Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) is a business imperative for high-risk industries and global supply chains. ISO 45001 sets companies apart, particularly in construction, manufacturing, and oil and gas, where certification secures large clients and international tenders. It demonstrates an organization’s commitment to providing safe and healthy workplaces while strengthening its reputation and stakeholder relationships.
What are the steps to buy ISO 45001 certification services?
1. Understand the ISO 45001 Standard
ISO 45001 is the internationally recognized standard for jobsite safety. It replaced OHSAS 18001 and aligns with Annex SL, the high-level structure that serves as a template for all ISO management standards, including ISO 9001.
Achieving ISO 45001 certification means a business significantly reduces workplace hazards through systematic processes. This level of acknowledgement reflects senior management’s commitment to employee safety and well-being. It also translates to measurable business value, as one study revealed that qualified companies are more productive and profitable than non-adopters, strengthening the economic incentive.
Your firm must meet the standard’s requirements before you can leverage this certification to win clients and secure contracts. The starting point is understanding what it demands regarding structures, clauses, risk-based thinking, leadership roles and employee involvement. This begins with obtaining a copy of the standard and, if needed, attending training courses to fully grasp its scope and align your organization’s skills with the standard’s criteria.
Failing to understand the standard can lead to non-conformities and failed audits, which could waste your time and financial investment in certification.
2. Conduct Gap Analysis and Risk Assessment
Find out where your company currently stands against the standard. Conducting a gap analysis provides a clear view of your current health, safety and operational practices compared to what ISO 45001 requires.
You can hire a consultant or use internal checklists to identify hazards, assess risks, develop controls and verify legal adherence at each step. This proactive move helps you uncover what needs to be built or corrected well before the audit, reducing delays from last-minute findings.
3. Plan and Design the OHS Management System
This stage involves creating policies and procedures for incident reporting, emergency preparedness and legal compliance that align with the standard’s clauses. Documenting these processes provides the evidence auditors require later on. To complete this step, you should:
- Assign a dedicated cross-functional team to oversee certification efforts and maintain a consistent focus.
- Clearly define roles, responsibilities and timelines to establish accountability.
- Train staff on new procedures to build ownership while reducing resistance.
- Conduct internal audits and management reviews before the external checks to confirm your company’s readiness.
4. Choose an Accredited Certification Body
After completing internal reviews, the next step is to select a provider properly authorized to audit and issue ISO 45001 certificates. Verify that the vendor is recognized by the International Accreditation Forum and validated by the ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015, as this determines credibility and acceptance by clients and regulatory authorities. An unqualified service partner risks superficial inspections or credentials that may not be accepted.
5. Undergo the Certification Audit
The review has two parts. In the first stage, auditors review your documentation and framework structure to confirm readiness for the full evaluation. The second phase is an on-site audit, during which auditors check how your systems work in practice and whether they comply with ISO 45001.
Before this point, your system should have operated for at least three months. You should also have completed a full cycle of internal inspections and a management review, correcting all identified non-conformities. Stage audits can be scheduled directly with your chosen body.
You won’t receive certification if the review reveals major non-conformities. Conducting thorough internal evaluations in advance helps identify these issues early and prevents delays before the full review.
6. Receive Certification and Maintain It
After a successful audit, your company will receive ISO 45001 certification, which is valid for three years. To stay compliant, you will undergo annual surveillance checks and a complete recertification audit cycle. If requirements are not met, certification can be revoked or not renewed.
Without ongoing maintenance, risks and workplace accidents may resurface, damaging your reputation and wasting your investment. In severe cases, poor compliance can even result in legal exposure.
To protect your certification, continue collecting records, schedule annual surveillance and internal assessments, track legal or operational changes, and update risk assessments as conditions evolve.
NQA — The Trusted Provider for ISO 45001 Certification Services
With over 30 years of experience and over 53,000 certificates issued across 90 countries, NQA is a global leader in certification, training and support services. For the past decade, NQA has partnered with organizations of all sizes to strengthen jobsite safety and meet international standards.
The accreditation journey with NQA is clear and structured:
- Quote request: Share your company details online to define your scope of assessment and receive a tailored proposal.
- Audit booking: Once your system has been running for at least three months, schedule your two-stage Initial Certification Audit, conducted by experienced NQA auditors.
- Certification decision: Upon successful review, NQA issues your ISO 45001 certificate.
Backed by expertise in numerous industries, including construction, manufacturing, aerospace, telecoms and food, NQA helps businesses comply with globally recognized standards like ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 27001 and ISO 45001.
Turn ISO Compliance Into Your Competitive Advantage
Buying ISO 45001 certification services involves more than choosing a provider and paying a fee. It’s a multi-step commitment that begins with achieving recognition and requires you to maintain and renew it. Following the right steps minimizes delays, avoids unnecessary costs and strengthens workplace safety. This credential positions your organization as reliable and compliant — qualities that carry weight with clients, regulators and employees alike.
