Fewer incidents
Hazards identified and controlled using the hierarchy of controls.
Certification support
ISO 45001 Occupational Health & Safety
Current edition: ISO 45001:2018 · revision in progress
The occupational health and safety standard for organisations that want to prevent work-related injury and ill health, involve workers and show that safety is managed. We help you build a system that works on the shop floor and prepare you for certification by an accredited body.
2027Next edition
ISO 45001 is being revised
The first revision of ISO 45001 reached Draft International Standard stage in 2026, with publication expected in 2027 and a transition period likely to follow. Certification to ISO 45001:2018 remains valid. Systems we build now are designed to move to the new edition with a focused gap review.
What the standard covers
Requirements, clause by clause
ISO 45001 follows the harmonized structure shared by ISO management system standards, so it integrates cleanly with ISO 9001 and ISO 14001.
4
Context
Issues, needs of workers and other interested parties, scope and OH&S processes.
5
Leadership
Commitment, OH&S policy, roles, and consultation and participation of workers.
6
Planning
Hazard identification, risk assessment, legal requirements, objectives.
7
Support
Resources, competence, awareness, communication, documented information.
8
Operation
Hierarchy of controls, management of change, procurement and contractors, emergencies.
9
Performance evaluation
Monitoring, compliance evaluation, internal audit, management review.
10
Improvement
Incidents, nonconformity, corrective action and continual improvement.
Clauses 4 to 10 follow the Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle and the harmonized structure shared with ISO 9001, so the systems integrate cleanly.
Why organisations implement it
What a working OH&S system delivers
Worker involvement
Consultation and participation that surface risks early.
Legal compliance
Legal and other requirements identified, met and evidenced.
Contractor control
Clear requirements for contractors and outsourced work on your sites.
Tender access
A recognised requirement for contractors and suppliers in many sectors.
One system
Integrates with ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 under one policy and one audit programme.
How we work
Path to certification
One AEC methodology from first assessment to certificate, delivered by registered lead auditors.
- AssessGap assessment against ISO 45001, scope and roadmap
- DesignProcesses, risk register, policy and documented information
- ImplementProcesses embedded with coaching for process owners
- TrainAwareness for all staff and internal auditor development
- VerifyInternal audit, management review and mock certification audit
- Certify & sustainStage 1 and Stage 2 support, then surveillance readiness
Full implementation
No existing system. We design and implement from the ground up.
Typically 6 to 9 monthsGap remediation
Some documentation in place. We close the gaps and prove effectiveness.
Typically 4 to 6 monthsUpgrade & integration
Integration with ISO 9001 and ISO 14001, or readiness for the 2027 edition.
Typically 3 to 5 months
Who certifies
Independent certification, chosen to fit your market
Your ISO 45001 certificate is issued by an independent certification body accredited by UKAS, DAkkS or an equivalent national accreditation body. AEC prepares you for that audit; the certification decision is theirs.
CB-neutral
We are not tied to one certification body and help you select one to suit your customers and sites.
Audit-ready
Mock certification audit and closed corrective actions before Stage 1 and Stage 2.
No guarantees
We prepare you thoroughly and never promise an outcome only an independent auditor can decide.
Case study
ISO 45001 in practice
Energy & utilities · Balochistan
Uch Power
ISO 9001, 14001 & 45001 · 2019 · 6 months · 990 MW
1stAttempt
0Major NCs
3Standards
The challenge
Integrating two combined-cycle plants into one quality, environmental and safety system at a remote, safety-critical site, without disrupting round-the-clock generation.
What AEC did
Gap assessment against all three standards, integrated documentation, legal register, hazard and environmental aspect assessments, awareness and internal auditor training, internal audit, management review and mock certification audit.
Certified at first attempt, no major nonconformities. One integrated system now covers generation, operation and maintenance across both plants.
Where it applies
ISO 45001 by industry
Construction · site safety and subcontractor control
Oil & gas · process safety and permit to work
Power & utilities · safety-critical operations
Manufacturing · machinery, chemicals and ergonomics
Transport & logistics · fleet, warehouse and handling
Shipping & ports · terminal and cargo operations
Related standards
Training Academy
View ISO 45001 courses
ISO 45001 training
Delivered by practising, registered lead auditors. In-house, public, virtual or hybrid.
- Awareness (half day) for all staff
- Implementer (2 to 3 days) for system owners
- Internal Auditor (2 to 3 days) in line with ISO 19011
- Lead Auditor (5 days), CQI/IRCA certified
Questions
ISO 45001 FAQ
Does AEC issue the ISO 45001 certificate?
No. Certificates are issued by independent certification bodies accredited by UKAS, DAkkS or an equivalent national accreditation body. AEC prepares your organisation for that audit and supports you through Stage 1 and Stage 2.
Should we wait for the new edition?
No. Certification to ISO 45001:2018 remains valid until the transition period for the new edition ends. Building a system now, with the revision in view, means the later transition is a focused gap review.
How long does ISO 45001 certification take?
Typically 6 to 9 months from a standing start, 4 to 6 months where basic systems exist, and 3 to 5 months for integration with an existing ISO 9001 or ISO 14001 system.
Does ISO 45001 replace OHSAS 18001?
Yes. OHSAS 18001 was withdrawn, and organisations certified to it migrated to ISO 45001.
Start your ISO 45001 programme
Tell us your sites, workforce and activities. We reply with a proposal covering gap assessment, implementation, training and certification support.
Certification decisions are made by independent, accredited certification bodies. AEC prepares organisations for certification and does not guarantee certification outcomes.