ISO 45005 – An Overview

What is ISO 45005?

The international document ISO/PAS 45005 provides technical specifications for safe working during the COVID-19 pandemic. Its full title is: ISO/PAS 45005 – Occupational Health and Safety Management – General guidelines for safe working during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The guideline was published by ISO in December 2020 and contains practical recommendations for Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Its objective is to help organizations across all industries implement appropriate measures to protect employees and maintain a safe working environment in the event of a pandemic.

It is a supporting guideline that is not subject to certification. The complete document is available on the website of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

How are ISO 45001 and ISO 45005 connected?

ISO 45005 builds on the framework of ISO 45001, the internationally recognized standard for Occupational Health and Safety (OHS). While ISO 45001 defines general requirements for an OHS management system, ISO 45005 provides additional guidance specifically for managing infection-related risks in the workplace.

The guideline approaches the pandemic situation at the organizational level – risk-based and with practical, action-oriented recommendations for potential measures.

Why was ISO 45005 relevant during the COVID-19 pandemic?

By February 2021, COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) had a firm grip on public life across the globe. The risk of infection was especially high in workplaces. Strict behavioral rules and government regulations were essential to prevent infections. At the same time, organizations had to remain agile and ready to respond to rapidly changing circumstances.

This is where ISO 45005 came in: the standard provided concrete guidance for safe working under pandemic conditions and supported organizations in reacting quickly and systematically to a dynamic situation.

Which organizations does the technical specification apply to?

ISO 45005 is applicable to organizations of all sectors, sizes, and structures. It is based on the “BSI Safe Working Guidance” published in May 2020 and was specifically developed during the coronavirus pandemic to offer practical support in Occupational Health and Safety.

The guideline considers all interested parties in the broadest sense – meaning it addresses the protection of employees as well as external stakeholders such as clients, customers, or service providers. These global guidelines are especially helpful for organizations that are reopening or starting up operations after pandemic-related closures.

Users of ISO management system standards – and particularly those working with the international OHS standard ISO 45001 – can integrate the guidance directly into their management systems using the PDCA cycle.

What is the structure of ISO 45005?

The international guideline consists of 14 chapters and two annexes (A and B), which provide practical guidance for implementing COVID-19 measures in daily business operations.

The chapter numbering does not align with the High Level Structure (HLS) used in ISO management system standards such as ISO 45001. However, the content can still be clearly mapped to the PDCA cycle (Plan-Do-Check-Act), supporting a process of continuous improvement.

• PLAN – Chapters 4 to 8: Planning what the organization needs for safe working conditions
• DO – Chapters 9 to 12: Implementing the planned measures
• CHECK – Chapter 13: Evaluating whether the measures are effective
• ACT – Chapter 14: Identifying potential gaps and solutions

What are the benefits of ISO 45005 for organizations?

During the coronavirus pandemic, the technical specifications served as a valuable orientation tool, enabling organizations to respond quickly and effectively to a dynamic risk situation. ISO 45005 helped companies develop, implement, and continuously adapt appropriate measures to protect the health of their employees.

With its practical and systematic approach, the guideline contributed to maintaining operational continuity during health crises while minimizing the risk of infection. This allowed organizations to reduce uncertainty, strengthen employee confidence, and better meet their legal obligations in Occupational Health and Safety.

Why is ISO 45005 still relevant after COVID-19?

Even beyond the COVID-19 pandemic, many aspects of ISO 45005 remain highly relevant. The international technical specification is characterized by a risk-based and practical approach that is not limited to the coronavirus context. In particular, the following aspects make a strong case for continued engagement with its guidelines:

• Practical guidance for risk assessment and implementation of protective measures – even during less severe outbreaks.
• Consideration of multiple sites, enabling standardized safety practices in internationally operating organizations.
• Support for emergency response planning to enable flexible reactions to emerging health threats.
• Easy integration into existing management systems, such as ISO 45001, with regular updates via the PDCA cycle.

Overall, ISO/PAS 45005 provides a structured framework that helps organizations remain prepared and resilient in the face of future infectious disease scenarios.

DQS – How we can support you

DQS is your trusted partner for certification – for example, of your Occupational Health and Safety management system according to ISO 45001. Our certification audits provide clarity: a comprehensive and impartial external view of people, processes, systems, and outcomes reveals how effectively your management system is implemented and controlled.

We want our audit to be seen not as a test, but as a valuable contribution to the development of your management system. Our approach begins where audit checklists end – and we invite you to hold us to that promise.

DQS performs all certifications with competence, objectivity, neutrality, and impartiality. National accreditation bodies conduct numerous accreditation and witness audits at DQS every year. You can learn more about this in our Audit Philosophy.

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