What Small Businesses Need to Know About the Upcoming 45001 Revision
The workplace has changed dramatically since ISO 45001 was first published in 2018. Organizations now face new challenges ranging from hybrid work environments and workforce wellbeing to climate-related risks and increasing expectations around diversity and inclusion. To address these evolving realities, ISO is currently revising the Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS) standard, with the updated version expected to be published as ISO 45001:2027.
Although no one has released the final requirements yet, organizations certified to ISO 45001:2018 should begin preparing now. Early awareness and planning can reduce challenges during the transition. They can also help keep your management system aligned with future health and safety expectations.
Why Is ISO 45001 Being Revised?
Like all ISO management system standards, ISO 45001 undergoes periodic review to ensure it remains relevant and effective. The revision aims to address emerging workplace risks, align with modern business practices, and strengthen organizations’ ability to protect workers in increasingly complex environments.
The proposed updates reflect significant shifts in how organizations think about health and safety. Today’s workplace extends beyond traditional physical hazards and includes mental well-being, remote work arrangements, workforce diversity, and resilience to external disruptions.
Key Changes Expected in ISO 45001:2027
Although the standard is still under development, several themes have emerged from draft discussions and industry guidance.
Greater Focus on Worker Wellbeing
One of the most notable shifts is the expanded emphasis on overall worker wellbeing. While ISO 45001 has always focused on preventing work-related injury and illness, the revision is expected to encourage organizations to take a broader view of employee health.
This may include stronger consideration of workplace stress, fatigue, burnout, and other psychosocial hazards that can impact employee performance, safety, and engagement. Organizations may need to demonstrate how these risks are identified, assessed, and managed within their occupational health and safety systems.
Increased Attention to Psychosocial Risks
Mental health has become a growing concern in the workplace across virtually every industry. As a result, the revised standard is expected to place greater emphasis on managing psychosocial risks such as excessive workloads, workplace harassment, isolation associated with remote work, and organizational change.
Organizations may need to strengthen risk assessment processes and demonstrate proactive measures that support psychological health and safety alongside traditional occupational hazards.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Considerations
The future version of ISO 45001 is also expected to recognize the diverse needs of today’s workforce. Organizations may be encouraged to consider how occupational health and safety programs impact workers with different physical abilities, backgrounds, ages, and work arrangements.
This broader perspective can help ensure that health and safety programs are effective for all employees and contribute to a more inclusive workplace culture.
Climate Change and Organizational Resilience
As climate-related events become more frequent, organizations are increasingly being asked to evaluate how environmental conditions affect worker safety. Extreme heat, severe weather events, poor air quality, and emergency preparedness are expected to receive greater attention in the revised standard.
Companies may need to consider how climate-related risks impact their operations, employees, contractors, and supply chains, while integrating those considerations into existing health and safety planning processes.
Stronger Leadership and Strategic Integration
Another anticipated change is a stronger connection between occupational health and safety objectives and overall business strategy. Leadership teams may be expected to take a more active role in promoting a culture of safety, well-being, and resilience throughout the organization.
This reinforces the concept that health and safety is not simply a compliance function but a strategic business priority that contributes to organizational success.
What Does This Mean for Certified Organizations?
The good news is that organizations currently certified to ISO 45001:2018 do not need to make immediate changes. The standard remains fully valid, and transition timelines will not be finalized until the revised standard is officially published.
However, organizations that begin preparing early will be in a stronger position when transition requirements are announced.
Consider taking the following steps:
- Stay informed on revision developments and draft updates.
- Evaluate whether your current system addresses psychosocial and well-being-related risks.
- Review emergency preparedness and climate-related risk considerations.
- Assess leadership involvement in health and safety planning.
- Identify opportunities to strengthen inclusion and worker participation programs.
- Plan future gap assessments after the final standard is released.
How Core Business Solutions Can Help
At Core Business Solutions, we understand that changes to ISO standards can create uncertainty for organizations trying to maintain certification while continuing to improve their operations.
Our team is closely monitoring the development of ISO 45001:2027 and will provide guidance as new information becomes available. Whether your organization is currently certified, preparing for certification, or managing an integrated management system, we can help you understand upcoming requirements, identify potential gaps, and develop a practical transition strategy.
The revision of ISO 45001 represents more than a compliance update—it reflects the evolving nature of work itself. Organizations that begin preparing now will be better positioned to create safer, healthier, and more resilient workplaces for the future.
About Scott Dawson
Scott has over 25 years of Quality Management System experience as well as ISO 9001 standard development and implementation experience. From 2010-2025, Scott Dawson, President of Core Business Solutions, was an active voting member of the U.S. Technical Advisory Group (TAG) to ISO Technical Committee 176 (TC 176). TAG 176 members meet to discuss and develop U.S. positions for Quality Management standards, including ISO 9001:2015, which will be revised in 2026. Our Director of Consulting Services now stays involved in the U.S. TAG 176.
