24 June 2024
VCA and ISO 45001: The Differences
VCA in Brief
The Safety, Health, and Environment Checklist for Contractors (VCA) is a standard for the evaluation and certification of safety and occupational health systems. With a VCA certificate, you demonstrate that your company prioritizes safe and healthy working conditions and that you are a competent and reliable contractor. VCA is intended for companies that carry out (high-risk) activities or work in hazardous environments, such as in the construction and manufacturing sectors. A VCA certificate also ensures compliance with the minimum requirements of Dutch occupational health and safety legislation. Additionally, it is important not to confuse the VCA certificate for your company with individual certifications, known as the VCA diploma. These are two entirely different certifications.
ISO 45001 in Brief
The Safety, Health, and Environment Checklist for Contractors (VCA) is a standard for the evaluation and certification of safety and occupational health systems. With a VCA certificate, you demonstrate that your company prioritizes safe and healthy working conditions and that you are a competent and reliable contractor. VCA is intended for companies that carry out (high-risk) activities or work in hazardous environments, such as in the construction and manufacturing sectors. A VCA certificate also ensures compliance with the minimum requirements of Dutch occupational health and safety legislation. Additionally, it is important not to confuse the VCA certificate for your company with individual certifications, known as the VCA diploma. These are two entirely different certifications.
VCA and ISO 45001: The Differences
As an employer, you are legally required to ensure the safety and health of your employees. It is advisable to establish a safety management system within your organization. Compliance with safety standards is an essential part of this, for example, through VCA and ISO 45001. What do these standards entail, and what are the differences?
An Overview of the Differences
Although VCA and ISO 45001 are both safety standards, there are differences between the two. Below are the three main distinctions.
1. National Standard vs. Global Standard
VCA is a Dutch standard and is not internationally recognized. However, some countries, like Belgium, Germany, and Austria, do acknowledge the Dutch VCA certification. In other countries, a different certificate might be required. Be cautious in countries outside of Europe, as regulations can differ significantly from European standards.
ISO 45001 is the first global safety standard that is internationally accepted. Whether dealing with national or international projects, ISO 45001 shows that you understand the risks in your field, have taken all necessary precautions, and that your employees are trained to respond appropriately in emergency situations.
2. Construction/Contractor Sector vs. Any Sector
VCA is frequently used in construction-related organizations that perform high-risk tasks. Its scope is focused on safety, health, and the environment (SHE) and is centred on the presence of measures and procedures. ISO 45001 is applicable to any organization in any sector. Its scope covers not only working conditions and safety but also the overall well-being of employees.
3. Checklist vs. Management System
VCA (VGM Checklist Aannemers) is a practical checklist used to manage safety and high-risk activities on-site. The checklist aims to prevent workplace accidents by pointing out potential occupational hazards. ISO 45001 is a management system standard for health and safety at work. Unlike VCA, the focus is not on how things should be organized but rather on what needs to be organized. It offers more flexibility and freedom to design and improve working conditions according to the specific needs of the organization.
Which Standard is Right for My Company?
VCA is not inherently better than ISO 45001 or vice versa. The choice should be based on your organization, its needs, and any requirements you may face. For example, if VCA is required, but you are already ISO 45001 certified, you can often add specific VCA elements to your existing system.
Vous souhaitez créer un environnement de travail et de vie sûr et sain ?