ISO 45001 Update Expected June, 2026
CertFast Registrar would like to inform all certified clients and organizations pursuing certification that ISO 45001, the international standard for occupational health and safety management systems (OH&S), is currently under revision.
These updates are intended to reflect the evolving nature of workplaces, risks, and organizational responsibilities. Understanding these changes early will help ensure a smooth transition and continued compliance.
What is ISO 45001?
ISO 45001 is a globally recognized standard designed to help organizations:
- Prevent workplace injuries and illnesses
- Improve employee health and wellbeing
- Establish a proactive safety culture
- Meet regulatory and stakeholder requirements
The standard provides a framework for identifying risks, implementing controls, and continuously improving workplace safety performance.
Upcoming DIS Ballot: Key Dates
The revision process is entering an important stage with the Draft International Standard (DIS) ballot, scheduled as follows:
- Opening date: June 16, 2026
- Closing date: September 8, 2026
During this phase, national standards bodies will review the draft, submit comments, and vote on whether the revision should proceed to the next stage.
What this means for certified organizations
At the DIS stage, the overall structure and intent of the revised ISO 45001 standard are largely defined. While some refinements may occur, significant changes to the main themes are unlikely.
This provides organizations with an opportunity to:
- Gain early insight into upcoming requirements
- Evaluate current systems against anticipated changes
- Begin planning for transition
Anticipated Changes to ISO 45001
The revised ISO 45001 standard is expected to expand its focus to address modern workplace challenges and broader health and safety expectations.
Key areas under consideration include:
Psychosocial Health and Wellbeing
Greater emphasis on:
- Workplace stress management
- Mental health considerations
- Organizational culture and its impact on safety
Climate and Environmental Factors
Increased attention to:
- Climate-related risks affecting worker safety
- Environmental conditions that influence workplace hazards
Evolving Work Environments
Recognition of:
- Remote and hybrid work models
- Digital workspaces and associated risks
Supply Chain Oversight
Stronger expectations for:
- Managing outsourced processes
- Controlling risks associated with contractors and suppliers
Leadership and Accountability
Enhanced requirements for:
- Active leadership involvement
- Oversight of health and safety performance
Workforce Diversity and Inclusion
Expanded consideration of:
- Diverse worker needs
- Gender-related health and safety factors
- Demographic differences in risk exposure
These updates reflect a broader, more comprehensive approach to occupational health and safety, focusing on real-world outcomes rather than compliance alone.
Expected Timeline for Publication and Transition
Based on current projections:
- Publication of ISO 45001:2027: Expected (mid-2027)
- Transition period: Approximately 3 years
This transition timeline is consistent with other ISO management system standard updates, such as ISO 9001 and ISO 14001.
Guidance from CertFast Registrar
CertFast Registrar encourages all certified clients to begin preparing for the upcoming changes now. Early preparation can help minimize disruption and ensure a successful transition.
Recommended next steps:
- Conduct a preliminary gap analysis against anticipated revisions
- Review and update risk assessment processes
- Evaluate leadership involvement in the OH&S system
- Consider impacts to remote work and supply chain controls
- Begin internal awareness and training efforts
Ongoing Support and Communication
CertFast Registrar will continue to monitor developments in the ISO 45001 revision process and provide updates as they become available.
Additional guidance, transition timelines, and audit considerations will be communicated to clients as the standard progresses toward final publication.
Stay Informed
Maintaining certification requires staying current with evolving standards. CertFast Registrar is committed to supporting your organization throughout this transition.
For questions regarding the ISO 45001 revision or how it may impact your certification, please contact our team for further guidance.
