Advice
A short readout of what the DIS is signaling and what is still 2018 audit criteria.
DIS in circulation — expected 2027
ISO 45001
ISO 45001 Occupational Health & Safety — forthcoming revision
The revision is expected to keep the management-system structure and put more weight on psychosocial health, workplace culture, and how work is actually organized — including remote and changing work patterns.
When it changed — or when it will
ISO 45001 is in its first revision since 2018. The Draft International Standard was released for ballot in mid-2026 (ISO/DIS 45001:2026). Publication is expected in 2027, often described as the second half of 2027. ISO 45001:2018 remains the certifiable edition until the new edition is published and transition rules apply.
Current edition: ISO 45001:2018. Incoming edition: ISO 45001:2027 (expected).
When certification to the new edition is required
No official transition deadline exists yet. When the new edition is published, a period of about three years is the usual pattern for ISO management-system standards. Do not treat 2018 certificates as expiring because a draft exists.
How the standard is changing
- Greater attention to psychosocial risks, stress, and workplace culture alongside traditional physical hazards.
- Continued integration of climate-related occupational risks already signaled in the 2024 climate amendment, such as heat stress where it is relevant to the work.
- Clearer expectations that OH&S outcomes protect people in practice, not only on paper.
- Alignment with the current Harmonized Structure used by other ISO management-system standards.
- DIS text can still change at FDIS. Do not rewrite the OH&S system against an unpublished draft unless leadership specifically wants an early readiness review.
Transitioning
Certified organizations should maintain ISO 45001:2018 well. Optional early work is to strengthen worker participation, psychosocial risk evaluation, and legal-requirement processes so a later transition is smaller.
Timing that fits the organization
There is no requirement to implement DIS language today. Some organizations will use the draft to shape the next management review. Others will wait for the published edition and the official transition clock. Both are reasonable.
How WCH can help
Advice, gap analysis, support, and internal audit.
Gap analysis
A readiness review against the published edition when it exists — or a light DIS preview if you want to plan early.
Support
OH&S system updates and optional integration with ISO 14001 so EHS stays one system through the revision.
Internal audit
ISO 45001:2018 internal audits now, and a transition audit against the new edition when that is the standard you will present to the registrar.
WCH Professional Services
Set the ISO 45001 transition on a date you control.
Request a quote online or call (570) 350‑9256. Tell us the sites and the next audit date. WCH will recommend a pace that matches your certificate cycle.