OSHA
U.S. federal regulation for workplace safety standards
ISO 30301
International standard for records management systems
Quick Verdict
OSHA mandates US workplace safety through enforceable standards and inspections, while ISO 30301 provides voluntary certification for global records management systems. Companies adopt OSHA for legal compliance; ISO 30301 for governance, efficiency, and evidentiary assurance.
OSHA
Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970
Key Features
- Mandates General Duty Clause for hazard-free workplaces
- Implements hierarchy of controls prioritizing engineering solutions
- Codifies performance-based standards in 29 CFR 1910
- Prioritizes inspections for imminent dangers and severe risks
- Requires OSHA 300 logs and electronic injury reporting
ISO 30301
ISO 30301:2019 Management systems for records requirements
Key Features
- High-Level Structure for MSS integration
- Normative Annex A operational controls
- Risk-based records requirements analysis
- Multiple conformity pathways including certification
- Records lifecycle processes and systems
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), established by the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, is a U.S. federal regulatory agency enforcing workplace safety standards. Primarily codified in 29 CFR 1910 for general industry, it assures safe conditions through standards, the General Duty Clause (Section 5(a)(1)), and performance-based requirements addressing hazards like falls, chemicals, and machinery.
Key Components
- Subparts A-Z covering surfaces, PPE, HazCom, LOTO, toxic substances (Subpart Z).
- **Hierarchy of controlselimination, substitution, engineering, administrative, PPE.
- Recordkeeping (Part 1904: Forms 300/300A/301); enforcement via inspections/citations.
- No certification; compliance demonstrated through programs like IIPP.
Why Organizations Use It
- Mandatory compliance avoids penalties up to $165,514.
- Reduces injuries/illnesses, lowers costs, boosts productivity.
- Meets legal duties, enhances reputation, supports ESG.
Implementation Overview
- Develop IIPP, hazard assessments, training, engineering controls.
- Applies to most U.S. employers; state plans may be stricter.
- Ongoing: inspections, e-reporting via ITA, abatement verification.
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 processes, ensuring authoritative, reliable evidence of business activities. Applicable to any organization, it uses a risk-based, High-Level Structure (HLS) approach aligned with modern ISO management systems.
Key Components
- **Clauses 4–10Context, leadership, planning, support, operation, performance evaluation, improvement.
- **Annex A (normative)Operational controls for records lifecycle.
- Core principles: Authenticity, reliability, integrity, usability.
- Conformity options: Self-declaration, external confirmation, third-party certification.
Why Organizations Use It
- Enhances governance, compliance, and risk management for legal/regulatory needs.
- Improves efficiency, auditability, transparency, and business continuity.
- Builds stakeholder trust; integrates with ISO 9001, 27001.
Implementation Overview
Phased approach: Gap analysis, policy design, operational controls, audits. Scalable for all sizes/industries; certification via accredited bodies involves Stage 1/2 audits.
Key Differences
| Aspect | OSHA | ISO 30301 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Workplace safety, health hazards, recordkeeping | Records management systems, lifecycle controls |
| Industry | All US industries, general/construction/agriculture | Any organization worldwide, all sectors |
| Nature | Mandatory US federal regulations, enforced inspections | Voluntary certifiable management system standard |
| Testing | OSHA inspections, injury data submission | Internal audits, management reviews, certification audits |
| Penalties | Civil fines up to $165k, daily abatement penalties | No legal penalties, loss of certification |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about OSHA and ISO 30301
OSHA FAQ
ISO 30301 FAQ
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