What is ISO 45001:2018 Self Declaration?

ISO 45001:2018 standard states that an organization that wishes to demonstrate conformity can do so by self-declaration. This standard contains requirements that can be used by an organization to implement an OH&S management system and to assess conformity. An organization that wishes to demonstrate conformity to ISO 45001 can do so using 1 of 4 options:

• 1. Make a self-determination and self-declaration
•  2. Seek confirmation of its conformance by parties having an interest in the organization, such as customers
• 3. Seek confirmation of its self-declaration by a party external to the organization
  • ISO/IEC 17050 Supplier Declaration of Conformity: ISO/IEC 17050-1:2004 and ISO/IEC 17050-2:2004 give additional significance to a supplier’s declaration of conformity. 

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• 4. Seek certification/registration of its occupational health and safety management system by an external organization. You can learn more about how to select a registrar.

Option Clarifications

• Option 1 is oftentimes referred to as “self-certify or “self-certification”. This is not accurate and is not accepted under ISO terms and definitions. This can be confusing to the marketplace and therefore it needs to be called either self-determination or self-declaration.
• Option 2 is often called a customer or 2nd party audit- this is acceptable.
• Option 3 is an independent third-party process by an organization based upon an engagement activity and delivered by specially trained practitioners.
• Option 4 is becoming certified by an independent third-party. This has become widely used by all types of organizations.

ISO does not control conformity assessment. Its mandate is to develop and maintain standards. ISO has a neutral policy on conformity assessment. Each one of the 4 options serves different market needs. As an organization, it is important to carefully understand what works best for you and what serves your market needs.

Self-declaration is an option unique to this standard, and thus organizations can simply use ISO 45001 as a guideline. Although entities can self declare conformance to ISO 45001, this only means that they conform to a prescribed system, not to prescribed safety regulations.

ISO 45001 Certification has many advantages and we recommend that companies become certified through third-party certification bodies (CB’s, or Registrars). 

This is a business decision. But there are several markets, financial and trade advantages realized with certification. It may change the opinions of customers, insurers, and non-certification may limit trade.

Keep in mind that ISO 45001 does not replace existing occupational health and safety regulation but certified companies are typically more quickly alerted to these issues.