ISO 45001 Update

As you may be aware, the safety community around the world is waiting with bated breath for the release of ISO 45001, the world’s first international standard for occupational health and safety.  As you also may have heard, due to ongoing challenges with the development of the standard, there have been some delays to its release.  So if the suspense is unbearable for you too, read on for an update on the development of the standard.

 

A summary of the development process which has occurred so far is below:

• The first Draft International Standard (DIS) was released in February 2016
• After receiving more than 3000 comments on the first DIS, the committee of OHS experts tasked with development of the standard agreed to release a second DIS
• This second DIS is now expected to be published in April 2017.

 

Once the second DIS is published, a ballot will be held on the DIS, and results reviewed in September 2017. Depending on the results of the ballot, one of the two courses of action will arise:

• If the DIS is approved, and a final DIS is not required, the finalised ISO 45001 may be published as early as November 2017.

OR

• If the DIS is not approved, and a final DIS is required, the release of the standard will be delayed (likely until quarter 2 of 2018, or later).

 

For now, the first DIS is available for purchase from various vendors (such as here and here).  Once released, the second DIS will be available to view for free, clause to clause, on BSI’s Standards Development Portal, or available for purchase in its entirety via the usual vendors.