How Does ISO 45001 Integrate with Other Management Systems?

Businesses today face growing pressure to streamline operations, improve efficiency, and maintain compliance across multiple areas—from quality and safety to environmental impact and information security. For many, the solution lies in implementing internationally recognised standards such as ISO 45001, the global standard for Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems (OHSMS).

But organisations rarely stop at just one certification. Many already have ISO 9001 (Quality Management), ISO 14001 (Environmental Management), or even ISO 27001 (Information Security) in place. This raises an important question: how does ISO 45001 integrate with other management systems?

The good news is that ISO standards are designed to work together. Thanks to the Annex SL structure, integration is smoother than ever. Let’s explore what this means in practice and how businesses can benefit.

To get customised support specific to your organisation, please get in touch with us.

What is ISO 45001?

ISO 45001 is the international standard for managing occupational health and safety risks. Its goal is to provide a safe and healthy workplace by preventing work-related injuries, illnesses, and fatalities. It requires organisations to consider not only legal compliance but also proactive risk management, leadership involvement, and continual improvement.

What is Annex SL and Why Does it Matter?

Annex SL is a common framework adopted across modern ISO standards. It provides:

A high-level structure (HLS) – consistent chapter headings and requirements across different standards.
Common terms and definitions – making it easier for teams to understand and apply requirements.
Aligned clauses – such as leadership, planning, support, operation, performance evaluation, and improvement.

This means ISO 45001 shares the same “skeleton” as standards like ISO 9001 and ISO 14001. The specifics differ, but the layout and approach are consistent—making integration more straightforward.

Key Integrations of ISO 45001 with Other Standards

1. ISO 45001 and ISO 9001 (Quality Management)

Overlap: Both focus on risk-based thinking, continual improvement, and leadership commitment.
Integration: Organisations can align customer satisfaction with worker safety—ensuring that high-quality products or services are delivered in safe conditions.
Example: A manufacturing company could integrate safety checks directly into quality control processes, reducing downtime from workplace incidents while maintaining product standards.

2. ISO 45001 and ISO 14001 (Environmental Management)

Overlap: Both require consideration of compliance obligations, risk management, and the impact of operations.
Integration: Environmental aspects and health & safety risks can be managed together under one framework.
Example: Construction firms often face both environmental hazards (waste, emissions) and safety hazards (falls, equipment use). A joint management system helps address both seamlessly.

3. ISO 45001 and ISO 27001 (Information Security Management)

Overlap: While focused on different risks (people safety vs. data security), both demand strong leadership, communication, risk assessments, and incident response planning.
Integration: Organisations can create a holistic risk management system that protects both people and information.
Example: A healthcare provider could integrate safety training with data protection training, ensuring staff are competent in both areas.

4. ISO 45001 and ISO 22301 (Business Continuity)

Overlap: Both consider risks and emergency preparedness.
Integration: Health and safety planning can complement continuity planning by addressing workforce safety during crises.
Example: In a pandemic, organisations need strategies for both keeping employees safe and continuing critical operations.

Benefits of Integrating ISO 45001 with Other Management Systems

Reduced duplication: Shared policies, objectives, and processes avoid repeating the same tasks across multiple standards.
Streamlined audits: External auditors can assess multiple standards in one integrated audit, saving time and cost.
Improved communication: Common terminology and aligned objectives make it easier for employees to understand and follow.
Holistic risk management: From product quality and worker safety to environmental impact and data security, risks are managed in a unified way.
Cost savings: Integration reduces administration, paperwork, and resource use.

Practical Steps for Integration

Gap analysis – Review your existing management system(s) to see where ISO 45001 requirements already align.
Combine policies and objectives – Where possible, merge documents such as risk registers, audits, and management reviews.
Cross-train employees – Ensure staff understand how different standards complement each other.
Use one management software – Digital platforms can simplify documentation, monitoring, and reporting across multiple standards.
Plan integrated audits – Coordinate external audits to reduce costs and disruption.

Final Thoughts

So, how does ISO 45001 integrate with other management systems? Thanks to the Annex SL framework, integration is not only possible but also highly beneficial. By combining health and safety management with quality, environmental, or security standards, businesses create a streamlined, efficient, and resilient management system that delivers value across the board.

For organisations aiming to achieve compliance, efficiency, and long-term success, integrating ISO 45001 with other standards is a smart move that goes beyond ticking boxes, it builds safer workplaces, stronger reputations, and a more sustainable future.

Contact Us Today To Find Out More

About Us

Candy Management Consultants has guided UK businesses through stress-free ISO certifications since 2017. Our 100% first-pass success rate comes from tailoring frameworks to your operations and personalised approach – not checklists, at fixed day rates, transparent per-project contracts and with the help of the modern ISO management software.