ISO 45001:2018 Certification Process in Nepal

ISO 45001:2018 Certification process in Nepal is the internationally recognized standard for Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems (OHSMS). Organizations in Nepal across various sectors pursue ISO 45001:2018 certification to demonstrate their commitment to worker safety, legal compliance, and systematic management of workplace hazards. The ISO 45001:2018 certification process in Nepal follows a structured pathway that requires preparation, documentation, auditing, and ongoing surveillance.

What is ISO 45001:2018?

ISO 45001:2018 is an international standard published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in March 2018. It replaced the earlier OHSAS 18001:2007 standard and introduced a more comprehensive, risk-based approach to occupational health and safety management.

The standard uses the High-Level Structure (HLS), also known as Annex SL, which makes it compatible and integrable with other ISO management system standards such as ISO 9001:2015 (Quality Management) and ISO 14001:2015 (Environmental Management).

Core purpose of ISO 45001:2018:

• Prevention of work-related injury and illness
• Provision of safe and healthy workplaces
• Continual improvement of occupational health and safety (OH&S) performance
• Fulfillment of legal and regulatory obligations

Legal and Regulatory Framework for Workplace Safety in Nepal

Nepal’s occupational health and safety obligations are governed by several laws and regulations. ISO 45001:2018 certification in Nepal aligns with and supports compliance with these legal instruments.

Key applicable laws in Nepal:

• Labor Act, 2074 (2017): Chapter 8 of the Labor Act, 2074 specifically addresses occupational health and safety obligations for employers. Section 47 mandates employers to provide a safe working environment.
• Labor Rules, 2075 (2018): Rule 56 to Rule 71 provides detailed provisions on workplace safety, health standards, and employer responsibilities.
• Factory and Factory Workers Act, 2055 (1999): Governs safety standards specifically in manufacturing and factory settings.
• Mines and Minerals Act, 2042 (1985): Covers safety requirements in mining operations.
• Social Security Act, 2074 (2017): Covers workers’ compensation and social protection linked to workplace injuries.

ISO 45001:2018 certification helps Nepali organizations meet and exceed these statutory requirements by institutionalizing a formal management system rather than relying on ad hoc safety measures.

Who Issues ISO 45001:2018 Certification in Nepal?

ISO itself does not issue certifications. In Nepal, ISO 45001:2018 certification is issued by accredited third-party certification bodies (CBs). These certification bodies must be accredited by a recognized national or international accreditation body.

Key accreditation and certification bodies relevant to Nepal:

• Nepal Bureau of Standards and Metrology (NBSM): The national standards body under the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies, Nepal. NBSM develops and promotes standards in Nepal. Website: www.nbsm.gov.np
• International Accreditation Forum (IAF): International body that oversees accreditation globally.
• Nepal Accreditation Board (NAB): Operates under NBSM and is responsible for accrediting conformity assessment bodies in Nepal.

Many organizations in Nepal obtain ISO 45001:2018 certification from internationally accredited certification bodies operating in Nepal or regionally, such as:

• Bureau Veritas
• SGS Nepal
• TÜV Rheinland
• DNV
• Intertek

ISO 45001:2018 Certification Process in Nepal: Step-by-Step

The ISO 45001:2018 certification process in Nepal follows a systematic sequence. Below is the complete step-by-step process.

Step 1: Gap Analysis

The organization conducts or commissions a gap analysis to compare its current OH&S management practices against ISO 45001:2018 requirements. This identifies areas of non-conformance and helps plan the implementation roadmap.

Step 2: Top Management Commitment and Resource Allocation

ISO 45001:2018 requires demonstrated leadership commitment (Clause 5). Top management must formally commit to the OHSMS, assign responsibilities, and allocate adequate human, financial, and technical resources.

Step 3: Formation of OH&S Team

The organization forms a dedicated team responsible for implementing ISO 45001:2018. This team includes an OH&S Manager or representative, department heads, and safety officers.

Step 4: Worker Consultation and Participation

ISO 45001:2018 places strong emphasis on worker participation (Clause 5.4). Unlike OHSAS 18001, the new standard requires that workers at all levels are actively consulted and involved in hazard identification and risk assessment.

Step 5: Context of the Organization (Clause 4)

The organization defines:

• Internal and external issues affecting OH&S outcomes
• Interested parties and their needs
• Scope of the OHSMS

Step 6: Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment, and Opportunity Assessment

This is one of the most critical technical steps. The organization:

• Identifies all workplace hazards (physical, chemical, biological, ergonomic, psychosocial)
• Assesses risks using a risk matrix or similar methodology
• Identifies opportunities to improve OH&S performance

Step 7: Development of OH&S Objectives and Planning

Based on risk assessment results, the organization sets measurable OH&S objectives aligned with its overall organizational strategy. Action plans with timelines and responsibility assignments are documented.

Step 8: Documentation and Implementation

The organization develops and implements all required documented information including:

• OH&S Policy
• Hazard Register and Risk Assessment Reports
• Legal and Other Requirements Register
• Operational Control Procedures
• Emergency Preparedness and Response Plans
• Incident Investigation Procedures
• Internal Audit Procedure
• Management Review Records

Step 9: Internal Audit

Before the external certification audit, the organization conducts internal audits to verify that the OHSMS is implemented effectively and conforms to ISO 45001:2018 requirements.

Step 10: Management Review

Top management conducts a formal management review (Clause 9.3) to evaluate the OHSMS performance, address findings, and identify improvement opportunities.

Step 11: Selection of Certification Body

The organization selects an accredited certification body. In Nepal, organizations typically choose certification bodies accredited by IAF member accreditation bodies to ensure international recognition.

Step 12: Stage 1 Audit (Document Review)

The certification body conducts the Stage 1 audit, which is primarily a documentation review. The auditors assess whether the organization’s documented OHSMS meets ISO 45001:2018 requirements and whether the organization is ready for the Stage 2 audit.

Step 13: Stage 2 Audit (Certification Audit)

The Stage 2 audit is a comprehensive on-site audit. Auditors verify:

• Implementation and effectiveness of the OHSMS
• Actual workplace practices vs. documented procedures
• Worker awareness and participation
• Conformance to all ISO 45001:2018 clauses

Step 14: Addressing Non-Conformities

If non-conformities are identified, the organization submits corrective action plans with evidence. Minor non-conformities are typically addressed before the certificate is issued.

Step 15: Certification Decision and Issuance

Upon satisfactory completion of the Stage 2 audit and resolution of non-conformities, the certification body issues the ISO 45001:2018 Certificate. The certificate is valid for three years.

Step 16: Surveillance Audits

The certification body conducts annual surveillance audits (typically Year 1 and Year 2 after certification) to ensure continued conformance. In Year 3, a recertification audit is conducted.

Documents Required for ISO 45001:2018 Certification in Nepal

• Company registration certificate (Office of the Company Registrar)
• PAN/VAT registration documents
• Organizational chart and list of employees
• Existing OH&S policy and procedures (if any)
• Hazard identification and risk assessment records
• Legal compliance register
• Training records
• Incident and accident records
• Emergency response plans
• Internal audit reports
• Management review minutes

ISO 45001:2018 Certification Cost in Nepal

The cost of ISO 45001:2018 certification in Nepal varies based on several factors.

Factor	Description	Estimated Cost Range (NPR)
Consultancy Fees	For gap analysis, documentation, and training support	NPR 80,000 – NPR 3,00,000
Certification Body Fees	Stage 1 + Stage 2 audit fees	NPR 1,50,000 – NPR 5,00,000
Annual Surveillance Audit	Per surveillance visit	NPR 80,000 – NPR 2,00,000
Internal Training	OH&S awareness and internal auditor training	NPR 30,000 – NPR 1,00,000
Total Estimated Cost (First Year)	Certification year total	NPR 3,00,000 – NPR 9,00,000+

Costs vary significantly based on organization size, industry sector, number of sites, and chosen certification body.

ISO 45001:2018 Key Clauses and Requirements

Clause	Title	Key Requirement
Clause 4	Context of the Organization	Internal/external issues, interested parties, OHSMS scope
Clause 5	Leadership	Top management commitment, OH&S policy, worker participation
Clause 6	Planning	Hazard identification, risk assessment, legal requirements, objectives
Clause 7	Support	Resources, competence, awareness, communication, documented information
Clause 8	Operation	Operational planning and control, emergency preparedness
Clause 9	Performance Evaluation	Monitoring, internal audit, management review
Clause 10	Improvement	Incident investigation, non-conformity, continual improvement

Benefits of ISO 45001:2018 Certification for Nepali Organizations

Organizations in Nepal that obtain ISO 45001:2018 certification experience multiple tangible and intangible benefits.

Operational Benefits:

• Systematic reduction of workplace accidents, injuries, and ill-health
• Improved hazard identification and proactive risk control
• Reduced downtime due to workplace incidents

Legal and Compliance Benefits:

• Structured compliance with Nepal’s Labor Act, 2074 and Labor Rules, 2075
• Reduced liability in case of workplace incidents
• Better preparedness for government labor inspections

Business and Commercial Benefits:

• Enhanced credibility with international clients and investors
• Access to government tenders and contracts that require ISO certification
• Improved employer brand and worker morale

Financial Benefits:

• Reduction in insurance premiums
• Reduction in costs associated with workplace accidents, medical compensation, and legal claims

Sectors in Nepal Actively Pursuing ISO 45001:2018 Certification

Several industries in Nepal are increasingly adopting ISO 45001:2018 given their high-risk operating environments:

• Construction sector: Large infrastructure projects, hydropower construction
• Manufacturing: Garment factories, cement plants, food processing units
• Energy sector: Hydropower projects and electricity transmission companies
• Mining and quarrying: Aggregate mining operations
• Healthcare: Hospitals and pharmaceutical manufacturers
• Hospitality and tourism: Large hotel chains

ISO 45001:2018 vs OHSAS 18001:2007: Key Differences

Organizations that previously held OHSAS 18001 certification in Nepal transitioned to ISO 45001:2018 before the transition deadline of March 2021.

Key improvements in ISO 45001:2018 over OHSAS 18001:

• Explicit requirement for worker participation at all levels
• Risk-based thinking applied throughout the standard
• Integration of OHSMS into core business processes
• Stronger emphasis on organizational context and leadership
• Opportunity identification alongside risk assessment

FAQs

Conclusion

ISO 45001:2018 certification in Nepal represents a structured and internationally recognized approach to managing occupational health and safety risks in the workplace. The certification process requires significant commitment from top management, active worker participation, thorough hazard identification, and systematic documentation. Nepali organizations that implement ISO 45001:2018 align themselves with the Labor Act, 2074, improve workplace safety outcomes, and enhance their competitiveness in domestic and international markets. For more information on standards and accreditation in Nepal, organizations can refer to the Nepal Bureau of Standards and Metrology at www.nbsm.gov.np and the Department of Labor](http://www.dol.gov.np).Add to Conversation

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