ISO 45001:2018 occupational health and safety

ISO 45001 is the international standard for occupational health and safety (OH&S) management systems. Published in 2018, it replaced the British standard BS OHSAS 18001:2007, and certificates to OHSAS 18001 had to be migrated to ISO 45001 by September 2021. The standard was amended in 2024 to address climate change, and a revised edition is in preparation. Organisations that were certified to OHSAS 18001 move to ISO 45001, and we help them make that migration.

ISO 45001 follows the same high-level structure as ISO 9001 and ISO 14001, so the three can be integrated easily. Legal and regulatory commitment, worker participation and continual improvement are central to the standard.

• Fewer personal injuries through the prevention and control of workplace hazards
• A lower risk of major accidents
• A well-qualified and motivated workforce, by meeting the rising expectations of your employees
• Less material loss and fewer production interruptions caused by accidents

• Lower insurance costs and lower costs from absenteeism
• The option of an integrated management system covering quality, environment and health and safety
• Assurance that the relevant legislation is identified and acted on
• A stronger public image, as occupational health and safety grows in importance

The standard applies to organisations of any size. It is especially relevant to companies with a large workforce, manual and heavy work, or high-risk work environments. Managing the health and safety of employees shows that you are actively making your operations safe for your people and the surrounding environment.

Typical sectors (companies and authorities): food and drink manufacturing, processing and services; oil and gas; construction and building; packaging material manufacturing.