ISO 45001 is the international standard for Occupational Health & Safety Management Systems. Certification is valued by major clients and can replace or supplement SSIP assessments. It demonstrates a proactive, systematic approach to managing workplace H&S risks.
| Issued by | UKAS-accredited certification body |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | £4,500 |
| Renewal | Every 3 years |
| Who needs it | Electricians, gas engineers, heating engineers, plumbers, builders, groundworkers, roofers, scaffolders |
What you need to get it
6 requirements, and what counts as evidence for each.
Occupational Health & Safety Policy
A comprehensive OH&S policy signed at the highest level, stating commitment to worker health, safety and wellbeing.
Evidence: Signed OH&S policy document.
Hazard Identification & Risk Assessment
Systematic process for identifying workplace hazards, assessing risks, and implementing controls for all activities and locations.
Evidence: Risk assessment register covering all work activities.
Legal & Regulatory Register
Maintain a register of all applicable H&S legislation and ensure compliance. Review and update when legislation changes.
Evidence: Legal register document.
Incident Investigation Process
Documented procedure for investigating workplace accidents and near misses, identifying root causes, and implementing preventive actions.
Evidence: Incident investigation procedure and example investigation records.
Internal Audit Programme
Conduct internal audits of the OH&S management system at planned intervals.
Evidence: Internal audit records.
Stage 1 & Stage 2 Certification Audit
Engage a UKAS-accredited certification body for Stage 1 (document review) and Stage 2 (implementation audit).
Evidence: Certification body engagement letter.
What you have to keep doing
Getting it is the easy part. Keeping it means:
Annual Surveillance Audits
Annual surveillance audits in years 1 and 2, re-certification in year 3.
Incident Review & Reporting
Review and act on all incidents, near misses, and RIDDOR reports within the management system.
Is it worth it?
At £4,500, the question isn’t the fee — it’s whether it wins you work. For electricians it usually does, because it’s the first thing a cautious customer or a commercial buyer checks. Most trades hold accreditations and then hide the logos in the footer. If you’ve paid for it, it belongs where customers actually look.
Apply via UKAS-accredited certification body
Tracking it
Accreditations lapse quietly. The renewal date lands in a busy month, nobody spots it, and you find out when a customer asks for the certificate. Gaffer keeps your accreditations, evidence and renewal dates in one place and reminds you before they expire.