If your business is considering ISO 45001 certification to demonstrate your commitment to occupational health and safety, one of the first questions you’ll ask is: How much will it cost?
The answer depends on several factors including your organisation’s size, complexity, number of sites, and whether you choose external consultancy support. Below, we break down the typical costs involved so you can budget accordingly.
What Is ISO 45001?
ISO 45001 is the international standard for Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems (OHSMS). It helps businesses reduce workplace risks, improve employee safety, and create better working conditions.
Certification demonstrates to stakeholders—employees, clients, insurers, and regulators—that your business is actively managing and mitigating health and safety risks.
ISO 45001 Certification Cost Breakdown
1. Gap Analysis (Optional but Recommended)
Cost: £500–£2,000+
A gap analysis identifies what your current health and safety system lacks in comparison to ISO 45001 requirements.
- Ideal for first-time certifications
- Helps you understand your timeline, resources, and corrective actions needed
✅ Tip: Some consultants offer this free as part of a bundled service.
2. Consultancy and Implementation Support
Cost: £1,500–£10,000+
This includes external support to help design, implement, and document your management system.
- Cost varies depending on business size, number of sites, and whether you have internal resources
- Small businesses may need 2–5 days of support; larger companies may need ongoing guidance
🔍 Example: A small office-based business may pay around £2,500, while a manufacturer with multiple locations may pay £8,000+.
If you’d like to know how much we quote, please get in touch with us.
3. Internal Training
Cost: £50–£500 per employee (if outsourced)
Staff need awareness training to understand ISO 45001 processes. Internal auditor training is also useful.
- Online CPD-accredited training courses may be more cost-effective
- In-house sessions for larger teams can reduce cost-per-head
🎓 Consider online learning for efficiency and flexibility.
4. Certification Audit by a UKAS-Accredited Body
Cost: £1,000–£5,000+ per year
Certification involves a Stage 1 (document review) and Stage 2 (on-site audit) followed by surveillance audits annually.
- Based on number of employees, locations, and risk profile
- Most bodies issue a 3-year certificate with yearly surveillance audits
💡 Expect the first-year cost to be higher due to the initial full audit.
5. Ongoing Maintenance & Surveillance Audits
Cost: £1,000–£3,000 per year
To maintain certification, surveillance audits are carried out in years 2 and 3.
- These ensure ongoing compliance and continual improvement
- Still have questions? We are here to chat.
Summary of Typical Costs (3-Year Cycle)
| Category | Low Estimate | High Estimate |
| Gap Analysis | £500 | £2,000 |
| Consultancy & Implementation | £1,500 | £10,000 |
| Internal Training | £200 | £3,000 |
| Initial Certification Audit | £1,000 | £5,000 |
| Ongoing Surveillance (2 years) | £2,000 | £6,000 |
| Total (over 3 years) | £5,200 | £26,000 |
Cost-Saving Tips
- Use free ISO 45001 templates if you have in-house expertise
- Choose online training courses to upskill your team
- Bundle ISO 45001 with other standards like ISO 9001 for a discount
- Compare quotes from different certification bodies—but always choose UKAS-accredited ones for credibility
Is ISO 45001 Worth the Cost?
Yes—especially for industries with safety risks (construction, manufacturing, logistics, etc.). Certification can reduce accidents, improve staff morale, lower insurance premiums, and even help win contracts where health and safety credentials are required.
Final Thoughts
While ISO 45001 certification does require investment, the long-term benefits in terms of legal compliance, reduced incidents, and improved reputation often outweigh the initial cost. Planning your certification journey and budgeting in advance can help you achieve compliance without overspending.
Need Help Getting Started?
Request a call back today and we will point you in the right direction
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.
