ISO 45001: The complete guide to understanding, applying, and certifying your business
Introduction
Occupational health and safety (OSH) are not only legal obligations: they are levers of performance, trust and commitment. It is in this logic that the standard was designed ISO 45001, which has now become the essential international reference to structure a OSH management system effective.
In this guide you will find:
- What is ISO 45001
- Who is this standard for
- Les key requirements
- Les certification steps
- Les concrete advantages
- And tools to support you
What is the ISO 45001 standard?
ISO 45001 is an international standard published in 2018, which defines the requirements to implement a Occupational Health and Safety Management System (SMSST).
It replaces the old frame of reference OHSAS 18001 and is now in line with the so-called “HLS” (High Level Structure) structure, common to ISO 9001 (quality) and ISO 14001 (environment).
Objectives of ISO 45001
- Prevent the accidents at work And the occupational diseases
- Ensuring a working environment healthy and safe
- Reduce the OSH risks
- Engaging all employees in a culture of sustainable prevention
Who is the ISO 45001 certification for?
TO all organizations, regardless of:
- Their waistline (TPE, SME, ETI, large group)
- Their sector (industry, construction, logistics, health, tertiary...)
- Their QHSE maturity level
It is particularly strategic for:
- Businesses subject to high security challenges
- Those who have experienced Frequent AT/MP
- Those who want to strengthen their CSR image
- Service providers responding to sensitive public or private contracts
The key requirements of the ISO 45001 standard
Here are the major pillars that must be respected in order to be compliant:
1. Organization context
Analysis of internal and external issues (regulatory, social, economic).
2. Leadership and worker participation
Management must be actively involved, and involve employees in the process.
➡️ Centralize your field observations here
3. SST action planning
Risk and opportunity assessment, SST objectives, action program.
➡️ Manage your action plans in Certalis
4. Documentary support
Setting up a clear documentation, shared and controlled.
➡️ Structure your EDM SST here
5. Operational implementation
Procedures, prevention plans, equipment, emergency management, etc.
➡️ Deploy your safety checklists in the field
6. Performance evaluation
Internal audits, OSH indicators, management review.
7. Continuous improvement
Treatment of non-conformities, analysis of causes, corrective actions.
How do I get ISO 45001 certification?
Here are the 6 main steps:
Step 1 — Initial diagnosis
Overview of existing practices, identification of differences.
Step 2 — Implementation of the SST system
Creation or formalization of documents, procedures, prevention plans...
Step 3 — Staff training
Awareness of good practices, risks, procedures.
➡️ Internal LMS to train your teams
Step 4 — Internal Audit
Simulation of the certification audit, identification of points to be corrected.
Step 5 — Certification audit
Led by an accredited organization (AFNOR, Bureau Veritas, Apave...).
Step 6 — Follow-up and continuous improvement
Annual surveillance audit and renewal every 3 years.
What are the benefits of ISO 45001 certification?
- ✅ Reduction in the number of accidents and occupational diseases
- ✅ Improvement of the social climate (QVT, reinforced social dialogue)
- ✅ Better regulatory control
- ✅ Commercial valuation (public contracts, demanding contractors)
- ✅ Increased employer attractiveness
- ✅ Concrete and measurable CSR commitment
➡️ On average, certified companies note up to -40% of AT and a decrease in their AT/MP contributions over 2 to 3 years.
How does Certalis support you?
Certalis offers a platform 100% dedicated to QHSE and OHS management:
- ✔️ Mobile security checklists
- ✔️ Reporting field observations
- ✔️ Corrective action plans
- ✔️ Internal or regulatory training
- ✔️ Equipment tracking and PPE
- ✔️ Centralized QHSE GED
📌 All centralized, accessible online, and designed to meet the requirements of ISO audits.
Conclusion
The standard ISO 45001 is not a constraint, it is a strategic opportunity to structure your prevention, secure your teams and improve performance.
You can start with a simple analysis of your current practices, then progress step by step towards certification... provided you are well equipped!
Ready to structure your ISO 45001 approach?
👉 Try the Certalis solution for free
Or make an appointment with an advisor for a personalized diagnosis.
