ISO 45001 is an international standard that specifies the basic requirements for an Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OH&S MS). Its purpose is to help organizations provide safe and healthy workplaces, prevent work-related injuries and illnesses, and proactively improve occupational health and safety performance. The standard applies to organizations of all sizes and industries, and it can be used by any organization that wants to establish, implement, maintain, and continually improve its OH&S management system.One of the core requirements of ISO 45001 is leadership and worker participation. Top management must take accountability for the effectiveness of the OH&S management system and ensure that occupational health and safety is integrated into the organization’s business processes. Leaders are expected to establish a clear OH&S policy, define roles and responsibilities, and provide the resources needed to achieve safety objectives. At the same time, workers must be involved in decision-making processes, hazard identification, risk assessment, and the development of safety controls.Another key requirement is understanding the context of the organization. This means identifying internal and external issues that may affect the ability to achieve intended safety outcomes. The organization must also determine the needs and expectations of workers and other interested parties, such as contractors, visitors, or regulators. Based on this understanding, the scope of the OH&S management system must be clearly defined.Risk and opportunity management is a central part of ISO 45001. Organizations are required to identify hazards, assess OH&S risks, and determine opportunities for improving safety performance. Preventive actions should be based on a systematic approach rather than reacting only after incidents occur. Controls should follow the hierarchy of controls, such as elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, and personal protective equipment.ISO 45001 also requires proper planning, support, and operational control. Organizations must set measurable OH&S objectives and plan how to achieve them. They need to provide competent personnel, training, communication, and documented information to support the system. Operational planning should ensure that routine and non-routine activities are controlled, including changes, procurement, contractors, and emergency preparedness.Performance evaluation is another essential requirement. The organization must monitor, measure, analyze, and evaluate its OH&S performance to determine whether the system is effective. Internal audits and management reviews are required to verify compliance and identify opportunities for improvement. Any nonconformities must be corrected promptly, and corrective actions should prevent recurrence.Finally, continual improvement is a fundamental principle of ISO 45001. The organization should constantly look for ways to enhance worker safety, reduce risks, and strengthen the effectiveness of the management system. By meeting the basic requirements of ISO 45001, an organization can create a safer workplace, improve legal compliance, increase employee confidence, and build a strong culture of prevention and responsibility.