Cookie consent(s)
We use cookies on our website to personalize content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyze traffic to our website. Please click "ACCEPT ALL" to enable us to offer you the best possible experience on our website. By doing so, you consent to the processing and sharing of your information with our social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can revoke your consent at any time on the cookie settings page​.
Privacy statement

What is ISO 45001?

Oct 03, 2023

ISO 45001 explained: all FAQs at a glance

Do you want to offer your employees a safe and healthy workplace? Certification to ISO 45001 ensures comprehensive health and safety. What exactly does the standard entail? And who is it for? In this blog we explain ISO 45001. We have listed the FAQ (most frequently asked questions) and answers about the standard.

1. What is ISO 45001?

The ISO 45001 standard is the first international standard for occupational health and safety management systems (OHSMS). The new standard is intended to ensure uniform improvement of national and international occupational health and safety performance. ISO 45001 was developed based on the OHSAS 18001 standard, which it is now replacing, and features a Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) model. The use of the PDCA cycle promotes continuous improvement in the OHSMS. 2.

2. What companies should be certified to ISO 45001?

The certification of occupational health and safety management is suitable for every company, regardless of size or industry. It helps companies ensure the long-term safety and health of their employees and at the same time reach their business goals.

4. How exactly does ISO 45001 certification work?

Our experts provide comprehensive support in auditing your occupational health and safety management system. These are the individual steps of the process:
1. Information and pre-audit (optional): Connect with our experts to learn more about what to expect during the audit. We also offer an optional “pre-audit” from one of our auditors to assess your readiness to move forward with the certification audit.
2. Stage I audit: In the first part of your certification audit, the documentation of your management system is audited for completeness and compliance to the standard.
3. Stage II audit: In the second part of your certification audit, our auditors audit your locations to assess the implementation of your management system.
4. Granting of certificate: Upon resolving any non-conformities found in the audit, you will be issued an accredited certificate. The globally-recognized DEKRA Seal will also be made available to you to use to promote your certified status.
5. Regular surveillance audits: Routine audits are performed (usually annually) to observe the maintenance of the implemented management system.
6. Recertification: After three years, you will need to go through a recertification audit (similar to the second part of the audit) to renew your certification.

5. Which standards can be combined with ISO 45001 for integrated certification?

With its uniform High-Level Structure (HLS), shared by all new and revised management system standards, ISO 45001 can be easily combined with other ISO standards for management systems. For example, ISO 9001 for quality management or ISO 14001 for environmental management.

Learn more about ISO 45001

Do you have a different question about ISO 45001 than stated in this FAQ? And are you considering ISO 45001 certification for your organization? Our experts are happy to explain the standard in more detail.
Show all articles