ISO 45001:2027 Changes Explained

The proposed 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, according to the British Standards Institute (BSI).

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 look to strengthen leadership accountability, expand focus on mental health, and require a more proactive approach to emerging risks.

This is not intended to be a complete overhaul. The BSI describes it as a targeted evolution, retaining the structure you’re familiar with while enhancing the standard’s relevance and effectiveness.

What’s changing in ISO 45001:2027?

The DIS introduces a series of potential changes aiming to 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, wellbeing, 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.
• 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 organisation evolves.
• Continued alignment with ISO standards – ISO 45001 is expected to retain alignment with the harmonised 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, the BSI advises.

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 maximise the benefits of the revised standard.

For more information, review the draft changes here. Your opportunity to comment will close by 9th August 2026.

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