ISO 45001:2018 or NEN-EN-ISO 45001:2023?
ISO 45001:2018 is the international edition of the standard for occupational health and safety management systems. In the Netherlands, NEN (Netherlands Standardization Institute) published the European adoption as NEN-EN-ISO 45001:2023 nl , a Dutch-language standard that replaces the earlier NEN-ISO 45001:2018 nl. These are therefore different publication labels, not two competing international ISO editions. Use this explanation alongside the requirements of ISO 45001 and the Dutch checklist when you check a quote or certificate.
The years therefore do not simply describe two competing certificates. ISO shows the international publication from 2018. NEN published a Dutch, European adoption with the year 2023. Always check the exact reference, language and any amendments with NEN and your certification body.
The ISO status page lists ISO 45001:2018 as the current edition, with Amendment 1:2024 on climate action. The page also states that a revision is under way. A draft or an announcement is not a new edition in force.
What do the names mean?
| Reference | What it refers to | What you check |
|---|---|---|
| ISO 45001:2018 | International edition and official ISO status | Edition, amendments and certification scope |
| NEN-EN-ISO 45001:2023 nl | Dutch publication via NEN | Language version, publication date and availability |
| ISO 45001:2018/Amd 1:2024 | Published amendment to the ISO edition | Whether it has been incorporated in your standards register and the current NEN publication |
| ISO/DIS 45001 | Draft in a revision process | Only follow as future information, not as a basis for an audit |
A certificate usually states the standard reference that the certification body uses. A tender may name “ISO 45001:2018” because that is the international name. If you are unsure, ask in writing which edition and which scope are accepted. Do not make your own equivalence claim on behalf of a client.
How to read a quote or certificate
Check four fields. First: does it say ISO 45001 or NEN-EN-ISO 45001, and which year? Second: does the amendment or a national addition fall under the audit agreement? Third: does the scope match your activities, locations and employees? Fourth: is the certification body registered and accredited for the right activity?
Then compare the text with your own standards register. Record one preferred reference for internal documents, and state the international name in brackets if your suppliers or clients use it. This prevents the same requirement being managed twice under two names.
Fictional example: contractor Noordbrug
This is an invented example. Noordbrug receives a quote that mentions “certification to ISO 45001:2018”. Its internal register lists “NEN-EN-ISO 45001:2023 nl”. The quality coordinator places both references side by side, checks the scope and asks the certification body whether Amendment 1:2024 is part of the audit basis. In the reply to the tender, Noordbrug only states that the certificate will be applied for according to the reference confirmed by the client. The company does not itself promise that every reference is contractually equivalent.
What do you do about the ongoing revision?
NEN reported in 2024 that the revision of ISO 45001 had started. On its official status page, ISO states that ISO 45001:2018 is going to be revised and that ISO/DIS 45001 is under development. There is therefore reason to follow your standards register and certification body, but no reason to present future requirements as audit criteria in advance.
For a new certification, plan a checkpoint with your certification body. For an existing certificate, ask how changes in the standard status will be translated into the audit cycle. Keep the source and date of that decision in your register.
Frequently asked questions about the ISO 45001 versions
Is NEN-EN-ISO 45001:2023 a new ISO edition?
No. It is the Dutch publication from 2023 of the European adoption of ISO 45001:2018. NEN states that this publication replaces the earlier NEN-ISO 45001:2018 nl and links Amendment 1:2024 to it. Check the exact content and current version with NEN.
Do I have to comply with ISO/DIS 45001 now?
No. ISO/DIS is a draft status in a revision process. For certification, use the reference in force that ISO, NEN and your certification body confirm.
Where do I record Amendment 1:2024?
Add it to your standards register as a relevant document and record how you assessed its application. Ask your certification body which audit interpretation applies to your certificate.
Related pages
- ISO 45001 requirements: the content per clause.
- ISO 45001 checklist: practical preparation.
- The ISO 45001 audit process: what happens during the audit?