ISO 45001 is the international occupational health and safety management system standard developed to help organisations manage the risks of occupational accidents and occupational diseases systematically. Published in 2018, the standard sets requirements for hazard identification, risk assessment, worker participation, emergency preparedness and continual improvement, and is certified through independent audits.
What does the standard regulate?
ISO 45001 uses the same ten-clause structure as other ISO management systems. This allows it to be run in a single integrated system together with ISO 9001 and ISO 14001. The requirements are in clauses 4 to 10: context of the organisation, leadership and worker participation, planning, support, operation, performance evaluation and improvement. The amendment published in 2024 (Amd 1:2024) made it a requirement to consider climate change in the context analysis.
In 2018 the standard replaced OHSAS 18001; the transition period granted for old certificates ended in 2021. The differences between the two texts are explained in the ISO 45001 vs OHSAS 18001 entry. A revision of the standard is under way; BSI expects the new edition to be published in 2027.
Why is it important?
In Türkiye, Occupational Health and Safety Law No. 6331 (İş Sağlığı ve Güvenliği Kanunu) obliges every employer to carry out a risk assessment or have one carried out. The Risk Assessment Regulation requires this assessment to be renewed at least every two years in very hazardous workplaces, every four years in hazardous workplaces and every six years in low-hazard workplaces. ISO 45001 does not replace the law; it links the legal requirement to a cycle with objectives, indicators, internal audits and management reviews. This way the risk assessment does not stay in a file but is updated with changes on site.
How are hazard identification and risk assessment carried out?
- All routine and non-routine activities are listed: loading, maintenance, night shifts, subcontractor work.
- Hazards are identified for each activity: moving vehicles, working at height, suspended loads, chemical exposure, fatigue.
- The risk is scored on likelihood and severity.
- Control measures are chosen according to the hierarchy: eliminating the hazard, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls and, last of all, personal protective equipment.
- Decisions are recorded, and a responsible person and a date are assigned.
- The assessment is renewed for new equipment, a new site or after an accident.
Which risks stand out in logistics?
| Activity | Typical hazard | Example control |
|---|---|---|
| Warehouse and loading dock | Forklift-pedestrian collision, falling into the dock gap | Segregated pedestrian walkway, wheel chocks, dock lock |
| Loading and lashing | Load shift, falling from the top of the trailer | Lashing plan, working platform, equipment checks |
| Crane operation | Suspended load falling, crane overturning | Lifting plan, ground survey, competent signaller |
| Driving | Fatigue, traffic accident | AETR driving and rest times, tachograph monitoring |
| Dangerous goods | Fire, leakage, exposure | ADR training, emergency equipment, drills |
Who needs it?
The certificate is not a legal requirement; organisations of any size and in any sector can obtain it. In practice, main contractors of energy, petrochemical, construction and nuclear projects require ISO 45001 or an equivalent system when approving suppliers. The SQAS assessment used in the chemical industry also scores safety management separately. Keeping subcontracted drivers and site teams within the scope shows whether the certificate has real meaning on the ground.
Common mistakes
- Preparing the risk assessment once and not updating it as things change on site.
- Not recording near misses; the leading indicator of accidents is lost.
- Demonstrating worker participation only with a signature sheet.
- Leaving subcontractors and operators of hired equipment outside the scope.
How does Voltim Global support this?
Voltim Global's valid management system certificates are ISO 28000 and ISO 50001. In out-of-gauge and heavy cargo and crane- and forklift-supported operations, the loading, lashing and site safety plan is handled within this management system.