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Understand ISO 45001:2018 and how your business can create a safer workplace. Learn key requirements, benefits, and steps for OHSMS certification.
Health and safety at work is more than just compliance—it's about protecting your people and your business. ISO 45001:2018 is the international standard for Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems (OHSMS), designed to help organisations create safer working environments, manage risks proactively, and improve overall performance.
Whether you're in construction, manufacturing, logistics, or even an office setting, ISO 45001:2018 offers a structured framework to improve worker safety, reduce workplace risks, and enhance well-being at every level.
ISO 45001:2018 is the first global standard for occupational health and safety, published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). It replaces the older OHSAS 18001 standard and introduces a risk-based approach aligned with the Annex SL High-Level Structure, making it easier to integrate with other ISO standards like ISO 9001 (Quality) and ISO 14001 (Environmental).
ISO 45001:2018 is designed to help organisations prevent work-related injuries, illnesses, and fatalities while promoting a culture of continual improvement.
The standard follows the 10-clause structure common to modern ISO standards. Here’s a simplified breakdown:
Identify internal and external issues, interested parties (like workers, regulators, and clients), and define the scope of your OHSMS.
Top management must take accountability, show leadership, and ensure active worker consultation and participation throughout the system.
Identify risks and opportunities related to health and safety, set clear objectives, and plan actions to address them.
Ensure availability of resources, training, awareness, and communication to implement and maintain the system.
Establish controls for risk reduction, change management, contractor safety, and emergency preparedness.
Monitor, measure, analyse, and evaluate OHS performance. Conduct internal audits and management reviews.
Respond to incidents and nonconformities. Focus on corrective actions and continual improvement of the system.
Certification to ISO 45001:2018 is more than a badge—it’s a signal to employees, clients, and regulators that your organisation prioritises safety.
The standard applies to all organisations, regardless of size or industry. It is particularly useful for:
Even if your business isn’t considered high-risk, ISO 45001 helps manage day-to-day risks such as slips, stress, ergonomics, and equipment use.
Here’s how ISO 45001:2018 impacts your business positively:
The standard encourages identifying risks before incidents occur, unlike older models that only respond after harm is done.
Fewer incidents mean reduced sick leave, downtime, insurance claims, and potential legal fees.
With formal worker participation processes, ISO 45001 empowers employees to contribute to safer working conditions.
You’ll align with regulatory expectations and prove due diligence in case of inspections or investigations.
More clients (especially in public and corporate sectors) require ISO 45001 for vendor approval and project bids.
Here’s a simplified roadmap to certification:
Assess your current practices against ISO 45001:2018 requirements. Identify areas that need improvement.
Create or update your OHS policies, procedures, and documentation based on the standard.
Train staff on their roles, rights, responsibilities, and reporting procedures.
Conduct internal audits to evaluate effectiveness and readiness.
Top management must review system performance and approve next steps.
An external certification body (like one accredited by ASCB (UK)) will audit your OHSMS in two stages:
Once approved, you’ll receive your certificate typically valid for 3 years with annual surveillance audits.
Auditors will:
The goal is not perfection but proof that your OHSMS is being implemented, maintained, and improved in line with ISO 45001:2018.
❌ Myth: It’s only for big companies
✅ Truth: It’s scalable for any business—small, medium, or large.
❌ Myth: It’s just a paperwork exercise
✅ Truth: ISO 45001 focuses on real-world risks and practical solutions.
❌ Myth: It’s the same as OHSAS 18001
✅ Truth: ISO 45001 uses a modern structure, adds risk-based planning, and demands stronger leadership engagement.
Health and safety are not optional it’s a responsibility. With ISO 45001:2018, you build a safety-first culture that protects your workforce, meets legal duties, and earns the trust of your clients.
Whether you’re just starting out or already managing risks, certification shows that your business is committed to continuous improvement and worker well-being.
At Reliable Certification, we help UK businesses get certified to ISO 45001:2018 through ASCB (UK) a respected UK-based accreditation body. We offer end-to-end support to make the process simple, cost-effective, and hassle-free.
👉 Visit our website or contact us to get a free quote.
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