ISO 45001 & OHSAS 18001 in Malaysia

ISO 45001, the international standard for occupational health and safety management systems, provides a comprehensive framework for organizations to effectively manage occupational health and safety risks. In the Malaysian market, the implementation of ISO 45001 is of paramount importance as it ensures the well-being of employees and compliance with regulatory requirements. This article explores the benefits of ISO 45001 in the Malaysian context and emphasizes the pivotal role of consultant services in successfully implementing the standard. ISO 45001 supersedes OHSAS 18001 with more comprehensive and updated frameworks for occupational health and safety management systems.

Occupational health and safety is a crucial aspect of any workplace, and organizations in Malaysia are increasingly recognizing the importance of creating safe and healthy working environments. ISO 45001, an internationally recognized standard, provides a framework for organizations to effectively manage occupational health and safety risks. 

The Malaysian government has a strong commitment to OH&S. The Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 (OSHA) is the main piece of legislation that governs OH&S in Malaysia. OSHA sets out the basic requirements for OH&S in the workplace, and it also establishes the Malaysian Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) as the responsible authority for enforcing the law.

DOSH actively promotes ISO 45001 in Malaysia. The department offers a number of resources and training programs to help organizations achieve certification.

What is ISO 45001 in Malaysia

ISO 45001 is an internationally recognized standard for occupational health and safety management systems. It provides a framework for organizations to proactively manage occupational health and safety risks, promote worker well-being, and create a safe and healthy working environment. In Malaysia, ISO 45001 serves as a valuable tool for companies to prioritize the health and safety of their employees and demonstrate their commitment to compliance with occupational health and safety regulations.

The requirements for a company in Malaysia to adhere to ISO 45001 include the following:

• Context of the Organization: The company must understand the internal and external factors that can affect its occupational health and safety management system. This includes identifying the needs and expectations of interested parties, such as employees, customers, regulatory authorities, and the local community.
• Leadership and Worker Participation: Top management must demonstrate leadership commitment to occupational health and safety and establish a culture that promotes worker participation. This involves actively involving workers in decision-making processes, consulting them on matters related to occupational health and safety, and ensuring their involvement in hazard identification, risk assessment, and control.
• Planning: The company should establish clear objectives and plans for improving its occupational health and safety performance. This includes setting measurable targets, developing action plans, and allocating necessary resources to achieve the objectives.
• Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment: The company must systematically identify and assess occupational health and safety hazards and determine the associated risks. This involves conducting regular inspections, risk assessments, and utilizing various methods such as job hazard analysis to identify potential hazards and evaluate their severity and likelihood of occurrence.
• Legal and Other Requirements: The company should identify and comply with applicable occupational health and safety legal and regulatory requirements. This includes understanding and adhering to relevant Malaysian laws, regulations, and industry-specific standards related to occupational health and safety.
• Operational Controls: The company must implement control measures to eliminate or minimize occupational health and safety risks. This includes establishing safe work procedures, implementing hazard controls, providing personal protective equipment (PPE), and ensuring proper maintenance of equipment and machinery.
• Performance Evaluation: The company should monitor and measure its occupational health and safety performance against established objectives and targets. This involves conducting regular audits, inspections, and evaluations to assess compliance, identify areas for improvement, and track progress towards achieving objectives.
• Management Review: Top management must review the effectiveness of the occupational health and safety management system at planned intervals. This includes evaluating the performance of the system, assessing the need for improvements, and ensuring that the system remains aligned with the organization’s strategic direction.
• Continual Improvement: The company should actively pursue continual improvement of its occupational health and safety performance. This involves taking corrective and preventive actions to address non-conformities and improve the effectiveness of the management system based on audit findings, incident investigations, and worker feedback.

It’s important to note that the specific requirements for ISO 45001 implementation may vary depending on the size, nature, and complexity of the organization. Organizations seeking ISO 45001 certification in Malaysia are encouraged to engage the services of experienced occupational health and safety consultants who can provide guidance, support, and expertise throughout the implementation process.

When it comes to implementing ISO 45001 and achieving certification in Malaysia, organizations are strongly encouraged to seek the expertise of experienced occupational health and safety consultants. YHY Consultancy, a leading service provider in Malaysia, offers comprehensive guidance, support, and expertise throughout the implementation process. With their in-depth knowledge of ISO 45001 requirements and extensive experience in occupational health and safety management systems, YHY Consultancy can assist companies in navigating the complexities of the standard and ensuring successful implementation. Their dedicated team of professionals will work closely with organizations, providing tailored solutions, conducting gap analysis, developing customized action plans, and facilitating the necessary training and engagement activities. By partnering with YHY Consultancy, companies in Malaysia can confidently pursue ISO 45001 certification, knowing that they have a trusted expert by their side, committed to promoting a safe and healthy working environment.

The differences between ISO 45001 vs OHSAS 18001 in Malaysia

ISO 45001 and OHSAS 18001 are both standards that focus on occupational health and safety management systems. However, there are several key differences between the two standards. Here are the main differences:

Framework and Structure:

ISO 45001: ISO 45001 follows the High-Level Structure (HLS) that is common to all ISO management system standards, making it easier to integrate with other management systems such as ISO 9001 (Quality Management) and ISO 14001 (Environmental Management). It emphasizes a risk-based approach, context of the organization, and stakeholder engagement.

OHSAS 18001: OHSAS 18001 does not follow the HLS structure and has its own framework. It focuses more on hazard identification, risk assessment, and control, without specifically addressing the context of the organization or stakeholder engagement.

Scope and Applicability:

ISO 45001: ISO 45001 has a broader scope and is applicable to all organizations, regardless of their size, industry, or location. It is designed to be more flexible and adaptable to various sectors and is applicable to both internal and external stakeholders.

OHSAS 18001: OHSAS 18001 is more industry-specific and primarily targeted at organizations seeking certification for occupational health and safety management. It is often used in industries where the need for a formal management system is recognized, but ISO 45001 certification may not be a requirement.

Leadership and Worker Participation:

ISO 45001: ISO 45001 places a strong emphasis on leadership commitment and worker participation. It requires top management to demonstrate their involvement and take accountability for the effectiveness of the occupational health and safety management system. It also encourages worker consultation and participation in decision-making processes.

OHSAS 18001: While OHSAS 18001 recognizes the importance of leadership and worker involvement, it does not explicitly outline specific requirements for leadership commitment or worker participation.

Risk-Based Approach:

ISO 45001: ISO 45001 adopts a proactive and risk-based approach to occupational health and safety management. It requires organizations to identify, assess, and control risks and opportunities related to occupational health and safety. The standard emphasizes the prevention of incidents and continual improvement of the management system.

OHSAS 18001: OHSAS 18001 also focuses on hazard identification, risk assessment, and control, but it does not explicitly emphasize the risk-based approach to the same extent as ISO 45001.

Continual Improvement:

ISO 45001: ISO 45001 places a strong emphasis on continual improvement of the occupational health and safety management system. It requires organizations to set measurable objectives, monitor performance, and take corrective actions to enhance the system’s effectiveness over time.

OHSAS 18001: OHSAS 18001 also promotes continual improvement, but it does not provide specific requirements or guidance on establishing objectives or monitoring performance to the same extent as ISO 45001.

It’s important to note that ISO 45001 is the successor to OHSAS 18001 and offers a more comprehensive and up-to-date framework for managing occupational health and safety. Organizations currently certified to OHSAS 18001 are encouraged to transition to ISO 45001 to benefit from its enhanced focus on leadership, risk-based thinking, and integration with other management systems.

Benefits of ISO 18001 (OHSAS 18001) Implementation in Malaysia

The Role YHY Consultancy in ISO 45001 Implementation

Implementing ISO 45001 requires expertise in occupational health and safety management systems and compliance with relevant regulations. Engaging consultant services specializing in ISO 45001 can provide invaluable support throughout the implementation process. Here’s how consultant services contribute to successful ISO 45001 adoption in Malaysia:

Expert Knowledge and Experience:

ISO 45001 consultants such as YHY possess in-depth knowledge of occupational health and safety regulations, best practices, and industry-specific requirements. They understand the unique challenges faced by Malaysian organizations and can tailor strategies to address specific needs. Their experience enables them to identify potential risks, develop appropriate control measures, and establish effective occupational health and safety management systems.

Gap Analysis and Planning:

Consultants conduct thorough gap analyses to assess an organization’s current practices and identify areas for improvement to meet ISO 45001 requirements. They assist in developing a customized implementation plan, setting achievable objectives, and outlining the necessary steps to achieve compliance. Consultants help organizations prioritize actions, allocate resources effectively, and establish a clear roadmap for successful implementation.

Training and Employee Engagement:

ISO 45001 consultants provide training sessions and awareness programs to educate employees about the standard, occupational health and safety risks, and their roles in maintaining a safe workplace. They foster a culture of safety and encourage employee engagement in health and safety initiatives. Through training and engagement, consultants empower employees to actively contribute to the success of the occupational health and safety management system.

Auditing and Continuous Improvement:

ISO 45001 consultants conduct internal audits to assess the effectiveness of the organization’s occupational health and safety management system. They identify areas for improvement, provide recommendations, and support organizations in implementing corrective actions. Consultants facilitate the continual improvement process, ensuring that the organization maintains compliance with the standard and strives for ongoing excellence in occupational health and safety