A Comprehensive Guide to ISO 45001

For more than two decades, OHSAS 18001 has provided organizations worldwide with a compact framework for managing occupational health and safety. However, its lack of international uniformity, with over 40 national versions, posed challenges for global organizations seeking a unified approach.

To overcome this, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) developed ISO 45001:2018, the first actual international standard for OH&S management systems. Built on the Annex SL high-level structure, ISO 45001 is fully aligned with other major ISO standards, including ISO 9001 (Quality Management), ISO 14001 (Environmental Management), and ISO/IEC 27001 (Information Security Management). This alignment simplifies integration, improves consistency, and promotes a united management approach through all business areas.

ISO 45001 Definition

ISO 45001 is a global standard that outlines the requirements for establishing an Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS). It offers a systematic approach that enables organizations to recognize, manage, and minimize workplace health and safety risks, while promoting employee well-being and safer working conditions. It applies to organizations of any size or sector, and it supports improved safety performance, reduced incidents, and a clear demonstration of commitment to occupational health and safety.

Understanding the ISO 45001 Structure

ISO 45001 is developed on the High-Level Structure (HLS), which categorizes the standard into ten key clauses that help organizations develop and maintain a strong Occupational Health and Safety Management System.

Summary of Clauses 1–10:

• Scope – Outlines the intent of the standard and the scope of its requirements.
• Normative References – Identifies any documents needed to understand and apply the standard; typically, none are required beyond ISO 45001 itself.
• Terms and Definitions – Clarifies important terminology used throughout the standard.
• Context of the Organization – Involves evaluating internal and external factors, understanding worker and stakeholder needs, and establishing the boundaries of the OHSMS.
• Leadership and Worker Participation – Highlights the role of top management in setting the OHS policy and ensuring meaningful worker involvement.
• Planning – Addresses how an organization identifies risks and opportunities, meets legal obligations, and sets measurable OHS objectives.
• Support – Covers the resources, competencies, communication, and documented information necessary to run the OHSMS effectively.
• Operation – Focuses on operational controls, hazard elimination, managing changes, and preparing for emergencies.
• Performance Evaluation – Requires ongoing monitoring, measurement, internal audits, and management reviews to assess system performance.
• Improvement – Involves inspecting incidents, taking corrective action, and ensuring continual enhancement of the OHSMS.

How to Prepare for and Implement ISO 45001

Whether transitioning or starting from scratch, effective ISO 45001 implementation requires an organized and carefully planned approach:

1. Align the OH&S Strategy with Organizational Goals:
   Ensure that the OH&S strategy supports your organization’s overall objectives, mission, and long-term vision.
2. Engage Stakeholders:
   Work together with both internal and external stakeholders to build collective commitment and awareness around safety objectives.
3. Analyze the Value Chain:
   Evaluate your supply chain and operational processes to identify parts where OH&S improvements can add value and reduce risk.
4. Demonstrate Leadership:
   Top management must actively work and lead the OH&S culture through commitment, communication, and effective resource allocation.
5. Evaluate Risks and Opportunities:
   Conduct regular risk assessments and take proactive steps to improve safety performance and organizational resilience.

What Is the Difference Between ISO 45001 and OHSAS 18001?

Occupational health and safety (OH&S) management has evolved considerably in recent years, with ISO 45001 officially replacing OHSAS 18001 as the global benchmark for OH&S management systems. While both standards share the common goal of improving workplace safety and reducing risks, ISO 45001 introduces a more tactical, integrated, and proactive framework for managing occupational health and safety.

ISO 45001 introduces numerous important updates and theoretical shifts from OHSAS 18001, ensuring a more complete and leadership-driven approach to workplace safety.

1. High-Level Structure (Annex SL)
   ISO 45001 adopts a standardized structure and terminology, improving alignment across management systems. Common terms such as risk, legal requirements, corrective actions, and documented information are now consistently applied.
2. Organizational Context
   ISO 45001 requires organizations to consider both internal and external factors that can influence their OH&S objectives, thereby ensuring a broader understanding of their operating environment.
3. Leadership and Worker Participation
   ISO 45001 highlights active leadership involvement and worker engagement in developing, implementing, and maintaining the OH&S system, strengthening accountability and collaboration.
4. Risk-Based Thinking
   Beyond hazard identification, ISO 45001 integrates risk-based thinking, encouraging organizations to continually identify and manage risks and opportunities that could impact OH&S results.
5. Integration and Strategic Alignment
   OH&S management is now directly linked to the organization’s overall strategic direction, integrating health and safety into core business decision-making processes.
6. Continual Improvement
   The standard underlines the need for performance evaluation, learning, and continuous improvement to keep a culture of health, safety, and well-being.

Conclusion

The transition from OHSAS 18001 to ISO 45001 has marked a major milestone in the evolution of occupational health and safety management. ISO 45001’s holistic, risk-based, and leadership-focused framework empowers organizations to go beyond compliance, creating safer, healthier, and more robust workplaces.

By adopting ISO 45001, organizations not only reduce incidents and ensure legal requirements but also increase and improve employee morale, build stakeholder trust, and strengthen their overall reputation. Eventually, ISO 45001 promotes a culture where safety is not just a requirement, but an essential organizational value that drives sustainable success.

How PECB Can Help

Through PECB Certified ISO 45001 training courses, participants gain the knowledge and skills to implement, manage, audit, and improve an OH&S management system in alignment with international best practices. These ISO 45001 training courses, ranging from Foundation and Lead Implementer to Lead Auditor, are designed to help individuals and organizations:

• ISO 45001 Foundation
• ISO 45001 Lead Implementer
• ISO 45001 Lead Auditor

About the Author

Vesa Hyseni is a Senior Content and Campaigns Specialist at PECB. She is responsible for creating up-to-date content, conducting market research, and providing insights about ISO standards. For any questions, feel free to reach out to her at support@pecb.com.