ISO 45001:2018 is the internationally recognised standard for Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) Management Systems. It provides organisations with a framework to improve workplace safety, reduce occupational risks, prevent work-related injuries and illnesses, and promote safe and healthy working conditions.
ISO 45001 Clause Summary
11 Mar 2026
ISO 45001:2018 is the internationally recognised standard for Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) Management Systems. It provides organisations with a framework to improve workplace safety, reduce occupational risks, prevent work-related injuries and illnesses, and promote safe and healthy working conditions.
Below is a summary of the main clauses within ISO 45001:2018.
Scope
Defines the boundaries and applicability of the ISO 45001 standard.
It outlines the requirements for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continually improving an Occupational Health and Safety Management System.
Normative References
Lists the essential reference documents required for applying the ISO 45001 standard.
Terms and Definitions
Provides clear definitions of key health and safety terms used throughout the standard to ensure consistent interpretation.
Context of the Organization
Requires organisations to understand internal and external issues that can affect their OH&S management system.
Key elements include:
- Identifying interested parties, such as employees, regulators, and contractors
- Defining the scope of the OH&S management system
- Establishing processes to manage workplace health and safety risks
Leadership and Worker Participation
Emphasises the role of top management in ensuring a strong safety culture.
Requirements include:
- Establishing an OH&S policy
- Assigning roles and responsibilities for health and safety
- Ensuring worker consultation and participation in safety processes
Planning
Focuses on hazard identification and risk assessment.
Organisations must:
- Identify workplace hazards
- Assess OH&S risks and opportunities
- Determine legal and regulatory requirements
- Set measurable OH&S objectives and plan actions to achieve them
Support
Ensures the organisation has adequate resources and support systems to maintain the OH&S management system.
This includes:
- Competent personnel and safety training
- Awareness of workplace health and safety responsibilities
- Effective communication and participation mechanisms
- Control of documented information
Operation
Covers the implementation and control of operational processes to manage workplace safety.
Key activities include:
- Operational planning and control
- Managing contractors and outsourced processes
- Eliminating hazards and reducing OH&S risks
- Emergency preparedness and response
Performance Evaluation
Requires organisations to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of their OH&S management system.
Activities include:
- Monitoring workplace safety performance
- Conducting internal audits
- Reviewing safety performance during management reviews
- Evaluating compliance with health and safety regulations
Improvement
Encourages continuous improvement of occupational health and safety performance.
This involves:
- Investigating incidents and nonconformities
- Implementing corrective actions
- Improving processes to prevent injuries and occupational illnesses
Benefits of Implementing ISO 45001
- Improved workplace safety and reduced accidents
- Better compliance with health and safety regulations
- Increased employee engagement and participation
- Reduced downtime and incident-related costs
- Stronger organisational safety culture
