ISO 45001:2018 - Occupational health and safety management system certification
By obtaining ISO 45001:2018 certification, your organisation will demonstrate its unwavering commitment to fostering a high-quality working environment.
Notably, this certification will not only elevate employee satisfaction but also ensure a safe and healthy workplace, placing your valued workforce at the very core of your operations.
What is ISO 45001? The International Standard for Occupational Health & Safety
ISO 45001 is the internationally recognised standard for Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems (OH&SMS). Published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), it provides organisations of all sizes and sectors with a structured framework to proactively identify, manage and reduce workplace risks - protecting employees, contractors and visitors from work-related injury, illness and death.
ISO 45001 certification demonstrates that your organisation has implemented a systematic approach to making work safer, meeting legal obligations, and continuously improving health and safety performance.
From BS OHSAS 18001 to ISO 45001
For nearly two decades, BS OHSAS 18001 was the global benchmark for occupational health and safety management. In March 2018, ISO 45001 officially replaced it, marking a significant evolution in approach. The transition period ended in March 2021. All previously OHSAS 18001-certified organisations were required to migrate to ISO 45001, a change that reflects ISO's broader commitment to making safety management a strategic business priority.
Built on the HLS Structure and the PDCA Cycle
ISO 45001 follows the High-Level Structure (HLS), the common architecture shared by all modern ISO management system standards (including ISO 9001 for quality and ISO 14001 for environment). This makes it straightforward to integrate with existing management systems, reducing duplication and audit burden.
At its core, the standard is driven by the Plan–Do–Check–Act (PDCA) cycle. This iterative model ensures that health and safety management is never static. It evolves alongside your organisation, your workforce and your operating environment.
What are the key benefits of ISO 45001 certification?
Achieving ISO 45001 certification delivers measurable value across safety, legal, commercial and human dimensions of your business:
Fewer workplace accidents and incidents
A systematic approach to hazard identification and risk control directly reduces the likelihood of injuries, near-misses and occupational illness, lowering human and financial costs associated with workplace incidents.
Demonstrated legal compliance
ISO 45001 is closely aligned with the requirements of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, and associated UK legislation. Certification provides documented evidence of due diligence, critical in the event of an HSE inspection or legal proceedings.
Improved employee wellbeing and engagement
By actively involving workers in the OH&S management process, ISO 45001 fosters a genuine safety culture. Employees feel valued, consulted and protected, which directly correlates with higher engagement, lower absenteeism and reduced staff turnover.
Competitive advantage in tenders and procurement
ISO 45001 certification is increasingly a mandatory requirement in public sector and major private sector procurement processes. It signals to clients, partners and supply chain stakeholders that your organisation operates to the highest safety standards.
Potential reduction in insurance premiums
Many insurers recognise ISO 45001 certification as evidence of robust risk management practices. Certified organisations may benefit from more favourable terms on employers' liability and public liability insurance — a tangible return on certification investment.
Stronger corporate reputation and ESG positioning
With occupational safety increasingly embedded in ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) reporting frameworks, ISO 45001 certification strengthens your organisation's social credentials and supports sustainability disclosures.
Certification auditing process – 5 steps to getting ISO 45001 certified
Pre-assessment audit:
We can provide an optional independent evaluation of your management system before the commencement of the Stage 1 audit.
Stage 1 audit
First, we gain an understanding of your business to assess whether your document policy, objectives, continual improvement plans and procedures meet the requirements of the management system standard. The readiness of your implementation programme is also assessed.
Stage 2 audit
We will then audit your MS in action, to check that your declared policy, objectives and targets have been effectively communicated, and that your continual improvement plans and procedures are working in practice. Certification is then awarded after successful closures of any outstanding issues.
Surveillance audit
After you have achieved certification, we undertake regular ongoing audits of your MS to ensure that it is being maintained and that it continues to meet the objectives of your organisation and the expectation of your customers.
Re-certification audit
The certificate is valid for 3 years. A recertification audit is conducted on the full MS before the expiry of the certificate.
Ready to achieve ISO 45001 certification?
Contact our expert team today for a tailored quotation.
ISO 45001 certification offer
Why achieve ISO 45001 certification with SOCOTEC Certification UK Ltd?
When selecting a certification body, accreditation, expertise and sector knowledge are non-negotiable. SOCOTEC Certification UK combines all three.
SOCOTEC Certification UK holds UKAS accreditation (UKAS accredited certification body No. 0063) for ISO 45001 certification.
Our expert team of occupational health and safety professional are dedicated to helping your implement and optimise the ISO 45001 standard with your organisation. Our approach focuses on collaboration and understanding the specific requirements of your organisation to ensure a smooth integration with your existing management systems.
SOCOTEC Certification UK will act as your trusted partner to ensure a smooth certification process. Our technical assessors have experience supporting organisations that operate across various industries, and are able to offer valuable insights to support the continual improvement of your health and safety performance.
When selecting a certification body, accreditation, expertise and sector knowledge are non-negotiable. SOCOTEC Certification UK combines all three.
SOCOTEC Certification UK holds UKAS accreditation (UKAS accredited certification body No. 0063) for ISO 45001 certification.
Our expert team of occupational health and safety professional are dedicated to helping your implement and optimise the ISO 45001 standard with your organisation. Our approach focuses on collaboration and understanding the specific requirements of your organisation to ensure a smooth integration with your existing management systems.
SOCOTEC Certification UK will act as your trusted partner to ensure a smooth certification process. Our technical assessors have experience supporting organisations that operate across various industries, and are able to offer valuable insights to support the continual improvement of your health and safety performance.
Frequently asked questions about ISO 45001 certification
How much does ISO 45001 certification cost?
The cost of becoming ISO 45001 certified depends on a number of factors related to your organisation.
An organisation’s sector, number of offices, annual turnover and number of employees can all affect the cost of an ISO 45001 certification.
Contact our team of experts to discuss in detail your specific requirements.
Who needs ISO 45001 certification?
ISO 45001 applies to any organisation, regardless of size, industry or location, that wishes to establish, implement and maintain an Occupational Health and Safety Management System. However, it is particularly critical in sectors where the risk of workplace injury is elevated or where regulatory scrutiny is high.
If your organisation has employees, contractors or visitors who could be harmed by work activities, ISO 45001 is relevant to you.
Does an ISO 45001 certification mean that I do not need other certifications?
No - ISO 45001 is only designed for occupational health and safety systems, and it does not follow the same structure as certifications dedicated to environmental or quality management issues.
Has ISO 45001 replaced BS OHSAS 18001?
Yes – ISO 45001 replaced BS OHSAS 18001 in 2018. The principles of BS OHSAS 18001 are reflected in the new standard, but with enhanced features.
Is BS OHSAS 18001 still valid?
BS OHSAS 18001 was withdrawn on 31 March 2021, meaning that all businesses need to recertify with ISO 45001.
What are the complementary offers to this certification?
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