ISO 45001
International standard for occupational health and safety management systems
ISO 55001
International standard for asset management systems
Quick Verdict
ISO 45001 provides OH&S management systems to prevent workplace injuries globally, while ISO 55001 establishes asset management systems for lifecycle value optimization. Organizations adopt them for safer workplaces and efficient asset performance, integrating via shared Annex SL structure.
ISO 45001
ISO 45001:2018 Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems
Key Features
- Strong top management accountability and worker participation
- Risk-based approach to hazards and opportunities
- Hierarchy of controls prioritizing hazard elimination
- Annex SL structure for IMS integration
- PDCA cycle for continual OH&S improvement
ISO 55001
ISO 55001:2024 Asset management — Management systems — Requirements
Key Features
- Mandates Strategic Asset Management Plan (SAMP)
- Annex SL structure integrates with other ISO standards
- Applies Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle
- Requires formal decision-making framework
- Balances risks, opportunities, cost, performance
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 provides a framework to prevent work-related injuries and ill health, improve OH&S performance, using a risk-based, PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) approach aligned with Annex SL for integration.
Key Components
- Clauses 4-10 cover context, leadership, planning, support, operation, evaluation, improvement.
- Emphasizes hierarchy of controls, worker participation, change management.
- No fixed controls; scalable requirements with documented information.
- Certification via accredited bodies with audits.
Why Organizations Use It
- Reduces incidents, legal risks, costs; enhances resilience.
- Builds stakeholder trust, insurance savings, market advantage.
- Integrates with ISO 9001/14001 for efficiency.
- Drives culture shift to proactive safety.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, policy/objectives, controls, audits (6-12 months typical).
- Applicable all sizes/sectors; voluntary certification.
- Involves leadership commitment, worker consultation, KPIs.
ISO 55001 Details
What It Is
ISO 55001:2024 specifies requirements for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and improving an Asset Management System (AMS). It enables organizations to realize value from assets across lifecycles, balancing performance, risks, and costs. The standard uses Annex SL high-level structure and Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle for integration with other ISO management systems.
Key Components
- Clauses 4–10: context, leadership, planning, support, operation, performance evaluation, improvement
- 72 mandatory "shall" requirements
- Core: Strategic Asset Management Plan (SAMP), decision-making framework, risk/opportunity actions
- Certification via accredited audits
Why Organizations Use It
- Optimizes asset lifecycle value in utilities, infrastructure, manufacturing
- Addresses regulatory pressures, cost spirals, stakeholder expectations
- Enhances resilience, reduces downtime, ensures compliance
- Builds trust, competitive differentiation through certification
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, SAMP development, training, process integration
- Suits all sizes, asset-intensive sectors globally
- Involves documentation, competence proof, internal audits
- Optional third-party certification with surveillance
Key Differences
| Aspect | ISO 45001 | ISO 55001 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Occupational health & safety management | Asset management system lifecycle value |
| Industry | All sectors, high-risk emphasized | Asset-intensive like utilities, infrastructure |
| Nature | Voluntary certification standard | Voluntary certification standard |
| Testing | Internal audits, management reviews | Internal audits, performance indicators |
| Penalties | Loss of certification, no legal fines | Loss of certification, no legal fines |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about ISO 45001 and ISO 55001
ISO 45001 FAQ
ISO 55001 FAQ
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