ISO 45001: complete guide, articles and resources

What is the ISO 45001 standard?

The ISO 45001 standard sets out the requirements of an occupational health and safety (OH&S) management system. Published in 2018, it has progressively replaced OHSAS 18001 and is the first ISO standard dedicated to workplace health and safety.

The standard is built on hazard identification, risk assessment, prevention of work-related injuries and ill health, and active worker participation. It adopts the High Level Structure (Annex SL), making it straightforward to integrate with ISO 9001 and ISO 14001.

ISO 45001 places strong emphasis on top management leadership, worker consultation and participation, control of external providers, and contextual analysis. It complements but does not replace OSHA, HSE, or other national regulatory regimes.

Who is ISO 45001 for?

The standard targets any organisation that employs workers, regardless of sector. It is particularly relevant for higher-risk industries (construction, chemicals, food processing, transport, manufacturing) but also for service sectors exposed to psychosocial risks.

Why get certified?

ISO 45001 certification helps to reduce workplace incidents, lower absenteeism, improve organisational culture, meet customer and prime contractor requirements, and reduce hidden costs (workers' compensation premiums, claims, litigation).