ISO 45001
International standard for occupational health and safety management
FISMA
U.S. federal law for risk-based information security management
Quick Verdict
ISO 45001 provides voluntary global OH&S management for all industries, emphasizing worker safety and continual improvement. FISMA mandates US federal cybersecurity via NIST RMF for agencies/contractors. Companies adopt ISO 45001 for safety certification; FISMA for legal compliance and contracts.
ISO 45001
ISO 45001:2018 Occupational health and safety management systems
Key Features
- Mandates leadership accountability and worker participation
- Requires hierarchy of controls for risks
- Annex SL structure enables IMS integration
- Risk-based planning addresses opportunities too
- Explicit change and contractor management controls
FISMA
Federal Information Security Modernization Act (FISMA)
Key Features
- Mandates NIST RMF 7-step risk management lifecycle
- Requires continuous monitoring and diagnostics program
- Enforces FIPS 199 system impact categorization
- Implements NIST SP 800-53 tailored controls
- Demands annual IG independent maturity evaluations
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
ISO 45001 Details
What It Is
ISO 45001:2018 is an international certification standard for Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems (OHSMS). It provides a framework to prevent work-related injuries and ill health, improve OH&S performance, using a risk-based approach aligned with Annex SL and PDCA cycle across Clauses 4-10.
Key Components
- Core clauses: Context (4), Leadership/participation (5), Planning (6), Support (7), Operation (8), Evaluation (9), Improvement (10).
- Emphasizes hierarchy of controls, worker consultation, change management.
- Built on high-level structure for integration; no fixed controls, scalable requirements.
- Optional third-party certification via audits.
Why Organizations Use It
- Reduces incidents, legal risks, costs; enhances resilience, insurance savings.
- Meets stakeholder expectations, supply-chain demands.
- Builds safety culture, competitive edge via certification.
- Drives continual improvement, reputation.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, policy/objectives, controls, audits (6-12 months typical).
- Applicable all sizes/sectors; integrates with ISO 9001/14001.
- Involves training, documented info, management reviews.
FISMA Details
What It Is
The Federal Information Security Modernization Act (FISMA) of 2014 is a U.S. federal law modernizing the 2002 E-Government Act provision. It mandates a risk-based framework for federal agencies and contractors to develop, document, and maintain comprehensive information security programs protecting confidentiality, integrity, and availability of federal systems and data.
Key Components
- **NIST Risk Management Framework (RMF)7 repeatable steps (Prepare, Categorize, Select, Implement, Assess, Authorize, Monitor).
- NIST SP 800-53 controls (over 1,000, tailored via SP 800-53B baselines) and FIPS 199 categorization (Low/Moderate/High impact).
- Continuous monitoring (SP 800-137), POA&Ms, SSPs; oversight by OMB, CISA/DHS, agency IGs.
- No central certification; compliance via annual metrics and independent evaluations.
Why Organizations Use It
- Mandatory for federal executive agencies, contractors handling federal data.
- Reduces breach risks, ensures resilience, enables FedRAMP cloud access.
- Avoids IG downgrades, contract losses, debarment; builds stakeholder trust.
- Strategic efficiency, competitive differentiation in federal markets.
Implementation Overview
- Phased RMF lifecycle with governance, inventory, controls, assessments.
- Key activities: risk assessments, SSP development, automation, training.
- Applies to federal agencies/contractors all sizes; U.S.-focused.
- Requires IG audits, continuous reporting; 12-24 months typical rollout.
Key Differences
| Aspect | ISO 45001 | FISMA |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Occupational health & safety management | Federal information & cybersecurity protection |
| Industry | All sectors worldwide, scalable | US federal agencies & contractors |
| Nature | Voluntary international certification standard | Mandatory US federal law & regulation |
| Testing | Internal audits, management reviews, certification | Continuous monitoring, IG assessments, ATOs |
| Penalties | Loss of certification, no legal fines | Contract loss, fines, debarment, legal action |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about ISO 45001 and FISMA
ISO 45001 FAQ
FISMA FAQ
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