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ISO 45003:2021
Occupational Health and Safety Management — Mental Health and Safety at Work

What is ISO 45003:2021?

This standard provides organizations with guidelines for managing psychosocial risks, enabling them to help prevent work-related employee injuries and health issues and promote workplace well-being.

The benefits of organizational certification

01. Demonstrate a commitment to employee health

Obtaining ISO 45003 certification demonstrates your organization's commitment to employee well-being, signaling to current and potential talent that your organization provides a healthy and supportive work environment. The benefits of this certification are realized by everyone—both your employees and your organization.

02. Enhance workplace productivity and engagement

ISO 45003 certification focuses on managing and minimizing workplace stressors to prevent negative human capital outcomes. By minimizing these stressors, organizations can achieve higher levels of productivity, engagement, retention, and reduced absenteeism.

03. Empower your organization with purpose

Every organization has its unique employee risk factors. By implementing continuous improvement processes, considering risks, measuring stress levels, and assessing employee outcomes, the organization demonstrates its commitment to workplace health.

04. Proudly display your organization's badge

Your commitment to HR excellence and employee experience is significant. That’s why certified organizations are provided with digital badges, based on global standards, which validate your company as an outstanding workplace. These badges showcase your culture and commitment to excellence and serve as a powerful recognition tool that helps attract top talent, retain high performers, and enhance your reputation in the talent market.

Even with limited resources, there is still a lot that can be done.

When the HR department has done everything it can, what else can you do? ISO 45003, the first... gives you the answer!

This is the core idea of ISO 45003, the world's first occupational health and safety management standard—'Psychological health and safety at work — Guidelines for managing psychosocial risks.'

Despite the omnipresence of high technology and the unstoppable rise of AI, organizations have never ceased to innovate and adapt, while people remain an indispensable resource. Of course, we're talking about high-productivity individuals and high-performance teams. So, how can organizations ensure their workforce remains in the desired state? In 2021, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) released ISO 45003:2021, 'Psychological health and safety at work — Guidelines for managing psychosocial risks.' This standard has been adopted as the national recommended standard GB/T 45003-2024 by the National Standardization Committee of China as of March 15, 2024. Prior to this, there was no standard that truly addressed the prevention and management of psychological health risks at work, specifically those arising from inadequate handling of various stressors. ISO 45003 was developed to fill this gap.
This standard provides guidance on managing psychological health and safety risks within an occupational health and safety management system. It covers identifying the root causes and potential issues that may harm employees' mental health and work well-being, such as ineffective communication, excessive stress, inadequate leadership, and poor organizational culture, as well as addressing employees' true needs, including feelings of safety, satisfaction, and happiness. Additionally, it includes methods for identifying and assessing key risk factors to determine the necessary measures to improve the work environment and managing work-related hazards and psychosocial risks within the occupational health and safety management system.

In today's fast-paced work environment,

ensuring employee well-being is more important than ever.

Our work life has a significant impact on our mental health,

Employers have a responsibility to protect the physical and psychosocial health of their employees.

As ISO Technical Committee Chair Norma McCormick mentioned, "The added stress employees experienced during the pandemic, such as uncertainty, fear, isolation, and increased workload, highlighted the critical role of workplace mental health. The standard brings together good practices in managing psychosocial risks from various international regions and is applicable to all types and sizes of organizations." Additionally, the post-pandemic economic downturn, the diversification of work formats, and today’s workers' needs for work-life balance have compelled organizations to increasingly focus on employee well-being and job satisfaction.
Don't worry, ISO 45003 can support any type of organization in implementing this system through a preventive approach to managing psychosocial risks in the workplace and promoting psychological health and safety. To a large extent, the methods outlined in ISO 45003 are legal requirements in most countries, but the issue is that in this field, legal compliance does not necessarily mean a tailored, heartfelt approach to addressing management issues. The standard goes beyond the minimum legal requirements, offering practical and specific guidance to help organizations make positive changes. It includes examples of interventions and evaluations of these measures, and allows and encourages organizations to benchmark and validate their practices against international standards, ensuring that organizations remain agile in responding to changes in the work environment that could impact mental and physical health and well-being.

The values and principles behind ISO 45003

People first: Organizations prioritize human initiative and creativity. Building a culture of trust is fundamental to innovation and organizational resilience.
A people-centered preventive approach can be succinctly expressed as follows:
Vision Build a world of trust
Mission Starting from your organization's CEO and top management
Goals Respect employees by providing good compensation, benefits, and a healthy work-life balance. Empower people and build a supportive system both within and outside your organization.

Does this topic need to be on the agenda?

Twenty years ago, employers might have considered workplace mental health a personal issue, unrelated to them. However, with the changes brought about by the pandemic, increased automation, and the rise of AI technology, the way we work has evolved. With shifts in mindset and the introduction of tangible tools like ISO 45003, there is hope for significant changes in effectively managing employees' psychological health and safety in the work environment. The standard is not about turning line managers into psychologists; ISO 45003 is not focused on managing clinical psychological issues. Instead, it emphasizes how organizations can create a positive psychosocial environment and guide people to adopt a more preventive approach to work design to avoid psychological problems.
ISO 45003 will help users meet the requirements of ISO 45001, the world's first international standard for occupational health and safety management systems, which is the cornerstone for building strong organizational resilience.
This standard is developed by ISO/TC 283, the Technical Committee on Occupational Health and Safety Management. It specifies requirements for identifying conditions, environments, and workplace demands that could potentially harm workers' psychological health and well-being; assessing key risk factors to determine necessary changes for improving the work environment; and managing psychosocial risks within the occupational health and safety management system. As part of the occupational health and safety management series, ISO 45003 works alongside ISO 45001:2018 'Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems — Requirements and Guidance for Use' and ISO/PAS 45005:2020 'Occupational Health and Safety Management — General Guidelines for Safe Work During the COVID-19 Pandemic' to provide requirements and guidance for the planning, implementation, assessment, and improvement of occupational health and safety management systems.

Committee members

78participating member countries
21observer countries
This standard provides guidelines for managing psychosocial risks within an occupational health and safety (OH&S) management system based on ISO 45001. It enables organizations to prevent work-related injuries and health issues affecting employees and other stakeholders, and to promote well-being at work.

The World Health Organization (WHO) Healthy Workplace Model

It is applicable to organizations of all sizes and sectors, advancing the establishment of healthy and safe workplaces through the PPCA approach.
Don't think of ISO 45003 as just a guide to employee psychological health and safety. Its multi-dimensional framework extends your existing occupational health and safety programs, motivates workers to be more efficient and happier, and alleviates the pressure of managing psychological risks while enhancing overall organizational well-being. By implementing these guidelines, organizations can create a culture that prioritizes job satisfaction and productivity, ensuring a safer and more supportive environment for all employees.

How does ISO 45003 help organizations?

We offer training, gap assessments, and certification audits to support your journey toward ISO 45003 compliance.

The benefits of adopting the standard include:
  • Encourages employees to be more proactive and motivated
  • Supports recruitment, attracts talent, retains employees, and promotes workforce diversity
  • Enhances employee engagement
  • Fosters innovation
  • Ensures compliance with regulations
  • Reduces absenteeism, inefficiency, and even disruption caused by workplace stress, burnout, anxiety, and depression

If your organization wishes to

Address the following issues:

Organization lacks understanding of:
  • How psychological harm occurs in the workplace?
  • What is psychosocial health and psychosocial risks?
The organization is unsure of what actions to take?
  • Eliminate and address low risks
  • Practical case studies for addressing issues
  • Efforts made but results are unsatisfactory
  • Best practices and frameworks are needed to improve
The organization needs to understand how to manage this risk?
  • I tried hard, but the results were not good
  • Best practices and frameworks are needed to improve
ISO 45003 is a standard published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) regarding Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems (OH&S), focusing on psychological health and safety.
By obtaining ISO 45003 certification, organizations can gain the following benefits:
01. Improve employee psychological health:
The standard emphasizes preventing psychological harm and promoting mental health, helping organizations create a more supportive work environment for employees.
02. Risk management:
By identifying and controlling work-related psychological health risks, organizations can reduce employee stress and anxiety, and improve job satisfaction.
03. Improve compliance:
Complying with ISO 45003 helps organizations meet legal and regulatory requirements, particularly in the area of occupational health and safety.
04. Enhance corporate image:
Demonstrating the organization's commitment to employee well-being can enhance its corporate image and attract and retain talent.
05. Reduce work hour losses:
By decreasing absenteeism and early retirement due to psychological health issues, organizations can save costs.
06. Enhance work efficiency:
Employees with good psychological health generally have higher work efficiency and productivity.
07. Improve communication and employee engagement:
ISO 45003 encourages organizations to engage in open and honest communication with employees, enhancing their engagement and loyalty to the organization.
08. Market advantage:
In the context of increasing emphasis on employee psychological health by large enterprises and organizations, obtaining ISO 45003 certification can become a significant market advantage for the organization.
09. Continuous improvement:
Adhering to ISO 45003 helps organizations establish a continuous improvement process, consistently evaluating and enhancing the effectiveness of their OH&S management systems.
10. Confidence from customers and stakeholders:
Demonstrating the organization's focus on employee health and safety can enhance the trust of customers and stakeholders in the organization.
By obtaining ISO 45003 certification, organizations can not only enhance their own occupational health and safety standards but also promote a healthier and safer work environment within the broader societal context.
The benefits of investing in workplace health and well-being
Enhance employee morale and engagement
A healthier and more inclusive culture
Reduce sick leave rates

What are the specific steps to obtain certification?

01. Initial assessment:
  • Determine whether the organization meets the requirements of ISO 45003.
  • Evaluate the organization’s current occupational health and safety management practices regarding psychological health and safety to ensure that the management of psychosocial risks meets the standard's requirements.
02. Prepare documentation:
  • Develop or update relevant policies, objectives, plans, and procedures.
  • Ensure that all employees are aware of and engaged with the management system.
03. Implement and improve:
  • Implement psychological health and safety measures within the occupational health and safety management system: manage psychosocial risk management plans and monitor their effectiveness.
  • Provide training to employees to enhance awareness of psychological health and safety.
  • Conduct regular internal audits to assess the effectiveness of the management system.
04. Management review:
  • Management must regularly review the management system to ensure it remains appropriate, adequate, and effective.
05. Third-party audit:
  • Conduct a formal third-party audit to verify that the organization meets all the requirements of the ISO 45003 standard.
  • Third-party audits are typically conducted by certification bodies, which must be accredited by a recognized accreditation body.
06. Corrective and preventive actions:
  • Based on the results of the third-party audit, take necessary corrective and preventive actions.
07. Obtain certification:
  • Once the audit is successfully completed, the organization will be awarded the ISO 45003 certification.
  • After certification, annual surveillance audits are required to ensure ongoing compliance with the standard's requirements over the two-year certification period.
08. Continuous improvement:
  • After obtaining certification, the organization should continue to monitor and improve the management system to address new risks and challenges.
  • Each step needs to be carefully executed to ensure that the management system operates effectively and complies with the requirements of the ISO 45003 standard.
  • Additionally, organizations should always stay informed about the latest standards and regulations, and update their management systems as needed to respond to any changes.

What is legal certification?

In China, legal certification is conducted by certification bodies accredited by the Certification and Accreditation Administration of the People's Republic of China (CNCA), which is under the State Administration for Market Regulation. According to the Regulations on Certification and Accreditation of the People's Republic of China, any entity or individual engaging in certification activities must be approved by the CNCA and conduct certification activities within the scope of the approval.

What are the consequences of obtaining certification from a 'certification body' that does not have the qualifications stipulated by the 'Regulations on Certification and Accreditation of the People's Republic of China'?

Based on the "Regulations on Certification and Accreditation of the People's Republic of China," certification bodies must obtain approval and qualification certification from relevant national departments to conduct certification activities legally. If a business or individual receives certification from an unqualified certification body, they may face the following consequences:
  • Invalid Certification: Certification certificates issued by unqualified certification bodies do not have legal validity and cannot serve as proof of product quality, service level, or other relevant standards.
  • Legal liabilities: If a company promotes or misleads consumers using invalid certification certificates, it may be deemed false advertising. Under laws such as the "Anti-Unfair Competition Law of the People's Republic of China," it could face administrative penalties, including fines and orders to cease illegal activities. If it's a publicly listed company, it may also mislead investors due to "business fraud," resulting in collective lawsuits and claims from investors.
  • Loss of credibility: Consumers and partners may lose trust in a business due to its dishonest behavior, resulting in damage to the company's reputation.
  • Economic loss: A company may lose market opportunities due to using invalid certifications or incur fines from illegal activities, resulting in financial losses.
  • Breach of contract: If a contract explicitly requires products or services to have valid certifications, using invalid certifications may result in a breach of contract.
  • Market access restrictions: Certain markets or industries have strict certification requirements, and products or services without valid certifications may be unable to enter the market.

For publicly listed companies, what serious consequences may arise from obtaining certification from a "certification body" that does not have qualifications specified in the "Regulations on Certification and Accreditation of the People's Republic of China"?

  • Information disclosure violations: Publicly listed companies are obligated to disclose truthful, accurate, and complete information to the public and regulatory authorities. If a company includes invalid certification information in its disclosures, it may be considered a violation of information disclosure requirements.
  • Securities fraud: If a publicly listed company intentionally uses invalid certifications to mislead investors, it may be deemed securities fraud, which could result in severe penalties under the "Securities Law of the People's Republic of China" and other relevant regulations.
  • Stock price volatility: Once the use of invalid certifications is exposed, it may trigger panic among investors, leading to a decline in the company's stock price, adversely affecting its market value and financing capabilities.
  • Investor lawsuits: Misled investors may file collective lawsuits against the company, seeking compensation for losses incurred due to reliance on invalid certifications.
  • Regulatory penalties: Securities regulatory authorities may investigate the company and impose appropriate measures based on the findings, such as warnings, fines, orders for correction, or market bans.
  • Internal management issues: The use of invalid certifications may lead to internal reviews, raising questions about the management's competence and affecting the company's internal management and decision-making.
  • Criminal liability: In extreme cases, if the company's actions constitute a crime, relevant responsible parties may face criminal charges.

What are the legal consequences of using illegal certification?

If a company uses a certification issued by a body not accredited by the Certification and Accreditation Administration of the People's Republic of China (CNCA), it may face the following legal consequences:

Administrative Penalties

If a company uses certifications issued by organizations not accredited by the Certification and Accreditation Administration of the People's Republic of China (CNCA), market regulatory authorities will impose penalties for the act of falsifying or misusing certification marks.

Civil Liability

If a company's fraudulent certification activities cause losses to other organizations, it will be required to bear corresponding civil liability for compensation.

Criminal Liability

If a company's actions constitute a crime, such as counterfeiting or altering certification certificates or marks, it will be subject to criminal liability.

Market Ban

Companies with severe violations may be banned from entering the relevant market or industry for a specified period or permanently.

Supervision and Inspection

Companies will undergo stricter supervision and inspection by market regulatory authorities to ensure the legality of their business activities.

How to determine if a company's certification is legitimate?

Visit the official website of the Certification and Accreditation Administration of the People's Republic of China (CNCA)（http://www.cnca.gov.cn）。
Click on the 'National Certification and Accreditation Information Public Service Platform' button on the website, or go directly to the link:http://cx.cnca.cn/CertECloud/index/index/page
Click on 'Certification Results,' enter the name of the certified company, and you can view all legitimate certifications obtained by that company. Any other so-called 'certifications' the company has received are likely to be fraudulent.

How to verify if a certification body has legitimate qualifications?

Visit the official website of the Certification and Accreditation Administration of the People's Republic of China (CNCA)（http://www.cnca.gov.cn）。
Click on the 'National Certification and Accreditation Information Public Service Platform' button on the website, or go directly to the link:http://cx.cnca.cn/CertECloud/index/index/page
Click on 'Certification Rules,' enter the name of the certification rule (e.g., ISO 45003), and you can find which organizations have legitimate qualifications issued by the Certification and Accreditation Administration of the People's Republic of China (CNCA).

About the International Organization for Standardization

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO), established in 1947, is an international organization in the field of standardization. It defines itself as a non-governmental organization with English, French, and Russian as its official languages. ISO has 165 members, including national standards bodies from member countries and major industrial and service enterprises. The Standardization Administration of China (under the State Administration for Market Regulation) joined ISO in 1978. In October 2008, at the 31st ISO General Assembly, China officially became a permanent member of ISO. ISO is responsible for standardization activities across most sectors worldwide, conducting technical work through 2,856 technical structures (including 611 technical committees, 2,022 working groups, and 38 special working groups).

Official introduction to ISO 45003:2021 certification https://www.iso.org/standard/64283.html