News on the ISO 45001 series of standards

ISO 45001 is an internationally recognized standard for effective health and safety management in the workplace. It helps companies to systematically minimize risks, comply with legal requirements and increase productivity. In addition to the existing standard, revisions and additions are currently being made that will introduce new requirements and guidelines from 2027. The aim is to specify existing requirements and take new developments in occupational health and safety into account.

Advantages of ISO 45001

• Systematic risk minimization
  Identification of hazards, assessment of risks and targeted reduction to increase safety and avoid accidents.
• Legal conformity
  Facilitate compliance with legal requirements and minimize liability risks through a structured management system.
• Less downtime & higher productivity
  Fewer workplace accidents and illnesses lead to less absenteeism and a more efficient way of working.
• Better corporate culture & higher employee satisfaction
  A safe workplace increases the well-being and motivation of employees - an important factor for long-term corporate success.
• Competitive advantage & reputation
  ISO 45001 certification signals responsibility and professionalism and strengthens the trust of customers, partners and investors.

New guidelines in progress

In addition to the revision of ISO 45001, two new guidelines are also being developed:

ISO 45007: Focus in climate risks

ISO 45007 supplements ISO 45001 as a non-certifiable guideline and deals comprehensively with the risks of climate change and their direct and indirect effects. This includes

• Consideration of risks due to climate protection measures (e.g. cascading risks)
• Management of change with the involvement of employees
• Integration of topics such as risk assessment, business continuity, supply chain management and whistleblowing
• Consideration of the new term “wrongdoing” (fraud, violations, human rights violations)

The final draft is currently in progress and is expected to be finalized in the coming months.

ISO 45009: Governance & leadership in occupational health and safety

ISO 45009 focuses on the role of management in occupational health and safety management and specifies the requirements for top management (in accordance with section 5.0 of ISO 45001).

Important focal points are:

• Greater responsibility of top management
• Clear distinction between different management levels
• Integration of wellbeing aspects into occupational health and safety
• Effective control and systematic improvement of SGA management

Although the necessity of this standard is still being discussed, its potential to support managers in implementing ISO 45001 is already apparent.

Conclusion

ISO 45001 forms a solid basis for effective health and safety management. Together with its guidelines, the standard systematically creates safe working conditions, reduces risks and supports companies in their performance in the long term. Organizations should continue to monitor developments and use existing guidelines.