Overview
ISO/PAS 45007:2026 is a guidance document from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) that focuses on managing occupational health and safety (OH&S) risks arising from climate change and climate change actions. The standard supports organizations in proactively identifying, assessing, and addressing OH&S risks and opportunities linked to both direct climate impacts and organizational responses such as adaptation and mitigation efforts.
Applicable to organizations of all sizes, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), ISO/PAS 45007:2026 aligns with existing OH&S management frameworks and is designed to be compatible whether or not an organization operates a formal OH&S management system like ISO 45001. The guidance aids organizations in making workplaces more resilient to climate change, safeguarding worker health and safety, and leveraging new opportunities brought by environmental shifts.
Key Topics
1. Systems Approach and Framework
- Integration of OH&S climate risk management within existing systems (e.g., Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle).
- Consideration of both internal and external organizational context, including worker demographics, resources, location, and community infrastructure.
- Emphasis on leadership and worker participation to foster engagement and facilitate information flow.
2. Identification and Management of Risks
- Identification of OH&S risks from climate change, such as extreme weather events (heatwaves, floods, storms).
- Assessment of risks and opportunities related to adaptation actions (e.g., infrastructure upgrades, new work patterns) and mitigation measures (e.g., new technologies, processes to reduce carbon footprint).
- Risk management processes tailored for organizational context.
3. Emergency Preparedness and Business Continuity
- Enhanced emergency management processes, including integration of climate risk into risk assessments and incident response planning.
- Coordination with local authorities and emergency services to address climate-induced disruptions.
- Developing and regularly updating business continuity and disaster recovery plans to account for climate variability.
4. Supply Chain and Community Interactions
- Evaluation of risks to supply chain stability and potential knock-on effects on worker safety.
- Collaboration with community stakeholders to strengthen overall resilience and mutual support capabilities.
5. Training, Awareness, and Communication
- Developing training programs to improve worker awareness and preparedness for climate-related OH&S risks.
- Ongoing communication and consultation mechanisms to ensure participation at all levels.
Applications
ISO/PAS 45007:2026 provides practical guidance that can be applied in various settings:
- Risk Assessment: Integrate climate risk considerations into routine OH&S risk assessments across sectors such as construction, manufacturing, agriculture, and services.
- Workplace Adaptation: Guide workplace upgrades and shift planning to manage heat stress, air quality, or changes in operational hours due to climate factors.
- Emergency Planning: Structure emergency preparedness, evacuation protocols, and worker safety measures for climate-triggered events.
- Training and Advocacy: Support continuous training programs about climate impacts, fostering a safety culture attentive to emerging hazards.
- Supply Chain Management: Ensure the robustness of the supply chain against climate-related disruptions, minimizing worker exposure to secondary hazards.
- Policy and Compliance: Stay aligned with evolving legal and regulatory requirements for health, safety, and environmental responsibility.
Related Standards
Organizations implementing ISO/PAS 45007:2026 may also benefit from referencing the following ISO standards for comprehensive OH&S and climate risk management:
- ISO 45001:2018 - Occupational health and safety management systems - Requirements with guidance for use
- ISO 45006:2023 - OH&S management - Protecting workers from infectious diseases
- ISO 8025:2024 - Assessment of OH&S risks in hot environments
- ISO 28803:2012 - Assessment of OH&S risks in cold environments
- ISO 7243:2017 - Assessment of ergonomics and thermal environment
- ISO 14090:2019 - Adaptation to climate change - Principles, requirements, and guidelines
- ISO 14080:2018 - Guidelines on climate action for organizations
- ISO Guide 84:2020 - Guidelines for addressing climate change in standards
ISO/PAS 45007:2026 is a key resource for integrating climate resilience into occupational health and safety management, helping organizations navigate the challenges of a changing climate while protecting their workforce and seizing new opportunities.