The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has published ISO/PAS 45007:2026 in January 2026, a new Publicly Available Specification (PAS) that provides guidance to organizations on managing occupational health and safety (OH&S) risks arising from climate change and climate change actions.
As climate change continues to influence working conditions, infrastructure, and operational practices, organizations are increasingly exposed to new and evolving safety and health risks. ISO/PAS 45007:2026 has been developed to support organizations in identifying, assessing, and addressing these risks in a structured and systematic manner.
Addressing Emerging Climate-Related OH&S Risks
ISO/PAS 45007:2026 focuses on occupational health and safety risks that may arise from both the direct impacts of climate change and the actions taken to adapt to or mitigate climate change. These may include risks associated with extreme weather events, rising temperatures, changes in air quality, and physical hazards linked to new technologies, materials, or work processes introduced as part of climate action initiatives.
The guidance encourages organizations to consider how climate-related factors may affect workers, workplaces, and operational activities, and to integrate these considerations into existing risk management and OH&S practices.
Scope and Applicability
ISO/PAS 45007:2026 is applicable to organizations of all sizes and sectors. It is intended to be used as a guidance document and is not a certifiable management system standard. The specification supports organizations in enhancing their understanding of climate-related OH&S risks and in strengthening preventive and protective measures for workers.
Key areas addressed by the guidance include:
- Occupational health and safety risks resulting from climate-related environmental changes
- Risks introduced through climate change adaptation and mitigation actions
- Opportunities to improve worker safety and resilience through proactive planning
Alignment with Existing Management System Standards
The guidance is designed to complementestablished Occupational Health & Safety Management Systems, particularly ISO 55001. Organizations with existing OH&S frameworks can use ISO/PAS 45007:2026 to enhance risk-based thinking and to ensure that climate-related considerations are incorporated into their safety and health processes.
By aligning climate-related risk management with OH&S objectives, organizations can strengthen worker protection while supporting broader sustainability and resilience goals.
Supporting Organizational Preparedness
The publication of ISO/PAS 45007:2026 reflects the growing recognition of climate change as a factor influencing Occupational Health and Safety. The guidance provides organizations with a practical reference to address emerging risks, support informed decision-making, and promote safer working environments in the context of a changing climate.
