How to Prepare for ISO 45001:2027
ISO 45001 is currently under revision. We expect the new version of the international standard for occupational health and safety management to be published in the first half of 2027. It will replace ISO 45001:2018. If you are already certified to ISO 45001:2018, it is a good idea to stay up to date here.
Why is the ISO 45001 standard being revised?
ISO 45001 was first published in 2018. Since then, both the labour market and the risks that organisations need to address have evolved. More people are working in hybrid environments, new technologies are transforming work processes, and mental health and well-being now play a greater role in organisations’ occupational health and safety efforts.
At the same time, there is greater focus on climate, diversity, and the different needs and risks that may exist among employees.
The revision of ISO 45001 therefore aims to ensure that the standard continues to provide organisations with an up-to-date framework for preventing work-related injuries and diseases and creating safe and healthy workplaces.
Current status: The revision has reached the DIS stage, Draft International Standard. This means that an international draft of the forthcoming standard is now available. The content may still be subject to change before the final ISO 45001:2027 standard is published.
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What Is Changing in ISO 45001:2027?
ISO 45001 is not being completely rewritten. The fundamental principles of the standard remain unchanged, but the current draft includes a number of targeted changes and clarifications.
Here are some of the key areas:
- Greater focus on work-related well-being
ISO 45001 has always focused on preventing workplace accidents and work-related illness. In the new draft, “work-related well-being” is given greater emphasis. This points towards a more proactive approach to occupational health and safety, where organisations are expected not only to prevent injuries, but also to consider the workplace factors that affect employees’ health and well-being. - Greater focus on mental and psychosocial working conditions
In the ISO 45001:2027 draft, psychosocial hazards in the workplace are addressed more explicitly. These may, for example, relate to the organisation of work, workload, workplace relationships, organisational culture and other factors that may affect employees’ mental well-being at work. - New ways of working and technologies need to be considered
Working life has changed since ISO 45001 was published in 2018. More people now work in hybrid arrangements. This means that the the revision places greater emphasis on organisations identifying risks associated with new technologies, digital work platforms and employees working remotely. In other words, health and safety considerations extend beyond the traditional workplace. - Greater emphasis on workforce diversity
Employees are different and may respond differently to working conditions. The same working conditions do not necessarily pose the same risks to everyone. The revision therefore places greater emphasis on the need to consider workforce diversity, as well as the different circumstances and needs of different employee groups. - Climate becomes part of the overall risk landscape
Climate considerations have already been incorporated into ISO 45001 through ISO’s 2024 Climate Change Amendment. This change is now being integrated into the revised standard, and the impacts of climate change will be among the factors that may need to be identified as occupational health and safety hazards. Examples include heat, extreme weather and other climate-related conditions that may affect employees’ health and safety at work. - New focus on health and return to work
The current draft introduces new, dedicated sections on work-related health and returning to work following injury or illness. This further emphasises that occupational health and safety management is not only about preventing incidents, but also about having systematic processes in place when employees become ill or are injured. - Greater focus on externally provided processes and services
The current ISO 45001:2018 includes a separate section on procurement. In the draft of the new version, this is expanded to include externally provided processes, products and services. This means that organisations also have a responsibility for occupational health and safety risks when activities or deliveries involve external parties.
Just like the revisions of ISO 9001 and ISO 14001, ISO 45001:2027 is also being aligned with the Harmonized Structure (formerly the High Level Structure), which provides a common structure for ISO management system standards. For organisations working with multiple ISO standards, this common structure offers a clear advantage, as standards such as ISO 45001, ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 can be more easily integrated into a single management system.
Are you already certified to ISO 45001?
What should you do now?
If you are certified to ISO 45001:2018, it is a good idea to keep up to date with the development of the 2027 revision. However, it is still too early to begin making changes to your occupational health and safety management system.
The new standard is still under development, and its content may change before the final version is published. Once the final standard has been published, the process of certification to the new version can begin. Certification bodies must first obtain the necessary accreditation before organisations can be certified. It may take up to six months from the publication of the final standard until the necessary accreditation is in place.
Your current certification will therefore continue under the existing requirements. Depending on where you are in your certification cycle, the transition to the new standard may take place either through a conversion process or as part of your next recertification.
For now, the most important thing is to stay informed and start looking at the areas where the revision is likely to have the greatest impact on your organisation.
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FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about ISO 45001:2027
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When will the new version of ISO 45001 be published?
We expect the revised ISO 45001 to be published in 2027. Danish Standards currently indicates May 2027 as the expected publication date, although the timeline may change as the international revision process progresses.
The revision has now reached the DIS stage, or Draft International Standard. This means that an international draft of the revised standard is now available, but the content may still be subject to change. -
Should we wait before getting ISO 45001 certified?
No. If you are considering ISO 45001 certification, there is no reason to put the process on hold while waiting for ISO 45001:2027. The current ISO 45001:2018 remains the applicable standard, and the foundation of your occupational health and safety management system will continue to be relevant after the revision.
Learn more about ISO 45001 certification ⟶ -
Will our current ISO 45001:2018 certificate become invalid?
No. Your current ISO 45001:2018 certification will continue under the existing rules for the certification cycle. The specific transition arrangements for ISO 45001:2027 have not yet been determined. Once the new standard is published, we will provide guidance on the transition process, including how and when certified organisations should move to the new version.
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How can we best prepare?
Stay informed, take part in upcoming transition courses and consider having a GAP analysis carried out once the final standard is available. Bureau Veritas is ready to support you throughout the process.