08. Jan 2024

New publication EN ISO 45001:2023

Current information on the ISO 450xx series

ISO 45001:2019 was withdrawn on December 1^st, 2023 and replaced by ISO 45001:2023 without further comment, for better clarity we have summarized the facts for you:

The reason for the change is not differences in content, but adjustments in the national foreword
ISO 45001 is of course still valid without restriction, a revision has been decided, but there is currently no timetable for this (see further down in this article)
Quality Austria is accredited according to ISO 45001:2018 – no certificate loses its validity, there are no transition periods, everything currently remains as it is

ISO 45001 is THE international standard for occupational health and safety management. It provides companies with a framework for introducing and maintaining effective measures to protect against accidents at work and work-related illnesses. By implementing the standard, occupational safety can be systematically improved, risk management is strengthened and the general performance of a company is increased.

Innovations in the ISO 450xx series:

With regard to adjustments / revisions and extensions to the ISO 450xx series, we have listed the current and most important information for you, including a brief history. It is currently not foreseeable whether all topics will be implemented to the extent shown and/or whether further topics will be added.

The delegates of the ISO 45001 committee voted on a revision of ISO 45001:2018 at the end of Nov. 2023. There will be a revision and amendment to the standard according to the result of the vote. There is currently no timetable for this.
Historical development:
- As early as 2021, a vote was held on the implementation of a revision of ISO 45001 and it was proposed that the existing version be confirmed without changes
- After the vote, it was determined that there was still a lot to do before a revision would be completed
- It was therefore voted to form a task group, now called "TC283/TG6: Preparatory work for a future revision of ISO 45001" The mandate contains
  - Review of outstanding technical and general comments, Consideration of new and emerging issues relating to health and safety,
  - Review of the wording to improve exclusivity,
  - reviewing the text for the application of the standard with regard to the needs of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and
  - Determining the impact of the revision of Annex SL on the standard.
- So far, the following topics / recommendations have been collected in this task group and are under discussion:
  - Minor changes to align with the latest update of Annex SL: The alignment with the revised version of Annex SL is necessary in view of the integrated application of ISO 45001 with other ISO standards such as ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 27001, etc.
  - Language recommendations to recognize the impact of climate change
  - Increased focus on opportunities to improve health and wellbeing and not just prevent harm
  - Minor changes to wording to improve clarity
  - Review the use of the terms "risk" and "opportunity" throughout the standard, based on the outcome of the IEC/ISO Risk Working Group
  - Better definition of employer requirements in relation to employee diversity (age, gender, race, neurodiversity, etc.)
  - Add wording to identify and consider hazards and risks in relation to the hazards associated with worker diversity (i.e. ensuring that worker diversity and their individual needs are considered)
  - Review any requirements to retain or develop documentation requirements in light of limited resources for SME
    - Review of training requirements
    - Review of the requirements for the involvement of safety experts
    - Review of requirements that require the involvement of safety professionals
    - Review / definition of the requirement for changes (if necessary, if appropriate, if feasible, ...)
    - Review / clarification of inconsistent use of timelines (as soon as possible, reasonable, timely, etc.)