While ISO 45001:2026 or even 45001:2027 is not yet officially published (as of June-2025).
Here’s what we currently expect for ISO 45001:2026 (though the full revision likely won’t be published until 2027) based on technical committee reports, guidance updates, and trend signals:
1. Harmonized Structure & Planning for Change
Alignment with the updated ISO High-Level Structure (Annex SL), including incorporation of a standalone Clause 6.3 – “Planning and Managing Change” to ensure system integrity, resource allocation, and responsibilities during changes.
Terminology shifts from “outsourcing” to “externally provided,” and rephrasing of Clause 6.1.3 from “Legal requirements” to “compliance obligations” for consistency across ISO family standards.
2. Climate Change & Resilience
Explicit embedding of climate change considerations into Clause 4 (Context), per ISO/IAF amendments, requiring organizations to assess and address climate-related OHS risks due to extreme weather, heat, etc.
Linked deployment of PAS 45007, a guideline on managing OH\&S risks stemming from climate change and adaptation/mitigation activities.
3. Mental Health & Psychosocial Risks
Stronger emphasis on psychological health and wellbeing, potentially elevating guidance from ISO 45003 into the certifiable standard.
Incorporation of terminology from ISO 45009, addressing leadership accountability in wellbeing and diversity dimensions (e.g., stress, inclusion, menopause support) .
4. Risk & Opportunity Framework Simplification
Revisions to Clause 6: consolidating confusing overlapping terms (“risk”, “other risk”, “opportunity”) into clearer “OHS hazard risk” terminology, with a leaner and more streamlined planning clause.
Continued focus on both risk and opportunity management, clarifying needs and intent.
5. Stronger External Control Requirements
Expectation for tighter control or influence over externally provided processes, such as contractors, suppliers, and outsourced services related to worker safety.
6. Leadership & Governance Enhancements
Integration of ISO 45009 elements: clearer definitions of top management roles, tiered leadership structure, and strengthened oversight in OHS governance.
Alignment with broader themes of ethical leadership, corporate governance, and stakeholder inclusion .
7. Measurement, Monitoring & Calibration
Inclusion of more detailed requirements around calibration and maintenance of monitoring equipment, aligning with ISO 9001’s level of specificity in Clause 7.1.5.
Timeline Snapshot
The revision was approved in mid-2024, with preparatory work and committee drafts underway. The new standard is expected by 2027, likely around Q1–Q2 2027
The systematic review and drafting process may extend into 2026 with Committee and Final Draft International Standards, before final publication.
What This Means for Your Organisation
- 1. Integrate climate-related OHS scenarios (e.g., heatwaves, flooding) into Context and risk assessment processes.
2. Strengthen mental health/wellbeing programs and formally address psychosocial hazards.
3. Simplify planning clauses—focus on clear OHS hazard risk identification and management.
4. Track and calibrate equipment, ensuring traceability and competence in measurement systems.
5. Clarify leadership roles and engagement in OHS governance per ISO 45009 guidance.
6. Enhance oversight of outsourced services, ensuring environmental and safety conformity.
In Summary
ISO 45001:2026/27 isn’t expected to introduce a brand-new paradigm. Instead, it will refine and tighten existing structures, aligning with digital transformation, climate adaptation, psychological health recognition, and stronger governance.
The result: a more resilient, human-centred, and integrated occupational health & safety standard, fitting seamlessly into the modern management systems ecosystem.