Standards Comparison

    OSHA

    Mandatory
    1970

    US federal regulation assuring safe workplace conditions

    VS

    ISO 22000

    Voluntary
    2018

    International standard for food safety management systems.

    Quick Verdict

    OSHA mandates US workplace safety through enforced standards and penalties, while ISO 22000 provides voluntary global food safety certification via HACCP and PRPs. Companies adopt OSHA for legal compliance; ISO 22000 for market access and supply chain trust.

    Occupational Safety

    OSHA

    Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970

    Cost
    €€€€
    Complexity
    High
    Implementation Time
    12-18 months

    Key Features

    • Mandates General Duty Clause for recognized hazards
    • Enforces hierarchy of controls prioritizing engineering solutions
    • Codified standards in 29 CFR 1910 for general industry
    • Risk-based inspection prioritization for high hazards
    • Requires electronic injury and illness data submission
    Food Safety

    ISO 22000

    ISO 22000:2018 Food safety management systems

    Cost
    €€€€
    Complexity
    High
    Implementation Time
    12-18 months

    Key Features

    • High-Level Structure (HLS) for integrated management systems
    • Dual PDCA cycles for strategic and operational control
    • HACCP-based hazard analysis with PRPs, OPRPs, CCPs
    • Risk-based thinking for organizational risks and hazards
    • Interactive communication across the food chain

    Detailed Analysis

    A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.

    OSHA Details

    What It Is

    Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards, established by the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, are U.S. federal regulations enforcing workplace safety. Primary purpose: assure safe, healthful conditions via standards in 29 CFR 1910 (general industry). Key approach: General Duty Clause for recognized hazards, supplemented by specific rules and hierarchy of controls.

    Key Components

    • Subparts A-Z covering walking surfaces, PPE, hazardous materials, toxic substances.
    • Over 1,000 standards with PELs, training, recordkeeping.
    • Core principles: performance-based compliance, employer/employee duties.
    • Enforcement via citations, penalties up to $165,514.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Legal mandate reducing injury risks, penalties.
    • Lowers workers' comp, boosts productivity, retention.
    • Enhances reputation, meets ESG, supply-chain demands.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased: gap analysis, written programs (IIPP, HazCom), training, audits.
    • Applies to most U.S. private employers; state plans vary.
    • No certification; compliance via inspections, electronic reporting.

    ISO 22000 Details

    What It Is

    ISO 22000:2018 is the international standard specifying requirements for a Food Safety Management System (FSMS). It provides a framework for organizations in the food chain to ensure safe products through hazard prevention and compliance with regulations. The risk-based approach integrates HACCP principles with management system discipline using the High-Level Structure (HLS) and dual PDCA cycles.

    Key Components

    • Clauses 4-10 covering context, leadership, planning, support, operation, evaluation, and improvement.
    • Core elements: PRPs, hazard analysis, CCPs/OPRPs, traceability, communication, verification.
    • Built on Codex HACCP and HLS for integration.
    • Voluntary certification by accredited bodies.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Meets customer, regulatory, and statutory requirements.
    • Reduces risks of recalls, contamination, and liability.
    • Enhances market access, supplier qualification, and GFSI alignment.
    • Builds trust with stakeholders via auditable assurance.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased: gap analysis, PRPs, hazard control plan, training, audits.
    • Applies to all food chain organizations globally.
    • Certification via stage 1/2 audits, surveillance, recertification every 3 years. (178 words)

    Key Differences

    Scope

    OSHA
    Workplace safety, health hazards, recordkeeping
    ISO 22000
    Food safety management, HACCP, PRPs

    Industry

    OSHA
    All US industries, general/construction/agriculture
    ISO 22000
    Global food chain organizations

    Nature

    OSHA
    Mandatory US federal regulations, enforced
    ISO 22000
    Voluntary international certification standard

    Testing

    OSHA
    Inspections, injury logs, electronic reporting
    ISO 22000
    Internal audits, management reviews, certification

    Penalties

    OSHA
    Civil fines up to $165k, failure-to-abate daily
    ISO 22000
    Loss of certification, no legal penalties

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about OSHA and ISO 22000

    OSHA FAQ

    ISO 22000 FAQ

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