Requirements with Guidance for Use, provides a robust and effective set of processes for improving workplace safety in global supply chains. The application of this new international standard, designed to assist organizations of all sizes and industries, is expected to reduce the number of workplace injuries and illnesses worldwide.

The purpose of ISO 45001 is to provide organizations with a high level of understanding of important issues that can positively or negatively impact them and how they manage their responsibilities related to occupational health and safety towards their employees.
This new standard clearly defines requirements for the responsibilities related to managing occupational health and safety. The purpose is to ensure that ultimate responsibility cannot be delegated to health and safety managers or other managers within the organization.

The organization must encourage employees at all levels to report hazardous situations in order to establish preventive measures and take corrective actions. Employees must also be able to report and suggest areas for improvement without fear of dismissal or other disciplinary measures.
The standard requires the organization to ensure that subcontracted processes affecting the OHSMS are defined and controlled. When subcontracted products and/or services are under the organization's control, effective management of suppliers and subcontractors is necessary.

The term "documented information" is used instead of "documents" and "records," which were present in OHSAS 18001. Evidence from processed information not kept in a formal documentation system, such as electronic information on phones and tablets, will now be accepted.