Benefits Associated with OHSAS 18001

Historical reference: OHSAS 18001 has been withdrawn and replaced by ISO 45001. The material below retains the original implementation approach for reference. OHSAS certification references are historical and are not an offer of new certification. Current projects should be planned against ISO 45001 and applicable requirements.

BSI information on the replacement standard

Market benefits

• Support access to customers or markets that historically requested OHSAS conformity; this was not a universal market-access requirement.
• Strengthen the organization’s reputation and customer confidence.
• Improve competitiveness through more effective occupational health and safety management.
• Support sustainable operations by addressing workforce needs and applicable regulatory expectations.
• Improve readiness for regulatory checks; certification does not remove statutory inspections or enforcement.

Economic benefits

• Help reduce the risk of noncompliance and associated penalties; certification does not guarantee legal compliance.
• Reduce working time lost through occupational injuries and illness.
• Help reduce injury and illness compensation costs.
• Limit losses during accidents and emergencies.

Risk management

• Provide a structured approach to prevention and reduction of harm.
• Potentially support more favourable insurance terms, depending on the insurer and risk profile.
• Provide records that may support assessment of losses and insurance claims, where applicable.

Independent recognition and communication

• Provide independent third-party assessment under the historical certification programme.
• Help address relevant technical or contractual barriers in trade.
• Create opportunities to communicate verified management system achievements accurately.