do if you’re asked for OHSAS 18001 certification today?

Is OHSAS 18001 still valid?

No. OHSAS 18001 has been withdrawn and replaced by ISO 45001:2018. Existing accredited OHSAS 18001 certificates ceased to be valid when the transition period ended in 2021.

OHSAS 18001:2007 (published in the UK as BS OHSAS 18001:2007) was widely used to demonstrate that an organisation had an occupational health and safety management system in place.

ISO 45001 was published in March 2018. Organisations holding OHSAS 18001 certification were given a three-year migration period, later extended by six months because of COVID-19, which closed on 30 September 2021.

An old OHSAS 18001 certificate may provide evidence of a business’s certification history, but it cannot demonstrate current accredited certification.

What replaced OHSAS 18001?

ISO 45001:2018 replaced OHSAS 18001 as the international standard for occupational health and safety management systems. ISO 45001:2018 is the current edition. A revised edition has reached draft stage and is expected in 2027.

Both address the systematic management of workplace health and safety risks, but ISO 45001 introduced a broader approach, with greater emphasis on leadership, worker participation and integrating health and safety into business processes.

OHSAS 18001 vs ISO 45001: what changed?

For businesses already familiar with OHSAS 18001, many underlying principles will be recognisable. However, meeting the old specification does not automatically demonstrate conformity with ISO 45001.

Related service: ISO 45001 consultants – certification support from JVR Consultancy.

What if a tender or customer still asks for OHSAS 18001?

If a tender, supplier questionnaire or customer contract still refers to OHSAS 18001, the first step is to clarify the requirement rather than assume that ISO 45001 certification will automatically be accepted.

The reference may simply be outdated, but the contracting organisation needs to confirm what evidence it requires.

We recommend:

1. Check the wording. Establish whether OHSAS 18001 is specifically required or appears in a broader list of acceptable health and safety credentials.
2. Ask for clarification in writing. Explain that OHSAS 18001 has been withdrawn and replaced by ISO 45001.
3. Provide current certification evidence. If your business holds ISO 45001 certification, provide the relevant certificate and details of the certification body.
4. Confirm acceptance before submitting. Where the requirement is mandatory, obtain confirmation that ISO 45001 satisfies it.
5. Keep a record. Retain the clarification and any amended tender instructions or customer correspondence.

Where an existing contract explicitly names OHSAS 18001, it may be necessary to agree an amendment or obtain written acceptance of ISO 45001. Do not assume that the contractual wording changes automatically because the standard has been replaced. If you’re unsure, take advice before agreeing changes to contract terms.

Can an old OHSAS 18001 certificate still be used?

An expired OHSAS 18001 certificate should not be presented as evidence of current accredited occupational health and safety management system certification.

It may still be useful as a historical record, particularly when explaining your organisation’s previous approach to managing occupational health and safety.

However, if a customer requires current independent certification, the relevant standard is ISO 45001.

Businesses should also check that any references to OHSAS 18001 on their websites, supplier profiles, marketing materials or tender submissions accurately describe their present certification status.

How can a business previously certified to OHSAS 18001 achieve ISO 45001 certification?

The original migration arrangements have ended. A business relying only on an old OHSAS 18001 certificate will need to pursue ISO 45001 certification through the current certification process.

That does not necessarily mean starting its management system from scratch.

Existing risk assessments, policies, operational controls, training records and other arrangements may still be useful. The important step is to assess them against ISO 45001’s requirements and identify what needs to change.

JVR Consultancy can help businesses:

• Review existing occupational health and safety management arrangements.
• Identify gaps against ISO 45001 requirements.
• Develop and implement the necessary management system processes.
• Address requirements relating to leadership and worker consultation and participation.
• Prepare for independent ISO 45001 certification assessment.

The certification itself is awarded by an independent certification body, not by JVR.

Need help with ISO 45001 certification?

Whether you’re responding to an outdated tender requirement or looking to establish current occupational health and safety certification, JVR Consultancy can help you understand what’s required and prepare for ISO 45001 assessment.

Discuss ISO 45001 certification with JVR