Benefits Associated with OHSAS 18001

Historical reference: OHSAS 18001 has been withdrawn and replaced by ISO 45001. The material below describes the earlier implementation approach. References to OHSAS certification are historical; 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.