ISO 45001 is an international standard for occupational health and safety management systems (OHSMS) published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). It evolved from the OHSAS 18001 standard to address the growing global demand for organizations to demonstrate ethical practices, particularly in safeguarding employee well-being.
Key Features
Global Compliance: Provides a globally recognized framework to formally analyze and manage workplace risks, ensure regulatory compliance, and improve safety performance.
Risk-Driven Approach: Establishes systematic protocols for hazard identification, incident prevention, and continuous improvement aligned with ISO’s Annex SL structure.
Legacy Upgrade: Officially released in March 2018, ISO 45001 replaces the outdated OHSAS 18001 standard, integrating modern workforce safety expectations.
Applicability
ISO 45001 applies to virtually all industries, particularly those with:
High-risk operations (e.g., construction, chemical manufacturing)
Machinery-intensive workflows (e.g., automotive, electronics production)
Critical safety requirements (e.g., healthcare, pharmaceuticals, food processing)
Service sectors needing employee/customer safety assurance (e.g., logistics, hospitality)
Achieving ISO 45001 certification offers organizations significant advantages:
Enhanced Employee Well-being
Reduce workplace incidents and occupational illnesses by systematically identifying hazards and implementing preventive controls.
Boosted Workforce Efficiency
Strengthen employee morale, improve productivity, and elevate product/service quality through safer and healthier working conditions.
Reputation & Compliance Excellence
Build stakeholder trust by demonstrating compliance with legal requirements and customer expectations, enhancing corporate credibility.
Global Market Integration
Align with international standards to eliminate trade barriers and access markets prioritizing ethical labor practices.
Cost Optimization
Lower operational expenses—such as medical costs, insurance premiums, and compensation payouts—through proactive risk management and process standardization.