The revision of ISO 45001 marks an important step forward in how you manage occupational health and safety (OH&S) risk, leadership accountability, and workforce well-being.
The Draft International Standard (DIS) for ISO 45001:2027 gives you early visibility of what is coming and a chance to join in on the public comment period. At the DIS stage, these are only ‘potential’ changes, so it’s not about rushing to action but rather an opportunity to start reviewing your existing system.
Based on the draft, ISO 45001:2027 will strengthen leadership accountability, expand focus on mental health, and require a more proactive approach to emerging risks.
This is not a complete overhaul. It is a targeted evolution, retaining the structure you’re familiar with while enhancing the standard’s relevance and effectiveness. The direction is clear: strengthening how you protect your people while responding to a changing world of work.
ISO 45001:2027 Revision: Why it matters for your organization
ISO 45001 continues to play a critical role in protecting your people. However, the way you work and the risks you face are changing.
The revision reflects:
- Changing workplace expectations.
- Emerging risks and new ways of working.
- Increasing workforce diversity.
- Greater emphasis on leadership and organizational culture.
What this means for you: You need to move beyond compliance and consider how you can align your OH&S system with how your organization operates today.
What’s changing in ISO 45001:2027?
The DIS introduces a series of potential changes that strengthen your OH&S management system and its impact.
- Stronger leadership and culture
You may see increased emphasis on leadership responsibility and accountability, alongside the need to embed a strong health and safety culture across your organization.
- An increased emphasis on health
Potential changes include consideration of changes to health or capability of workers and making adjustments when returning to work after ill health etc.
- A greater focus on mental health and well-being
The revision introduces potential changes that reflect the importance of mental health, well-being, and psychosocial risks in today’s workplace.
- Addressing emerging risks
You may need to take a broader view of risk, including those arising from a changing external environment and evolving ways of working.
This supports a more forward-looking and resilient approach to OH&S.
- Supporting diversity and inclusion
Potential changes highlight the need to consider the needs of workers, and others who could be impacted, to ensure appropriate and effective health and safety controls for all.
- Improved integration into your organization
The revision strengthens how OH&S is embedded into strategic decision-making and governance, ensuring it is fully aligned with your wider business objectives.
- Enhanced change management
You may see stronger expectations around managing change, helping you maintain control of health and safety risks as your organization evolves.
- Continued alignment with ISO standards
ISO 45001 is expected to retain alignment with the harmonized structure, supporting integrated management systems and consistency across standards.
How to start preparing for ISO 45001:2027
With the revision underway, you can start preparing now. The revision gives you an opportunity to strengthen your approach to occupational health and safety.
You do not need to start from scratch, but you do need to evolve your approach.
Here are five areas of your OH&S management system you can start reviewing today:
- Assess leadership accountability - Can you demonstrate how leadership drives OH&S outcomes?
- Expand your risk lens - Are you considering psychosocial and emerging risks?
- Review workforce inclusion - Does your system work for every worker?
- Strengthen change management - Are risks assessed before changes are implemented?
- Align with business strategy - Is OH&S embedded in decision-making processes?
Taking an early review of your system against the changes will help you transition with confidence and maximize the benefits of the revised standard.
Moving forward
The ISO 45001:2027 revision reflects a shift towards more integrated, inclusive, and forward-looking health and safety management.
By understanding these potential changes now, you can position your organization to protect your people and build a safer, more resilient future.
As a next step, we encourage you to read the draft and have your say during the public comment period. Review the draft >
Updated ISO 45001 training will be available from FDIS stage onwards to support your teams in understanding the changes and taking practical steps to close identified gaps with confidence.
