ISO 45001
International standard for occupational health and safety management
PMBOK
Global standard for project management practices
Quick Verdict
ISO 45001 provides OH&S management systems for workplace safety across industries, while PMBOK offers project governance principles for delivery success. Companies adopt ISO 45001 for certification and risk reduction; PMBOK for standardized, predictable project outcomes.
ISO 45001
ISO 45001:2018 Occupational health and safety management systems
Key Features
- Adopts High-Level Structure for integrated management systems
- Mandates leadership accountability and worker participation
- Risk-based approach with hierarchy of controls
- Explicit operational controls for change and contractors
- PDCA cycle for continual improvement and performance evaluation
PMBOK
Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide)
Key Features
- Five Process Groups for lifecycle governance
- Ten Knowledge Areas for discipline integration
- ITTO framework for process traceability
- Tailoring guidance for hybrid approaches
- Principles and performance domains for adaptability
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 injury and ill health, improve OH&S performance proactively. Built on Annex SL High-Level Structure (HLS) and PDCA cycle, it emphasizes risk-based thinking.
Key Components
- Clauses 4-10: context, leadership/worker participation, planning, support, operation, performance evaluation, improvement.
- Core principles: leadership accountability, worker consultation, hierarchy of controls, continual improvement.
- Optional third-party certification via audits.
Why Organizations Use It
- Reduces incidents, legal risks, costs; enhances resilience, insurance savings.
- Builds stakeholder trust, market advantage, talent retention.
- Integrates with ISO 9001/14001 for efficiency.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, policy/objectives, controls, audits, certification.
- Scalable for all sizes/sectors; 6-12 months typical.
- Focus: leadership, worker engagement, documented information.
PMBOK Details
What It Is
PMBOK® Guide, or Project Management Body of Knowledge, is a global standard and framework published by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It provides generally accepted practices for project management across industries, evolving from process-based (6th edition) to principle- and performance domain-based (7th/8th editions) with emphasis on tailoring for predictive, agile, or hybrid approaches.
Key Components
- **Five Process GroupsInitiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring & Controlling, Closing.
- Ten Knowledge Areas (process editions): Integration, Scope, Schedule, Cost, Quality, Resources, Communications, Risk, Procurement, Stakeholders.
- 12 Principles and 8 Performance Domains (modern editions).
- ITTOs (Inputs, Tools & Techniques, Outputs) for processes; voluntary certification like PMP®.
Why Organizations Use It
- Enhances predictability, reduces risks, aligns projects to strategy.
- Supports compliance via embedded controls; boosts reputation and competitiveness.
- Improves stakeholder trust through standardized governance.
Implementation Overview
- Phased rollout: assessment, tailoring, pilots, training, tooling.
- Applies to all sizes/industries; focuses on change management and OPM3 maturity.
Key Differences
| Aspect | ISO 45001 | PMBOK |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | OH&S management systems, Clauses 4-10 | Project management processes, principles, domains |
| Industry | All sectors, high-risk emphasis | All sectors, project-based delivery |
| Nature | Voluntary certification standard | Voluntary guide and standard |
| Testing | Internal audits, management reviews | Internal audits, performance measurement |
| Penalties | Loss of certification, no legal fines | No penalties, internal performance impact |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about ISO 45001 and PMBOK
ISO 45001 FAQ
PMBOK FAQ
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