ISO 45001 Revision

The most important facts about the revision of ISO 45001 at a glance

ISO 45001 is currently being revised. The new version of the standard is expected to be published in 2027; a transition period of three years is considered likely. The aim of the revision is to take greater account of current developments in the world of work in occupational health and safety management and to further improve the effectiveness of occupational health and safety management systems.

According to the current draft, the focus is particularly on mental health, psychosocial risks, hybrid forms of work, climate-related risks, organizational resilience and supply chain responsibility. At the same time, there are many indications that the basic structure of the standard (high-level structure, new: harmonized structure) will be retained and existing requirements will be developed further in a targeted manner.

For organisations, this means greater integration, clearly defined evidence requirements, and a stronger focus on effective prevention and a well-established safety culture.

What is the current status of the ISO 45001 revision?

The revision of ISO 45001 is currently in the "enquiry phase" of the ISO revision process. After the revision of the standard was officially confirmed at the end of 2023, the responsible Technical Committee ISO/TC 283 published the first Committee Draft (ISO/CD 45001) in July 2025.

A revised draft, including an initial draft of informative Annex A, followed in January 2026. The comments received were subsequently reviewed by the responsible Working Group WG 6 and incorporated into a Draft International Standard (DIS) in mid-April 2026. This draft was published in June 2026 for further international consultation and voting.

ISO/DIS 45001:2026-06 – Occupational health and safety management systems – Requirements with guidance for use

Publication of the final version of the standard is currently expected in 2027. A three-year transition period is anticipated thereafter. Until then, ISO 45001:2018 remains applicable, including the climate change requirements introduced by Amendment 1:2024.

What are the changes in ISO 45001:2027?

ISO/DIS 45001:2026 does not yet contain any definitive requirements, but the draft already points to several areas that may receive greater emphasis in the future. Rather than fundamentally changing the direction of the standard, the revision appears to focus on the targeted further development of existing requirements.

Among other things, the focus is on psychosocial risks and mental health, health-promoting working conditions ("workplace wellbeing"), new forms of work such as hybrid or mobile work and dealing with climate-related risks and organizational resilience. In addition, the drafts point to greater consideration of different employee needs and more intensive involvement of external service providers and supply chains.

Which topics are the focus of the revision?

Mental health and psychosocial risks

A central theme of the revision of ISO 45001 appears to be the greater consideration of mental health and psychosocial risks. According to the current draft, there is a greater focus on work-related stress, high workloads, psychological strain, e.g. due to bullying, and social factors in the working environment. In principle, psychosocial risks are already part of the current ISO 45001:2018, particularly in connection with the identification of hazards (Clause 6.1.2). However, the revision indicates that these topics could be addressed more visibly and specifically in future. This development is supported, among other things, by the ISO 45003 guideline on addressing psychosocial risks in the context of occupational health and safety management systems.

One new aspect is that the draft explicitly identifies psychosocial hazards as such in Clause 6.1.2.1. Annex A (A.6.1.2.1) provides further clarification with examples such as workload and work pace, working time arrangements, role clarity, leadership behaviour, interpersonal relationships, harassment and bullying. This development is supported, among other things, by ISO 45003, the guidance standard on managing psychosocial risks, which is explicitly referenced in the draft.

Work-related well-being and healthy working conditions

Another key area of focus is the shift from traditional occupational health and safety towards a more comprehensive understanding of safety, health and work-related well-being. This is accompanied by a stronger emphasis on promoting healthy working conditions.

The 2018 edition already allowed work-related well-being to be incorporated into the management system, but only as an option. The draft now addresses it in numerous clauses, from the scope (Clause 1) and leadership requirements (Clause 5.1) to the OH&S policy (Clause 5.2) and operational planning (Clause 8.1.1). Clause 3.20 also introduces a dedicated definition of work-related well-being, covering the physical, mental, social and cognitive needs and expectations of workers as impacted by their work. The standard thus goes beyond the mere prevention of injury and ill health, placing greater emphasis on a proactive approach.

The focus is less on individual health initiatives and more on organizational conditions that can influence workers’ well-being. These include, for example, work organization, leadership behaviour, communication, work intensity and the design of work processes.

Annex A (A.3) clarifies that the organization’s responsibility relates to work-related factors within its sphere of influence, rather than workers’ private affairs. It also emphasizes that work-related well-being encompasses both the prevention of harm and the promotion of healthy and sustainable working conditions. This strengthens the preventive approach of ISO 45001 and extends it to include the active design of good working conditions.

New forms of work and flexible working models

New forms of work, such as mobile working, working from home and hybrid working models, also appear to receive greater attention in the revision. This reflects changing working realities, new technologies and forms of work organised through digital platforms. These developments raise new questions regarding communication, collaboration, ergonomic working conditions and psychological stress.

The draft addresses these issues in several places. For example, the definition of the workplace (Clause 3.6) explicitly includes remote locations such as workers’ own homes, vehicles and public spaces. When identifying hazards (Clause 6.1.2.1), organizations will also need to consider remote workers, digital platform-based work activities, and new and changing technologies. In addition, ISO/DIS 45008, a guidance standard on working at remote locations, is currently under development and is already referenced in the draft.

Safety culture and participation

Safety culture and worker participation remain key elements of the standard. As before, top management is expected to develop, lead and promote a culture within the organization that supports the intended outcomes of the OH&S management system (Clause 5.1). The organization is to enable worker participation by providing, among other things, time, training and resources (Clause 5.4). A new requirement is that the OH&S policy must include a commitment by top management to be a role model (Clause 5.2). It is also expected to actively encourage the reporting of incidents, hazards, risks and opportunities (Clause 5.1).

In line with this, the draft expands the topics workers need to be aware of to include the procedures for reporting incidents and hazards, as well as their protection against pressure, intimidation and reprisals when making such reports (Clause 7.3). The aim is to foster a preventive safety culture in which health and safety are firmly embedded in organizational processes.

Diversity and individual needs

According to the current draft, organizations will be required to explicitly consider the diversity of their workers when determining their needs and expectations (Clause 4.2). A new requirement is that worker diversity must also be taken into account when determining controls (Clause 8.1.2), and emergency preparedness must include personal emergency evacuation plans for people with disabilities and limitations (Clause 8.2).

Annex A (A.4.2) provides examples of relevant characteristics, including gender, age, disabilities, language, literacy and numeracy skills, caring responsibilities, culture and religion, pregnancy and reproductive health needs, menstruation and menopause, and chronic health conditions. It also identifies personal circumstances and experiences as factors that can influence how working conditions and risks affect individuals.

Clause 3.21 also introduces a dedicated definition of “disability”. This highlights the growing recognition that occupational health and safety must be considered in the context of diverse and heterogeneous working environments.

Climate-related OH&S risks and resilience

Climate-related risks and organizational resilience are emerging as another key area of focus. One contributing factor is the increased consideration of climate-related issues in ISO management system standards following the so-called “Climate Change Amendment”. In 2024, supplementary requirements were incorporated into various management system standards, including ISO 45001 (ISO 45001:2018/Amd 1:2024).

The draft retains these requirements and supplements Clause 4.1 with notes providing examples of relevant internal and external issues. Annex A (A.4.1) also identifies reporting on climate-related OH&S risks as a possible external factor that organizations may consider when determining their context.

The climate-related aspects are particularly evident in hazard identification: Clause 6.1.2.1 explicitly identifies climate change and its foreseeable consequences as factors to be considered. These include, for example:

• Extreme weather events such as storms or heavy rainfall
• Thermal stress caused by heat or cold
• Increased UV radiation
• Changing patterns of vector-borne diseases
• New hazards arising from work processes, technologies and materials introduced as part of climate change mitigation and adaptation measures

ISO/PAS 45007, “Occupational health and safety management – Risks arising from climate change and climate change action”, published in January 2026, also plays an important role in this context. The guidance helps organizations systematically identify and assess climate-related occupational health and safety risks and integrate them into existing management systems.

Supply chain responsibility - extended scope to include external partners

In addition, current developments point to a greater focus on external service providers, contractors and outsourced processes. ISO 45001:2018 already requires the management of external companies and externally provided processes. The revision could further specify this aspect, particularly against the backdrop of complex supply and value chains. For organizations, the effective management of interfaces, communication channels and responsibilities along the supply chain will become even more important.

Hazard Identification and Assessment of Risks and Opportunities

Many of the topics described above converge in the requirements for hazard identification. Clause 6.1.2.1 significantly expands the factors to be considered, including new and changing technologies, digital platform-based work activities, remote workers, explicitly identified psychosocial hazards, occupational health hazards  and climate change. Gender-specific health requirements must also be taken into account when designing work areas and processes.

When assessing OH&S risks (Clause 6.1.2.2), organizations will be expected to consider the interaction between multiple hazards, prioritize risks and document not only the methods and criteria used but also the results. For the assessment of OH&S opportunities (Clause 6.1.2.3), the draft identifies additional areas, such as promoting well-being, influencing and supporting external providers and health surveillance to prevent occupational diseases.

Occupational Health Protection and Return to Work

The changes are particularly evident in Clause 8.1 on operational planning and control. Clause 8.1.1 will additionally require processes to improve workers’ well-being. When determining controls (Clause 8.1.2), organizations must now take worker diversity into account and ensure that personal protective equipment fits properly.

A new Clause 8.1.3, “Occupational health”, requires processes to protect workers’ health, for example through the prevention and early detection of ill health, access to occupational health services and reasonable adjustments where workers’ health or capacity changes.

Another new provision is Clause 8.1.4 on return to work following injury and ill health. Organizations are expected to support affected workers during recovery, facilitate their safe return to work, involve them in adjusted duties and protect them from negative treatment or reprisals.

The requirement to provide personal protective equipment free of charge was included only as a note in the 2018 edition and now becomes a formal requirement. The same applies to training, which must in future be provided free of charge and during paid working hours (Clause 7.2).

Which adjustments are particularly relevant?

ISO/DIS 45001:2026 follows the Harmonized Structure, adopting its wording throughout. As a result, some clauses have been reorganized, in many cases without changing the substance of the requirements. Beyond the topic areas described above, the following changes are particularly relevant for organizations:

• New terms and definitions, such as “work-related well-being” (Clause 3.20), “disability” (Clause 3.21) and “external provider” (Clause 3.8)
• A revised definition of “OH&S risk” (Clause 3.23), which now also encompasses adverse effects on the OH&S management system
• Greater involvement of top management in fostering a preventive safety culture
• Greater emphasis on the effectiveness of measures, alongside clearly defined requirements for documented evidence
• A broader view of the working environment, including remote work and risks throughout the supply chain
• Clearer links with ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ESG frameworks

Annex A has also been significantly expanded to promote a clearer and more consistent interpretation of the requirements. This places occupational health and safety more firmly within strategic corporate management.

What opportunities does the ISO 45001 revision offer?

The forthcoming edition of ISO 45001, expected to be published in 2027, offers more than just additional requirements. It supports an integrated approach to key future challenges, including occupational safety, health protection, well-being, climate impacts and resilience. Organizations that respond early can strengthen not only their compliance but also their appeal as employers and their ability to withstand crises.

Aligning occupational health and safety management with the new standard requirements at an early stage makes it easier to obtain ISO 45001 certification later on or to transition an existing certification to the new version of the standard.

ISO 45001 revision: What organizations should do now

Actively follow the developments of the standard and check at an early stage what impact the planned changes could have on your own OH&S management system.

It may also be helpful to review existing emergency preparedness and response processes in light of climate-related risks, organizational resilience and changing working conditions. The management of external providers and outsourced processes may also receive greater attention in the future. In addition, top management should be involved in the changes at an early stage. By keeping a close eye on developments, organizations can prepare for the transition to ISO 45001:2027 in a structured manner and without time pressure.

Many of the topics discussed are already part of effective occupational health and safety management systems. However, the draft provides significantly greater clarity on these aspects, meaning they are likely to play a more prominent role in future audits.

The role of internal audits in the revision process

Internal audits play a central role in preparing for the new requirements. They make it possible to identify the need for action at an early stage and show how sustainable and effective the existing processes already are. In particular, organizations with complex work structures, a high proportion of mobile work or increased psychosocial stress can benefit from an early classification.

In the context of the ISO 45001 revision, internal audits are becoming even more important. They help organizations realistically assess the maturity of their preventive safety culture, specifically review expanded areas such as psychosocial hazards, work-related well-being and the management of external providers, and actively involve top management. By using internal audits strategically, organizations can lay the best possible foundations for a smooth transition to ISO 45001:2027 while also enhancing the effectiveness of their management system as a whole.

Is there any further information on ISO 45001?

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Why is DQS your first port of call for information on the revision of ISO 45001?

Founded in 1985 as the first certification body for management systems in Germany, DQS has decades of experience and is closely networked with standardization bodies, professional circles and auditing practice. As a result, we are not only able to classify the revision of ISO 45001 in a technically sound manner. DQS sees itself as a reliable partner for both existing and new customers in the certification to the new standard. We provide clear information on certification cycles and transition periods as well as on topics such as transfer audits or matrix certification.

What is the timeline for the ISO 45001 revision?

As with other management system standards, the revision of ISO 45001 follows a clearly structured ISO process involving several draft stages: from the Committee Draft (CD) through the Draft International Standard (DIS) to the Final Draft International Standard (FDIS). This ensures that ISO 45001 is further developed in a coordinated, internationally agreed and practical manner. The revision process is coordinated by the responsible ISO committee, ISO/TC 283 – Occupational health and safety management.

The Draft International Standard (DIS) was published in June 2026, with voting closing on 8 September 2026. The new edition of the standard is expected to be published in 2027.

What are the phases in the revision of an ISO management system standard?

The revision of an ISO management system standard follows a multi-stage, internationally coordinated process. Each draft stage involves its own commenting and voting round, during which national standards bodies review the text, propose amendments and decide on the next steps. Only when a draft receives the required approval does it proceed to the next stage, ultimately leading to publication as an International Standard. The process takes several years, as it involves a formal consensus-building procedure, translations into numerous languages, and the need to ensure that the standard is practical and applicable worldwide, across industries and organisations of all sizes.

What happens in the individual phases?

• Working Draft (WD): First working draft within the committee, serves as a rough guide.
• Committee Draft (CD): First version, which is commented on and discussed internally within ISO.
• Draft International Standard (DIS): Mature draft that can also be commented on publicly for the first time – broad participation is possible here.
• Final Draft International Standard (FDIS): Almost final version, in which only editorial changes are still possible.
• International Standard (IS): Official publication by ISO – basis for certification.

What role do other ISO guidelines play?

In connection with the revision of ISO 45001, supplementary ISO guides and sector-specific guidance documents are becoming increasingly important. They provide organizations with guidance on the practical implementation of individual topics and address current developments that have so far only been dealt with in general terms in the existing standard.

Guidance documents on psychosocial risks, hybrid forms of work and climate-related effects on occupational safety and health are particularly relevant. These include, among others:

• ISO 45002:2023 – General guidelines for the implementation of ISO 45001:2018
• ISO 45003:2021 – Psychological health and safety at work – Guidelines for managing psychosocial risks
• ISO 45006:2023 – Guidelines for organizations on preventing, controlling and managing infectious diseases
• ISO/PAS 45007:2026 – Risks arising from climate change and climate change action - Guidance for organizations
• ISO/DIS 45008:2026 – Guidelines for remote working

Although these standards are not certification standards in their own right, they provide indications of which topics are becoming increasingly important in the context of the revision of ISO 45001. At the same time, they support organizations in integrating new requirements and developments into existing management systems at an early stage. The standards are available from DIN Media and ISO.

Revision of ISO 45001 – at a glance

The upcoming update of ISO 45001 marks an important turning point in the management system for safety and health at work. As things stand, the new version of the standard is characterized less by fundamental structural changes than by a further development of the content of existing requirements. The focus is particularly on psychosocial factors, health-promoting working conditions, new forms of work, safety culture and dealing with climate-related risks and organizational resilience.

At the same time, it underlines how requirements and expectations of a modern management system will change: Issues such as employee participation, preventative safety culture and the consideration of different work realities could become more prominent in the future.

Even if changes are still possible until the final version of the standard is published, organizations can make good use of the current phase to address foreseeable developments at an early stage and reflect on existing processes accordingly.

The upcoming requirements - from mental health to digitalization and the supply chain - will make the OH&S management system fit for the challenges of the modern working world. Even if changes are still possible until the final version of the standard is published, organizations can make good use of the current phase to address the foreseeable developments at an early stage. Put processes to the test at an early stage, involve managers in the revision and focus on integration rather than bureaucracy: for more occupational safety, better health protection, more attractive working conditions and sustainable corporate development.

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