ISO 45001‑2025 Draft Released: What It Means for Safety in Manufacturing & Construction sectors?

K2A Management
Jul 19
3 min read

The release of the Draft International Standard (DIS) for ISO 45001:2025 marks a significant step in the evolution of Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems (OHSMS). While the final version of the updated standard is expected by 2027, the 2025 draft already outlines major improvements that will reshape how organizations—particularly manufacturers—approach worker safety, risk, and compliance.

As a leading consultancy in Southeast Asia, K2A Management -ISO certfication Consultant is ready to support manufacturers in Cambodia, Vietnam, Myanmar, and India in understanding these changes and preparing early for a seamless transition.

What Is ISO 45001 and Why Is It Changing?

ISO 45001 is the internationally recognized standard for occupational health and safety. It helps organizations provide a safe and healthy workplace by preventing work-related injury and ill health, as well as by improving OHS performance.

The 2025 revision is part of a regular update cycle to keep the standard relevant and aligned with global challenges, including:

Evolving risks and workplace hazards
Climate-related and psychosocial issues
Stronger alignment with ESG and sustainability frameworks
Integrated management with ISO 9001 and ISO 14001

Key Changes in ISO 45001:2025 Draft

Inclusion of Climate-Related Risks

Organizations will need to consider climate change as a relevant factor in the context of their OHSMS. This includes understanding how extreme weather, heat exposure, or climate-driven operational shifts can impact worker safety.

Greater Focus on Mental Health and Psychosocial Hazards

ISO 45001:2025 expands the definition of workplace risk to include mental health, stress, burnout, and harassment. Employers must assess and mitigate these non-physical hazards through policy and action.

Diversity, Inclusion & Workforce Engagement

The draft includes stronger language around inclusivity and worker participation. Organizations must involve diverse employee voices in decision-making and ensure that safety policies are equitable.

Harmonization with ISO 9001 and 14001

To simplify integration across management systems, ISO 45001:2025 will align even more closely with ISO 9001 (Quality) and ISO 14001 (Environment)—making it easier for certified companies to adopt a unified approach.

Why Manufacturers & Construction Sector Should Prepare Now

Manufacturing & Construction Company is a high-risk sector where proactive safety planning is critical. Early adoption of ISO 45001:2025 principles will allow your organization to:

Identify gaps between current practices and new requirements
Enhance worker safety and reduce liability
Improve employee retention through stronger health & wellness practices
Maintain compliance as regulations evolve
Strengthen your ESG and sustainability profile

How K2A Management Supports Your Transition

At K2A Management, we offer a complete ISO 45001:2025 readiness framework:

Gap Assessment & Action Planning

We evaluate your current OHSMS and highlight areas needing updates under the 2025 draft standard

Training & Capacity Building

We deliver focused workshops and internal auditor training on new elements such as mental health risk, stakeholder engagement, and climate risk.

Integrated Management System (IMS) Alignment

If your organization is also certified under ISO 9001 or 14001, we help align all systems for efficiency, reduced duplication, and better audit results.

Final Thoughts

The ISO 45001:2025 update signals a new era of worker-centered, climate-aware, and inclusive safety management. Manufacturers who act early will not only stay ahead of compliance but also position themselves as industry leaders in workplace health, ESG, and operational resilience.