With the release of ISO 45001 last March 2018, organizations that currently hold BS OHSAS 18001 certification will need to transition to the new standard by March 2021. Thus, Mabuhay Vinyl Corporation (MVC) decided to align its present Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS) with this new standard, in time with its Re-Certification Audit for OHSMS this year.
The transition process started with a two-day Transition Seminar conducted by Mr. Charlie G. Labrador, Management System Consultant of QuickSolve System Network last March 13-14. Major changes from OHSAS 18001 to ISO 45001 and ISO 45001 requirements were discussed. Furthermore, Mr. Labrador said that the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle remains the fundamental operating principle in this new standard, and one of the main differences between ISO 45001 and BS OHSAS 18001 is that the former follows a preventative process requiring risks to be evaluated and remedied before they cause accidents and injuries while the latter focused only on hazard control. In addition, stronger emphasis is placed on top management to take accountability for incorporating health and safety into the overall management system.
To complete the required activities of the transition process prior to the Re-Certification Audit on May 15-17, updating of required documented information, Internal Audit Training and Management Review must be conducted.
ISO 45001 was published by International Organization for Standardization (ISO) which enables organizations to proactively improve injury prevention and reduce ill-health in order to promote longevity in the workplace. It is intended to improve the safety and health of all employees and personnel.