ISO 45001 provides a framework for preventing work-related injury and ill health and providing safe and healthy workplaces. Certification shows clients, insurers and your workforce that an independent auditor has verified how you identify hazards and control risks.
What Is ISO 45001?
ISO 45001 is the international standard for occupational health and safety (OH&S) management systems. Published in 2018, it replaced OHSAS 18001 and was amended in 2024.
Key Requirements
| Clause | Topic | In practice |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | Context | Needs of workers and interested parties; OH&S scope |
| 5 | Leadership and worker participation | Top management accountability, OH&S policy, consultation and participation of workers |
| 6 | Planning | Hazard identification, risk assessment, legal requirements, objectives |
| 7 | Support | Competence, awareness, communication, documented information |
| 8 | Operation | Hierarchy of controls, management of change, contractors, emergency preparedness |
| 9 | Performance evaluation | Monitoring, compliance evaluation, internal audit, management review |
| 10 | Improvement | Incident investigation, corrective action, continual improvement |
Who Needs ISO 45001 Certification?
Construction and EPC, oil & gas and drilling, manufacturing, energy, logistics, facilities services and contractors working on client sites.
Benefits
- Fewer incidents through structured hazard control.
- Meets pre-qualification requirements of operators and principal contractors.
- Builds a safety culture by involving workers.
- Integrates with ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 for a single HSEQ system.
The Certification Process
- Application: share your scope, sites and headcount; we confirm the route and audit time.
- Proposal and agreement: written proposal and certification agreement.
- Stage 1 audit: documentation and readiness review.
- Stage 2 audit: on-site evaluation of implementation and effectiveness.
- Certification decision: made by a competent reviewer who was not on the audit.
- Surveillance and recertification: annual surveillance, recertification every three years.
Auditors visit operational areas and interview non-managerial workers in every audit. They follow your site safety rules and PPE requirements.
What ISO 45001 Auditors Focus On
- Hazard identification covering routine and non-routine work, contractors and visitors.
- Application of the hierarchy of controls, not only PPE.
- Real evidence of worker consultation and participation.
- Incident and near-miss investigation.
- Management of change, contractor control and emergency preparedness.
FAQs
Has ISO 45001 replaced OHSAS 18001?
Yes. OHSAS 18001 was withdrawn and organizations have migrated to ISO 45001.
Do auditors talk to workers?
Yes. Interviews with non-managerial workers are an essential part of ISO 45001 audits.
Does certification mean we comply with OSHA or local safety law?
Not by itself. It shows you have a system to identify and evaluate compliance. Legal compliance remains your responsibility.
Request a Quote
Tell us your scope, sites and headcount; we’ll confirm the route and audit days in writing. Request a Quote