1. The ISO 45001 Update You Should Know First

Let me start with the most important point.

ISO 45001:2018 remains the main published edition, but Amendment 1:2024 added climate action considerations. The amendment is titled “ISO 45001:2018/Amd 1:2024 — Occupational health and safety management systems — Requirements with guidance for use — Amendment 1: Climate action changes.” It was published in February 2024.

This is not a completely new ISO 45001 standard. It is an amendment to the existing 2018 standard. That distinction matters because companies sometimes hear “ISO 45001 update” and assume they need to replace their entire management system immediately.

That is not how I would approach it.

I would first understand the amendment, review the organization's context, consider whether climate change is a relevant issue, and then determine whether existing processes and records need to be adjusted.

I would therefore avoid two extremes. The first is ignoring updates completely. The second is assuming that every update means starting the entire certification project again.

A better approach is controlled review.

Look at what has changed, understand whether the change affects your organization, update the relevant parts of the management system, and keep evidence that the review has been completed.

This approach is much easier to manage and much easier to explain during an audit.

2. What the 2024 Climate Action Amendment Means in Plain English

The phrase “climate action” can sound like something that belongs only to environmental management. But in occupational health and safety, climate-related conditions can directly affect workers.

Think about a factory in a region experiencing longer periods of extreme heat. Think about outdoor workers exposed to high temperatures. Think about flooding that blocks access to a site. Think about storms that interrupt power or damage buildings. Think about changes in humidity that affect equipment or materials.

These are not abstract environmental topics anymore. They can become workplace safety issues.

The 2024 amendment adds climate change considerations to the context and interested-party clauses of ISO management system standards. For ISO 45001, this means organizations need to consider whether climate change is a relevant issue that can affect their occupational health and safety management system and its intended results.

There is an important practical detail here: the amendment does not mean every company must create a large climate management department. The organization needs to determine whether climate change is relevant to its context and OH&S management system.

If it is relevant, the company should consider the associated risks and opportunities within its existing management processes.

What could climate-related OH&S risks look like?

• Extreme heat affecting workers on production lines or at outdoor sites.

• Severe weather affecting emergency response or site access.

• Flooding creating electrical, structural or transportation hazards.

• Changes in working conditions affecting worker fatigue and concentration.

• Climate-related disruption affecting critical suppliers or emergency resources.

• Changes in materials or processes introduced as part of climate action that create new workplace hazards.

The last point is easy to overlook. Climate action itself can create new occupational health and safety risks.

For example, a company may introduce new equipment to reduce energy use. The equipment could have different maintenance requirements. A factory may change a chemical or production process to reduce environmental impact. A company may install new energy systems that introduce electrical or operational risks.

So I do not recommend thinking about climate change only as “bad weather.” A good ISO 45001 climate change update review considers both the effects of climate change on the organization and possible OH&S risks associated with actions taken in response to climate change.

3. What Should I Review After an ISO 45001 Update?

When a company asks me, “What exactly should we change?”, I do not recommend immediately rewriting every procedure.

First, I recommend a structured review.

Review the organizational context

Start with the issues that can affect the organization's ability to achieve its intended OH&S results.

Has the company expanded? Has it moved into a new region? Has the production process changed? Has the workforce changed? Are new customer requirements affecting operations? Are climate-related conditions becoming more significant?

The answer does not need to be complicated. The important thing is to show that the organization has considered the issue properly.

Review interested parties

Customers, employees, regulators, contractors, local communities and other interested parties may have requirements or expectations related to occupational health and safety.

For example, a global customer may introduce a new supplier requirement concerning heat protection. A local regulator may strengthen emergency requirements. Employees may raise concerns about high temperatures during summer production.

These changes may need to be considered within the management system.

Review hazard identification

This is where the update becomes practical.

If the working environment has changed, your hazard identification may need to change too.

I would ask whether the organization has considered climate-related hazards where relevant. I would also ask whether new equipment, materials or processes introduced as part of climate action have created additional OH&S risks.

Review emergency preparedness

An emergency plan designed several years ago may not reflect today's conditions.

If extreme weather has become more likely in the organization's operating area, does the emergency plan still work? Can workers evacuate safely? Can emergency services access the site? Is there a plan for power failure? Can critical communication systems continue operating?

Review objectives and performance

Objectives should remain connected to real risks.

If heat exposure is becoming a major issue, for example, the organization may need suitable monitoring, work-rest arrangements, training, hydration measures or engineering controls. The exact response depends on local conditions and legal requirements.

The point is not to create an “ISO 45001 climate objective” just to satisfy a document requirement. The point is to manage a real risk if one exists.

4. ISO 45001 Update and Risk Control: The Part Manufacturers Should Not Ignore

For manufacturers, I think risk control is where the update becomes most useful.

It is easy to update a document. It is much more important to update the way people work when a real risk has changed.

Consider a factory that experiences higher temperatures during summer. The old safety system may have focused on machinery, electrical hazards and chemical exposure. But if indoor temperatures become much higher, workers may experience heat stress, fatigue and reduced concentration.

The organization may need to consider:

• Workplace temperature and ventilation.

• Hydration and access to drinking water.

• Work-rest arrangements where appropriate.

• Training and awareness.

• High-risk tasks during extreme heat.

• Emergency response for heat-related incidents.

• Monitoring of conditions and worker feedback.

Another example is severe weather.

Suppose a factory depends on one road for employee access and emergency services. If flooding regularly blocks that road, the problem is not simply a transportation problem. It may affect evacuation, emergency response, staffing and business continuity.

This is why I recommend connecting the ISO 45001 update to the existing risk management process rather than creating a separate climate file.

Use the hierarchy of controls

When a significant hazard is identified, the organization should consider suitable controls rather than relying only on employee behavior.

For example, if excessive heat is a serious workplace risk, simply telling workers to “drink more water” may not be enough. Depending on the situation, engineering controls, ventilation, cooling systems, scheduling changes and other measures may provide stronger protection.

The same principle applies to equipment changes.

If a company introduces new energy-saving machinery, it should not assume that because the machine is environmentally better, it is automatically safer. New machinery needs appropriate safety review, training, guarding, maintenance controls and emergency arrangements.

This is where ISO 45001 and broader sustainability work meet. A company should improve environmental performance without creating new risks for workers.

Do not forget contractors

Contractors can be exposed to different risks from employees. Maintenance teams, construction workers, equipment installers and external service providers may work in areas that regular employees know well but contractors do not.

When conditions change because of weather, new equipment or production changes, contractor controls may need to change too.

A strong ISO 45001 risk assessment therefore considers the people who may be affected, not just employees on the payroll.

5. Using the Update to Improve Efficiency Instead of Creating More Paperwork

One concern I often hear is, “Will this ISO 45001 update create more documents?”

It can, if the company handles it badly.

But that is not the goal.

A well-managed update should make the system clearer, not heavier. If your company already has processes for risk assessment, change management, emergency preparedness, internal audits and management review, the climate-related review can usually be connected to those processes.

For example, when the engineering team proposes a new production line, the company can already have a change review process. Add the relevant OH&S and climate considerations to that process instead of creating another approval system.

When management reviews safety performance, climate-related risks can be considered as part of the same meeting. When internal auditors check hazard controls, they can include relevant climate-related conditions within the audit scope.

This is one reason I like integrated management systems. GAIA works across ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001 and other management and verification areas. When these systems are designed properly, organizations can reduce repeated work.

For example, document control, competence, internal audit, corrective action and management review can often support several standards at the same time.

The result is not “more ISO.” The result should be a clearer way of managing the business.

Look at the cost of prevention, not just the cost of certification

There is also a financial angle.

When a company identifies a risk early, it has more choices. It may be able to redesign a process, change equipment settings, improve ventilation, adjust work planning or provide targeted training.

After an incident, the options may become more expensive and urgent.

I would never promise that an ISO 45001 update will automatically reduce operating costs by a fixed percentage. Certification is not a cost-saving guarantee. But a disciplined risk review can help management avoid repeated problems, reduce unnecessary disruption and make better decisions when changes are planned.

6. How I Help Organizations Stay Ready for ISO 45001 changes

At GAIA, I do not view an ISO 45001 update as a reason to frighten organizations into rewriting everything.

I prefer a practical sequence: understand the change, identify relevance, review the system, implement necessary action, verify effectiveness and keep improving.

First, understand the organization's actual situation

Before discussing documents, we need to understand the business. What does the company produce? Where does it operate? What are the main workplace hazards? How many workers are involved? Are contractors used? What changes have occurred recently?

This helps determine which parts of the update deserve attention.

Second, check existing controls

Many organizations already have useful controls. There is no reason to throw them away simply because the standard has been amended.

We can examine whether existing processes already address the relevant issue and whether they are effective.

Third, focus on evidence

During certification and audit work, evidence matters. The organization should be able to show how it considered relevant issues and what action it took where necessary.

That evidence may come from existing business processes. It does not have to be a complicated new document.

Fourth, verify implementation

A procedure saying “the company controls heat risk” is not enough if workers are still exposed to unsafe conditions.

We need to understand whether the control works in practice.

This is why our team brings experience from auditing, certification and verification across different industries. We look at both management system requirements and the practical operating environment.

GAIA was established in 2021 and is a CNCA-approved third-party auditing organization under approval number CNCA-R-2022-1132. Our IAS accreditation is under MSCB-3712, and we hold HIGG/FEM verification qualification ID186793. We are also a member of SLCP.

Our broader capabilities include ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, HSE, GB/T 27922, GB/T 31950 and GB/T 39604, along with services related to social responsibility, environmental protection, sustainability, green and low-carbon development and supply chain management.

For companies managing several standards, this broader view can be useful. Occupational health and safety does not operate separately from quality, environmental management, social responsibility or sustainability.

Our service principles are fairness, impartiality, value delivery, efficient service and integrity. We also follow a service philosophy based on professionalism, standardization, thoughtfulness and flexibility.

In simple terms, I want the client to know what we are checking, why it matters and what evidence is relevant. At the same time, third-party certification must remain objective and independent.

7. ISO 45001 Update FAQ: What Companies Are Asking Me

What is the latest ISO 45001 update?

The key published update is ISO 45001:2018/Amd 1:2024, which adds climate action considerations to the existing ISO 45001 framework. A future revised edition, ISO/DIS 45001, is also under development. Organizations should therefore monitor the formal development process rather than relying on rumors or unofficial summaries.

Is ISO 45001:2018 still valid?

Yes. ISO 45001:2018 remains the published core edition, with the 2024 climate action amendment applicable to it. At the same time, the standard is in the process of revision, so companies should keep their management systems under review.

Do I need a completely new ISO 45001 certificate because of the 2024 amendment?

Not simply because the amendment was published. The amendment is an update to ISO 45001:2018, not a completely separate standard. The practical response depends on the certification arrangement and the organization's situation. Companies should discuss applicable certification and transition requirements with their certification body rather than assuming that a new certificate is automatically required.

What exactly changed with climate change?

The amendment adds climate change considerations to the organization's understanding of context and interested parties. The practical question is whether climate change is a relevant issue that can affect the organization's ability to achieve the intended results of its occupational health and safety management system.

Does every company have to create a climate action plan?

No. The key point is relevance. An organization should determine whether climate change is a relevant issue for its OH&S management system. If it is relevant, the organization should consider the related risks and opportunities within its management system.

Does ISO 45001 now become an environmental standard?

No. ISO 45001 remains an occupational health and safety management system standard. Climate considerations are included because climate-related conditions can affect workers, workplaces and the organization's ability to achieve OH&S objectives.

How can climate change affect occupational health and safety?

Possible examples include extreme heat, severe storms, flooding, changes in working conditions, emergency-response challenges and other location-specific effects. The risks depend heavily on the organization's activities and geographic location.

Can climate action itself create safety risks?

Yes. New equipment, materials, technologies or processes introduced to improve environmental performance can create different workplace hazards. A company should consider occupational health and safety when planning such changes.

Do I need to rewrite my ISO 45001 manual?

Not automatically. I recommend first checking whether the current system already covers the relevant issue. If changes are needed, update only the affected processes and documented information. A controlled, focused update is usually better than rewriting the entire system without a clear reason.

What should an internal auditor check after the ISO 45001 update?

The auditor should consider whether the organization has determined relevant context issues, considered interested parties, identified applicable risks, updated controls where needed and implemented appropriate actions. The audit should focus on effectiveness, not just whether a new sentence has been added to a document.

Can ISO 45001 be combined with ISO 9001 and ISO 14001?

Yes. ISO 45001 uses a management system structure that can work well with ISO 9001 and ISO 14001. Organizations can often integrate processes such as document control, internal audit, competence, corrective action and management review.

Why is the ISO 45001 update important for manufacturers?

Manufacturing companies often have complex workplaces and can be affected by changes in temperature, weather, energy systems, production technology and supply chain conditions. Reviewing the updated requirements gives management an opportunity to check whether its OH&S system still reflects the real operating environment.

What should I do if my company already has ISO 45001 certification?

Do not panic and do not ignore the change. Start with a structured review. Check the current standard status, determine whether climate change is relevant to your organization, review context and interested parties, consider hazards and operational controls, and document appropriate actions where necessary. Then discuss certification-specific expectations with your certification body.

Why choose GAIA for ISO 45001 update and certification support?

GAIA combines third-party auditing, certification and verification experience with a broader understanding of supply chain quality, social responsibility, environmental management, safety and sustainability. Our team has experience across different industries, and our service approach emphasizes impartiality, professionalism, standardization and practical communication.

Stay Ahead of the ISO 45001 Update Instead of Chasing It

The biggest mistake I see with management system updates is treating them as a paperwork race.

A standard changes. Someone edits a manual. A new sentence is added. A training record is created. Everyone feels relieved.

But if the real workplace has not changed, the organization has missed the point.

The better approach is to ask what the update means for the business.

For ISO 45001, the 2024 climate action amendment gives organizations a good reason to look again at their context, interested parties and workplace risks. It encourages management to consider whether climate change can affect occupational health and safety and whether actions taken in response to climate change could introduce new risks.

At the same time, organizations should keep watching the development of the next ISO 45001 edition. A future revision is under development, so staying informed is much easier than trying to catch up at the last minute.

My recommendation is simple: review early, update only what needs updating, keep evidence, involve workers, and verify that controls work in practice.

At GAIA, we provide third-party audit, certification and verification services for organizations across Asia and other international markets. With our CNCA approval, IAS accreditation, HIGG/FEM verification qualification and wider experience in ISO systems, social responsibility, environmental management and sustainability, we can help organizations understand where they stand and prepare their management systems for current and future requirements.

For a manufacturer, supplier or international organization, an ISO 45001 update should not be seen as another administrative burden. It is an opportunity to ask a very practical question:

“Are we still managing workplace risks in a way that matches the business we operate today?”

If the answer is yes, the update can confirm that your system is moving in the right direction. If the answer is no, the review gives you a chance to fix the gap before it becomes a bigger operational, compliance or certification problem.

That is how I believe ISO 45001 should work: not as a static certificate, but as a living management system that keeps pace with people, technology, climate and the business itself.