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What is ISO 45001?

ISO 45001 is an international standard designed to help organizations provide safe and healthy workplaces by preventing work-related injury and ill health, as well as by proactively improving OHS performance. It focuses on establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continually improving an OHSMS.

Objectives

Ensure the health and safety of employees and stakeholders
Reduce workplace injuries and occupational illnesses
Comply with legal and regulatory requirements
Foster a culture of safety across the organization

Key Elements of ISO 45001

Leadership & Commitment
Hazard Identification & Risk Assessment
Planning — Objectives & Controls
Competence & Training
Operational Controls
Emergency Preparedness & Response
Monitoring, Measurement & Performance Evaluation
Internal Audit & Management Review

Certification Steps

Preparation / Gap Analysis: Assess current OHS practices and identify gaps.
OHSMS Documentation: Prepare policy, procedures, work instructions, and records.
Implementation & Training: Implement controls and train employees.
Internal Audit: Verify the effectiveness of the OHSMS.
Select Certification Body: Choose an accredited third-party body.
External Audit (Stage 1 & Stage 2): Document review and on-site audit for certification.
Certificate Issuance & Surveillance: Certificate issued and periodic surveillance audits follow.

Typical Documents Required

Company registration documents
OHS policy and objectives document
Hazard identification and risk assessment reports
List of applicable legal/regulatory requirements
Training records and SOPs
Incident/accident reports and investigations
Internal audit and corrective action records

Timeline & Cost

Timeline: Typically, 1–6 months depending on organizational readiness.

Cost: Varies by organization size — documentation, training, and external audit fees apply. Obtain a quote from consultant/certification body.

Benefits

Improved worker safety and morale
Reduced incidents and absenteeism
Easier legal compliance
Enhanced reputation and stakeholder trust
Potential productivity and efficiency gains

Post-Certification (Maintenance)

Annual surveillance audits
Ongoing training and competence development
Incident reporting and corrective/preventive actions
Management reviews and continual improvement

FAQ

Q1. Which organizations should implement ISO 45001?
A: Any organization—manufacturing, services, non-profits, government—that wants to manage occupational health and safety risks effectively.

Q2. How does ISO 45001 differ from OHSAS 18001?
A: ISO 45001 replaced OHSAS 18001 with a modern management approach that emphasizes leadership, risk-based thinking, and integration with other management systems.

Q3. Is the certificate permanent?
A: No. Certification requires surveillance audits and periodic re-certification (typically every three years).