ISO 45001 Revision Update 2026

What Your Small Business Needs to Know Now about the ISO 45001 Update

Today is World Health and Safety Day 2026. It is a global reminder to protect workers and create safe, healthy workplaces. No time is better to look ahead at what’s next for occupational health and safety—and how your organization can stay prepared.

As workplace expectations continue to evolve, so do the standards that support them. The upcoming ISO 45001 revision is a major step forward in how organizations manage occupational health and safety (OH&S).

At Core Business Solutions, we help companies stay ahead of changes like this. So you’re not just compliant, but confident and prepared.  Listen to today’s podcast, where our staff consultant, Brian Smith, discusses ISO 45001 and what it really takes to build a lasting safety culture. Brian explains that while quality systems are often driven from the top, safety culture must be built from the ground up, with frontline employees empowered to identify hazards, report near misses, and even stop work when something feels unsafe.

What is ISO 45001?

ISO 45001 is an international standard for occupational health and safety management systems. It helps organizations:

• Reduce workplace injuries and illness
• Improve employee wellbeing
• Create safer, more productive work environments
• Meet regulatory and stakeholder expectations

Since its release in 2018, ISO 45001 has helped organizations shift from reactive safety practices to a proactive, risk-based approach.

Now, the standard is being updated to reflect today’s more complex work environment.

ISO 45001 Revision 2026: Key Dates to Know

The next major milestone is the Draft International Standard (DIS) ballot, which is scheduled to:

• Open: June 16, 2026
• Close: September 8, 2026

This stage allows national standards bodies to review and vote on the proposed updates. While some details may still change, the core direction of the standard is already clear.

Why this matters for your business

The DIS phase gives your organization an early opportunity to:

• Understand upcoming ISO 45001 changes
• Perform a gap analysis against new requirements
• Start planning your transition strategy

Companies that act early are better positioned for a smooth certification transition.

What’s Changing in the ISO 45001 Update?

The ISO 45001 revision reflects how work—and risk—has changed. The focus is expanding beyond traditional safety controls to include wellbeing, culture, and emerging risks.

Here are the key areas expected in the update:

1. Psychosocial Health and Wellbeing

Organizations will need to address:

• Workplace stress
• Mental health risks
• Organizational culture

This signals a shift toward total worker health, not just physical safety.

2. Climate and Environmental Risks

New expectations may include:

• Assessing how climate impacts worker safety
• Preparing for extreme weather and environmental conditions

3. New Ways of Working

Hybrid and digital work environments are now part of safety management:

• Remote work risks
• Ergonomics at home
• Digital fatigue

4. Supply Chain and Outsourcing Controls

Organizations will be expected to:

• Better manage contractor and supplier risks
• Extend OH&S controls beyond internal operations

5. Leadership and Accountability

Top management will play a stronger role in:

• Driving safety culture
• Ensuring accountability across the organization

6. Diversity and Worker-Specific Needs

The updated standard emphasizes:

• Inclusion of diverse workforce groups
• Gender-responsive health and safety considerations
• Addressing physical and social differences in risk management

Timeline for ISO 45001:2027 Transition

Current expectations suggest:

• New standard publication: Mid-2027
• Transition period: Approximately 3 years

This follows the same model used for updates like ISO 9001 and ISO 14001.

What this means for certified organizations

You will have time to transition—but waiting too long can lead to:

• Last-minute compliance pressure
• Increased audit risks
• Operational disruption

Early preparation is the smarter path.

How to Prepare for the ISO 45001 Transition

Getting ready now can save time, money, and stress later. Here are practical steps your organization can take:

Conduct a Gap Analysis

Compare your current OH&S system to expected changes:

• Identify missing elements
• Prioritize high-risk gaps

Review Risk Management Processes

Expand your approach to include:

• Mental health and wellbeing
• Environmental and climate risks
• Remote work considerations

Engage Leadership

Ensure leadership understands their evolving role in:

• Safety culture
• Strategic oversight

Update Policies and Training

Prepare your workforce for:

• New expectations
• Broader definitions of workplace safety

How Core Business Solutions Can Help

At Core Business Solutions, we specialize in helping organizations navigate ISO changes with clarity and confidence.

Our ISO 45001 transition support includes:

• Gap assessments aligned to draft requirements
• Customized transition planning
• Training and awareness programs
• Internal audit support
• Ongoing consulting through certification

We simplify the process so your team can focus on what matters most—protecting your people and improving performance.

Stay Ahead of ISO 45001 Changes

The upcoming ISO 45001 revision is more than a compliance update—it’s a shift toward healthier, safer, and more resilient organizations.

Businesses that take action now will:

• Strengthen workplace culture
• Reduce risk exposure
• Improve overall performance

Ready to Prepare for ISO 45001:2027?

Core Business Solutions is here to guide you every step of the way. Contact us today to start your ISO 45001 transition plan and stay ahead of the changes.