The 2024 amendment adds climate-change consideration to the management-system context and interested-party analysis. Certified construction companies should document a proportionate relevance decision and monitor official ISO and certification-body communications about future revision.
What changed in 2024
ISO published a climate-action amendment across a range of management-system standards. For ISO 45001, the change directs organizations to determine whether climate change is a relevant issue and notes that relevant interested parties can have climate-related requirements.
The amendment does not make every climate issue an occupational health and safety issue, and it should not invite generic claims. The organization needs a reasoned relevance assessment grounded in its context, workforce and operations.
Construction questions to consider
- Could heat, wildfire smoke, severe weather or changing seasons alter worker exposure?
- Could emergency access, temporary structures, lifting or excavation controls be affected?
- Are clients, workers, regulators or insurers expressing relevant requirements?
- Do design, procurement, scheduling or business-continuity decisions create new occupational risks?
- Are existing processes already addressing the relevant issue, and is that visible in evidence?
| Step | Practical output |
|---|---|
| Review context | Documented relevance decision and evidence considered |
| Review interested parties | Relevant needs or requirements and accountable owner |
| Connect to risks | Updated planning or controls where needed |
| Verify | Monitoring, worker input and management-review evidence |
Avoid overreaction and underreaction
Do not create a separate program merely to show activity if existing processes already manage the relevant risk. Equally, do not dismiss the amendment without documenting the basis. Auditors and leaders should be able to understand who considered the question, what evidence they used and whether action followed.
Prepare for the next edition responsibly
ISO standards are periodically reviewed and revised through formal stages. Monitor the official ISO committee page, communications from the organization’s certification body and any accredited transition guidance. Assign an owner to assess confirmed changes, impacts, training and timing.
Do not represent drafts as final requirements. Record the version and access date of guidance used, and update this page when ISO publishes a definitive edition or transition arrangement.
Frequently asked
Questions from construction leaders
Does the amendment require every company to create a separate climate program?
The organization should determine and document whether climate change is relevant to its management-system context and interested parties. The appropriate response depends on that assessment.
Should a company rewrite its system now for an unpublished future edition?
No. Monitor official information and plan for change, but continue using the current applicable requirements until an approved transition is communicated.
Primary sources
Sources and further reading
- ISO 45001:2018/Amd 1:2024 Climate action changesInternational Organization for Standardization
- ISO 45001 Occupational health and safety management systemsInternational Organization for Standardization
- ISO/TC 283 Occupational health and safety managementInternational Organization for Standardization
Sources are provided for education and reference. Inclusion does not imply affiliation, sponsorship or endorsement. This article is not legal advice or a certification determination.
For currently certified U.S. developers and general contractors