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VCAVCA vs. ISO 45001

VCA vs. ISO 45001: what is the difference?

VCA  and ISO 45001  both cover safe working. VCA is managed by the SSVV (Stichting Samenwerken Voor Veiligheid, the foundation that manages VCA) , while ISO 45001 is the international standard available through NEN (Netherlands Standardization Institute) . Even so, they are very different things. This article explains the differences and when you need each one.

VCA vs ISO 45001: the short answer

VCA is a checklist for contractors. It is practical: do you have the diplomas? Do you hold toolbox talks? Do you record incidents? It is designed specifically for companies that work at other organisations’ sites.

ISO 45001 is a management system for occupational health and safety. It is broader: it covers the whole organisation, not only work at clients’ sites. You decide for yourself which risks exist and how you tackle them.

Where do they come from?

VCA originated in the 1990s in the Dutch and Belgian petrochemical industry. Companies such as Shell wanted assurance that contractors worked safely. They created a checklist that later grew into the current VCA certification. VCA is mainly widespread in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and Austria.

ISO 45001 is the international standard for occupational health and safety, published by the International Organization for Standardization . It has replaced the older OHSAS 18001 since 2018. ISO 45001 is used worldwide in all sectors.

The main differences

AspectVCAISO 45001
TypeChecklist with fixed requirementsManagement system with frameworks
ScopeContractors at client sitesAll employees, whole organisation
ApproachPrescribed measuresRisk-based, you fill it in yourself
FlexibilityLimited, fixed checklistHigh, you decide how
RegionNetherlands, Belgium, GermanyWorldwide
Diploma requirementYes, B-VCA/VOL-VCA mandatoryNo, you decide
Toolbox talksMandatoryNot specifically required

VCA is concrete, ISO 45001 is abstract

This is the biggest difference. VCA says exactly what you must do:

  • Your employees must hold B-VCA
  • You must hold toolbox meetings
  • You must record incidents
  • You must carry out workplace inspections

ISO 45001 sets frameworks but no concrete content:

  • You must identify risks
  • You must take measures
  • You must ensure competence
  • You must improve continuously

With VCA, it is clear what the auditor checks. With ISO 45001, you must show yourself that your approach works.

ISO 45001 does not require VCA diplomas or toolbox talks. But if you decide that this is the best way to control your risks, then you must do it. The choice is yours, but you must be able to explain your choices.

When do you need VCA?

VCA is needed if you work at other companies’ sites and they ask for it. This applies mainly to:

  • Contractors and subcontractors in construction
  • Installation companies
  • Maintenance companies
  • Technical service providers
  • Companies working in industry or petrochemicals

Without VCA, many clients will not let you in. Check the VCA levels to decide whether you need VCA* or VCA**.

When do you need ISO 45001?

ISO 45001 is relevant if you:

  • Want a systematic approach to safety for your whole organisation
  • Work internationally and need a standard recognised worldwide
  • Already have ISO 9001 or ISO 14001 and want to integrate it
  • Have clients who ask for ISO 45001
  • Want to take your safety management to a higher level

ISO 45001 is often requested by multinationals, government bodies and in sectors where safety is critical.

Can you have both?

Yes, and many companies do. The two complement each other.

VCA ensures you meet the practical requirements that clients set. You have the diplomas, you hold the toolbox talks, you keep records.

ISO 45001 ensures a systematic approach at organisational level. You look more broadly than just the work on site.

If you already have VCA, you have a head start on ISO 45001. Many things overlap:

  • Risk inventory (RI&E, risk inventory and evaluation)
  • Incident recording
  • Training and instruction
  • Management involvement (at VCA**)

The audits can sometimes be combined, which saves time and money.

Which should you choose?

SituationAdvice
You work as a contractor in NL/BEStart with VCA
You only have your own sitesISO 45001 is more logical
Clients ask for VCAYou have no choice: VCA
You want to work internationallyISO 45001 is more widely recognised
You already have ISO 9001ISO 45001 fits well in your system
You want bothStart with VCA, add ISO 45001 later

Most companies in construction and technical services start with VCA because the market asks for it. ISO 45001 often comes later, when the company grows or when clients ask for it.

More information

VCA quality markVCA vs. safety ladder