ISO 45001
International standard for occupational health and safety management systems
ISO 30301
International standard for records management systems
Quick Verdict
ISO 45001 provides OH&S management for workplace safety across industries, while ISO 30301 establishes records systems for evidence governance. Companies adopt 45001 to prevent injuries and comply with safety laws; 30301 ensures defensible records for audits and legal needs.
ISO 45001
ISO 45001:2018 Occupational health and safety management systems
Key Features
- Mandates leadership accountability and worker participation
- Aligns with Annex SL for IMS integration
- Enforces hierarchy of controls for hazards
- Addresses risks and opportunities proactively
- Drives PDCA continual improvement cycles
ISO 30301
ISO 30301:2019 Management systems for records Requirements
Key Features
- HLS-aligned governance structure for MSS integration
- Normative Annex A records operational controls
- Explicit records requirements from organizational context
- Risk-based planning with measurable objectives
- Flexible conformity pathways including certification
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 the international standard for Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems (OHSMS). It enables organizations to prevent work-related injuries and ill health while improving OH&S performance. Adopting a risk-based approach with the High-Level Structure (Annex SL) and PDCA cycle, it harmonizes with standards like ISO 9001 and 14001.
Key Components
- Clauses 4–10: context, leadership/worker participation, planning, support, operation, evaluation, improvement
- Hierarchy of controls, management of change, contractor controls
- Worker consultation in hazards and decisions
- Documented information, monitoring, audits, reviews; certification optional via accredited bodies
Why Organizations Use It
- Reduces incidents, costs, downtime; meets legal requirements
- Builds resilience, safety culture, stakeholder trust
- Enables IMS integration, competitive edge, insurance savings
- Drives continual improvement and reputation
Implementation Overview
Phased: gap analysis, policy/objectives, training, controls, audits. Scalable for all sizes/sectors; 6–12 months typical. Focuses leadership, participation, risk controls.
ISO 30301 Details
What It Is
ISO 30301:2019 is the international standard specifying requirements for a Management System for Records (MSR). It provides a certifiable framework to establish, implement, maintain, and improve records management, ensuring authoritative evidence of business activities. Applicable to any organization, it uses a risk-based, PDCA management system approach aligned with the High-Level Structure (HLS).
Key Components
- **Clauses 4–10Context, leadership, planning, support, operation, performance evaluation, improvement.
- **Clause 8 + Annex A (normative)Records lifecycle controls (creation, capture, access, retention, disposition).
- Built on ISO 15489 principles (authenticity, reliability, integrity, usability).
- Flexible conformity: self-declaration, external confirmation, or third-party certification.
Why Organizations Use It
- Enhances governance, compliance, risk mitigation (legal, regulatory).
- Improves efficiency, auditability, transparency.
- Builds stakeholder trust, supports business continuity.
- Integrates with ISO 9001, 27001 for competitive edge.
Implementation Overview
Phased approach: gap analysis, policy design, operational controls, audits. Suits all sizes/industries; certification optional via accredited bodies. (178 words)
Key Differences
| Aspect | ISO 45001 | ISO 30301 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Occupational health & safety management | Records management system requirements |
| Industry | All sectors, high-risk industries emphasized | All organizations, regulated sectors key |
| Nature | Voluntary certifiable management standard | Voluntary certifiable management standard |
| Testing | Internal audits, management reviews, certification | Internal audits, management reviews, certification |
| Penalties | No legal penalties, certification loss | No legal penalties, certification loss |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about ISO 45001 and ISO 30301
ISO 45001 FAQ
ISO 30301 FAQ
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