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ISO 45001

The standard for Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) Management Systems

ISO 45001 certification demonstrates that your organisation operates a reliable, effective Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) Management System capable of reducing workplace risks, protecting employees, and improving long-term health and safety performance. Certification can strengthen stakeholder confidence, support tender success, improve operational resilience, and help differentiate your organisation in safety-critical markets.

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What Is ISO 45001 Certification?

ISO 45001:2018 is a certification for Occupational Health & Safety Management Systems (OH&S MS). Developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), it is held by thousands of organisations worldwide.

If you are looking to understand the ISO 45001 certification process, typical costs, and what to expect from certification, you are in the right place.

This page explains how certification works, what the process involves, and the key steps in achieving and maintaining certification.

If you are looking to learn more about the ISO 45001 standard itself, such as its requirements, structure, and benefits – please visit our ISO 45001 Standards Page.

What Are the Benefits of ISO 45001?

Achieving ISO 45001 certification offers numerous advantages, including:

Why Is It Important To Become ISO 45001 Certified?

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Key Requirements of ISO 45001

To achieve certification, an organisation will implement an Occupational Health & Safety Management System aligned with the requirements of ISO 45001:2018. These requirements help build a structured, reliable way of working that supports improved OH&S performance and long-term organisational resilience.

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Relationship management

The standard requires organisations to understand the needs and expectations of relevant workers, contractors, regulators, customers, and any other interested parties related to health and safety.

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Continual improvement

Regular audits and reviews are required to improve the effectiveness of the OH&S MS and support long-term safety performance.

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Leadership

Senior leaders must demonstrate commitment to the OH&S MS, ensuring safety is prioritised throughout the organisation.

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Evidence-based decision making

Decisions should be informed by the analysis and evaluation of OH&S performance data and incident trends.

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Process approach

Organisations must identify, understand, and manage processes that interact with workplace health and safety, ensuring risks are effectively controlled.

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Hazard identification & risk control

ISO 45001 requires organisations to identify hazards, assess OH&S risks, and implement measures to eliminate or reduce them.

These requirements form the foundation of a resilient, effective OH&S Management System.

Download the ISO 45001 Requirements

What Is the Certification Process and Timeline?

There is a structured approach to becoming ISO 45001-certified. To achieve ISO 45001 certification, you must show evidence that your OH&S Management System meets the requirements of the standard. Our expert ISO auditors will conduct a comprehensive multi-stage audit process to assess your OH&S MS and determine if it meets ISO 45001 requirements.

Our in-house Client Success Team will be in touch to explain the process and help you plan your Stage 1 Audit.

STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3
STEP 4
Stage 1 audit – initial review

A Stage 1 audit is the initial step in the certification process, carried out to evaluate an organisation’s readiness for a Stage 2 audit. It involves a review of management system documentation, an audit of site-specific conditions, and an evaluation of the organisation’s preparedness, including how the management system has been put in place so far. This stage helps identify potential issues, confirm the scope of the management system, and ensure the Stage 2 audit can be effectively planned. It also provides the organisation with critical feedback and planning insights to help optimise resources and ensure the success of the Stage 2 audit.

Stage 2 audit – in-depth review

When you’re ready, our auditor will complete a full audit to establish if your management systems and processes meet the requirements of the standard. A critical part of your Stage 2 audit will be reviewing real examples of the delivery of your products and services. 

Auditor’s recommendations

You’ll be advised of the Auditor’s recommendations on the day, which will be ratified by our Compliance department, and your certification will be issued following the decision subject to compliance with the standard.

SUCCESS! Certification issued

We’ll help keep you up-to-date. ISO certification’s excellent reputation is driven by its requirement for ongoing audits and continual improvement, so we’ll keep in touch and arrange annual audits to keep your certification up to date.

STEP 1
Stage 1 audit – initial review

A Stage 1 audit is the initial step in the certification process, carried out to evaluate an organisation’s readiness for a Stage 2 audit. It involves a review of management system documentation, an audit of site-specific conditions, and an evaluation of the organisation’s preparedness, including how the management system has been put in place so far. This stage helps identify potential issues, confirm the scope of the management system, and ensure the Stage 2 audit can be effectively planned. It also provides the organisation with critical feedback and planning insights to help optimise resources and ensure the success of the Stage 2 audit.

STEP 2
Stage 2 audit – in-depth review

When you’re ready, our auditor will complete a full audit to establish if your management systems and processes meet the requirements of the standard. A critical part of your Stage 2 audit will be reviewing real examples of the delivery of your products and services.

STEP 3
Auditor’s recommendations

You’ll be advised of the Auditor’s recommendations on the day, which will be ratified by our Compliance department, and your certification will be issued following the decision subject to compliance with the standard.

STEP 4
SUCCESS! Certification issued

We’ll help keep you up-to-date. ISO certification’s excellent reputation is driven by its requirement for ongoing audits and continual improvement, so we’ll keep in touch and arrange annual assessments to keep your certification up to date.

What Is Assessed During Certification?

Our expert and impartial auditors will review:

  • How hazards are identified, assessed, and controlled
  • Whether compliance obligations are understood and met
  • How risks, opportunities, and nonconformities are managed
  • Evidence of leadership commitment and worker involvement
  • Documented procedures, records, and OH&S performance data
  • How you measure, review, and improve your OH&S MS

Audits are impartial and structured to determine conformity with ISO 45001 requirements. Opportunities for improvement may also be noted through the process.

How Much Does ISO 45001 Certification Cost?

Certification costs in the UK can vary depending on several factors, including:

  • The size of your organisation
  • The sector you operate in
  • The number of locations included within the scope
  • The scope and complexity of your Occupational Health & Safety Management System

Due to these variables, certification costs can vary significantly. As a general guide, costs may start from around £2,500, depending on the size, complexity, and risk profile of your organisation.

At British Assessment Bureau, we provide clear, transparent pricing with no hidden fees, along with flexible payment plans to support your budget.

Why You Should Choose British Assessment Bureau

Choosing the right certification provider matters. British Assessment Bureau offers:

  • UKAS-accredited certification services: Your certification comes with the trusted Crown & Tick mark, indicating it has been issued by an accredited certification body recognised under the UK national accreditation infrastructure.
  • Expert support when you need it: Our highly qualified auditors and dedicated Client Success Team guide you from application to certification.
  • Exceptional customer satisfaction: 97% of customers rate us 4 or 5 stars on Feefo, and we’ve held an “Exceptional” Feefo rating for over ten years.
  • Flexible payment options: Choose a monthly or upfront payment to suit your budgeting.
what is iso 45001

What Happens After Certification?

Certification is the beginning of your OH&S journey. After achieving ISO 45001:

  • You’ll receive a UKAS-accredited certificate
  • You’ll undergo periodic surveillance audits – typically annually – to maintain certification
  • Your OH&S MS will continue to evolve through ongoing improvements
  • You can expand into other standards (ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 27001, etc.) with minimal duplication

ISO 45001 Implementation Training

We offer training designed to help you understand ISO 45001:2018 and how its requirements apply to your organisation. The course provides foundational knowledge to support OH&S Management System development and internal preparation for certification.

Training overview:

  • Introduction to ISO 45001 and OH&S Management Systems
  • Key concepts such as hazard identification, risk assessment, and legal compliance
  • Overview of the ISO 45001 clause structure
  • Understanding the role of the Plan-Do-Care Act (PDCA) cycle in continual improvement
  • Guidance on preparing for internal and external certification audits

Our ISO 45001 Support Services

Discover the ISO 45001 Standard

Learn more about ISO 45001:2018 and improve your OH&S Management System with our expert guides and insights.

Our ISO 45001 Training Courses

Our expert training courses help you implement and maintain an effective OH&S Management System.

Case Studies

Discover how British Assessment Bureau has helped forward-looking organisations achieve certification.

Your ISO 45001 Certification Questions Answered

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