What is ISO 45001?
ISO 45001 sets out the requirements for a management system with which an organization prevents workplace accidents and occupational diseases and provides safe and healthy workplaces.
The standard was published by ISO in 2018 and replaced the British standard OHSAS 18001. It is built on the common structure of ISO management system standards — the same as ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 — which is why it integrates easily with them.
- Risk assessmentIdentifying hazards and assessing the risks and opportunities for health and safety.
- Worker participationConsultation with workers and their participation in decisions that affect their safety.
- Legal requirementsIdentifying and complying with the applicable legislation on healthy and safe working conditions.
- Continual improvementIncident investigation, corrective actions, internal audits and management review.
Why did the Bulgarian designation change?
Since the end of 2023, ISO 45001:2018 has been adopted as a European standard by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). This is why EN is added to the designation, and the Bulgarian Institute for Standardization (BDS) withdrew the Bulgarian edition BDS ISO 45001:2018 and replaced it with BDS EN ISO 45001:2023.
| Designation | What it is | Status |
|---|---|---|
| ISO 45001:2018 | The international ISO edition | In force — unchanged |
| BDS ISO 45001:2018 | The previous Bulgarian edition | Withdrawn |
| BDS EN ISO 45001:2023 | Bulgarian edition of the European standard | In force |
In the main body of the standard — the requirements for the occupational health and safety management system — there is no change.
What do certified organizations need to do?
The answer depends on which edition your management system refers to.
Reference to BDS ISO 45001:2018
- Replace it with BDS EN ISO 45001:2023
- Update the documents in which it appears
- The change can be made by the next surveillance or recertification audit
Reference to ISO 45001:2018
- No change needed
- The international ISO edition remains the same
- The system continues unchanged
- 1Check your documents
Find where the edition of the standard is cited in the policy, the manual, the procedures and the records.
- 2Update the reference
Wherever BDS ISO 45001:2018 is cited, write BDS EN ISO 45001:2023.
- 3Show the change at the audit
At the next surveillance or recertification audit, the auditor will see the updated reference.
What are the benefits of ISO 45001 certification?
- fewer workplace accidents and less sickness absence;
- systematic control over compliance with legal requirements;
- evidence of a responsible approach for clients, contracting authorities and employees;
- an advantage in public procurement where a certified system is required;
- easy integration with ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 into a single management system.
You will find more on the benefits of implementation in the article Benefits of implementing ISO 45001.
Questions about ISO 45001
Do I need to be recertified because of BDS EN ISO 45001:2023?
No. The requirements of the standard have not changed. It is enough to update the reference in your documents if it refers to BDS ISO 45001:2018.
When do I need to make the change in my documents?
The change can be made by the next surveillance or recertification audit.
What is the difference between ISO 45001:2018 and BDS EN ISO 45001:2023?
There is no difference in content. ISO 45001:2018 is the international edition, and BDS EN ISO 45001:2023 is the Bulgarian edition of the same standard, adopted as a European standard.
How does ISO 45001 differ from OHSAS 18001?
ISO 45001 replaced OHSAS 18001. It follows the common structure of ISO management system standards and places greater emphasis on the role of top management, worker participation and risk-based thinking.