ISO 45001 certification (Occupational Health and Safety management systems)

ISO 45001 is the international standard for occupational health and safety management systems. It helps organisations manage workplace risks, structure health and safety processes and continually improve performance.

ISO 45001 is a voluntary international standard, and certification is usually not a legal requirement. However, it may be required or offer an advantage in tenders, supplier selection and client contracts.

No. Employers remain responsible for complying with the Dutch Working Conditions Act (Arbowet), Decree (Arbobesluit) and Regulation (Arboregeling). ISO 45001 supports a structured, demonstrable approach to health and safety policies, risks, controls and improvements; it does not replace legislation.

ISO 45001 suits organizations of almost any size and sector. It is particularly relevant for those seeking to manage occupational risks, prevent incidents and demonstrate effective health and safety management to employees, clients and regulators.

VCA focuses mainly on safe working in higher-risk activities, often in operational and technical environments. ISO 45001 covers the wider occupational health and safety management system, including policy, leadership, risks, processes, worker participation, performance evaluation and continual improvement.

Review your current health and safety management system, occupational risks, legal obligations, objectives and intended certification scope. Bureau Veritas discusses your activities, sites and scope with you before preparing a certification proposal.

The auditor assesses whether your occupational health and safety management system meets the standard’s requirements and works effectively in practice.

Key areas include:

• your organisation’s context;
• leadership and worker participation;
• hazard identification and risk assessment;
• legal and other obligations;
• health and safety objectives and measures;
• roles, responsibilities and competence;
• operational controls;
• incidents, Non Conformities and corrective actions;
• internal audits and management review;
• continual improvement. 

The process starts with defining the scope and preparing a certification agreement. The Certification Audit has two stages.

Stage 1 / Initial Audit
The auditor reviews your documentation, scope, internal audits, management review, legal obligations and application of ISO 45001 requirements to assess readiness for Stage 2.

Stage 2 / Main Audit
The auditor assesses implementation and effectiveness through interviews, process assessments and a review of system performance.

Following a successful audit and Technical Review, Bureau Veritas can issue your ISO 45001 certificate.

A certificate is usually valid for three years, provided your organisation continues to meet the standard’s requirements. Surveillance Audits take place during the cycle. A Recertification Audit is required at the end of the cycle to renew certification.

Yes. Their shared harmonised structure supports integration with ISO 9001 for quality and ISO 14001 for environmental management. This helps you build one consistent, efficient management system.

Costs depend on your organisation’s size, sites, scope, operational complexity and how developed your management system is. Bureau Veritas reviews these factors and provides a tailored quotation.

Yes. We review your certificate, audit reports, scope and schedule to plan the transfer without unnecessary disruption to your current certification cycle.