ISO 45001

What Is ISO 45001?

ISO 45001:2018, known as ISO 45001, is an internationally recognised standard that contains requirements and guidance for usage that helps organisations create clear and consistent ways of working to manage their OH&S responsibilities. The standard, developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), sets out a systematic approach for identifying, managing, and improving OH&S performance.

By implementing ISO 45001, organisations of any size can work towards reducing workplace risks, improving how they meet health and safety obligations, and strengthening operational control.

When you achieve ISO 45001 certification through a UKAS-accredited certification body like British Assessment Bureau, you earn a trusted ‘UKAS crown and tick’ of approval, which confirms your organisation has a verified, effective Occupational Health & Safety Management System in place. This demonstrates that you have a structured, well-managed system for planning, monitoring, and improving your OH&S performance.

Organisations worldwide use ISO 45001 to show they operate responsibly, provide safer working environments, and continually improve. It is also often required or strongly preferred in high-value tenders and supply chains, making it an important way for businesses to stay competitive and meet stakeholder expectations.

What is an Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) Management System?

An OH&S Management System is a structured way for an organisation to manage how its activities, products, and services interact with workplace health and safety. It includes policies, objectives, processes, and controls designed to guide day-to-day operations and long-term safety planning.

Its main aim is to help the organisation reduce health and safety risks, operate more safely, and strengthen responsibility for worker wellbeing.

An OH&S Management System can help organisations improve hazard control, reduce accidents, manage risks, and support continual improvement.

ISO 45001 is the most widely used standard for creating and improving an OH&S Management System.

Learn more about Occupational Health & Safety Management Systems

Who Is ISO 45001 For?

ISO 45001 can benefit any organisation that wants to manage workplace risks or strengthen its OH&S practices. It is widely used in sectors including, but not limited to:

• Manufacturing
• Healthcare
• Construction
• IT & technology
• Logistics and transport
• Food & beverage
• Government and public services

Whether you’re a small business or a global enterprise, the standard can be implemented to fit your specific operations and objectives.

How ISO 45001 Links to Other Standards 

ISO 45001 is part of the ISO family of OH&S-related standards. ISO 45001 is the only certifiable standard; others, such as ISO 45002 and ISO 45003, provide guidance.

ISO 45001 aligns with other major management standards through the Annex SL structure, making it easier to integrate with other standards, such as:

• ISO 9001 (Quality Management)
• ISO 14001 (Environmental Management) 
• ISO 27001 (Information Security Management)

This shared structure can help to streamline compliance and reduce duplication for organisations implementing multiple standards.

Free ISO 45001 Training

Learn how ISO 45001 works, the certification process, and the importance of UKAS accreditation.  

Training includes: 

• Understanding the benefits of ISO 45001
• Overview of the certification steps
• Guidance to simplify implementation
• Access to our Ultimate ISO 45001 Guide