As workplace health and safety are becoming increasingly regulated and prioritized worldwide, organizations that previously followed OHSAS 18001 are now required to transition to ISO 45001:2018 —the first truly international standard for occupational health and safety (OH&S) management systems. With this shift, the role of auditors has become even more critical, especially those leading certification or internal audits.

That's where ISO 45001 Migration Lead Auditor Training plays a pivotal role. Designed for existing OHSAS 18001 lead auditors and safety professionals, this training program enables a smooth and competent transition to the new ISO standard.

What Is ISO 45001?

iso 45001 migration lead auditor training is an international standard developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) to help organizations proactively manage occupational health and safety risks and improve workplace conditions.

Replacing OHSAS 18001 , the new standard brings a more comprehensive and integrated approach by:

• Aligning with ISO's High-Level Structure (HLS) for easier integration with ISO 9001 and ISO 14001

• Introducing a risk-based thinking model

• Emphasizing leadership accountability

• Requiring stronger worker participation and consultation

• Promoting proactive safety measures rather than reactive compliance

Organizations that previously implemented OHSAS 18001 had until March 2021 to complete their migration to ISO 45001. Now, auditing professionals must have up-to-date qualifications to conduct audits against this current standard.

What Is ISO 45001 Migration Lead Auditor Training?

ISO 45001 Migration Lead Auditor Training is a focused, advanced course designed to upgrade the knowledge and skills of professionals who already hold OHSAS 18001 Lead Auditor certifications.

Rather than starting from scratch, this transition training specifically addresses the gaps, changes, and additions introduced in ISO 45001. The goal is to prepare experienced auditors to effectively lead audits based on the new standard, whether as internal auditors, third-party auditors, or consultants.

Who Should Take This Course?

This course is tailored for:

• Certified OHSAS 18001 Lead Auditors looking to stay current

• Internal auditors upgrading their OH&S audit skills

• Health and Safety professionals managing ISO migrations

• EHS consultants and trainers

• Auditors from certification bodies

• Managers responsible for compliance and risk

Prerequisite: You should already have a Lead Auditor certification (eg, IRCA or Exemplar Global) for OHSAS 18001 or have significant audit experience in OH&S.

Why Is Migration Training Necessary?

The move from OHSAS 18001 to ISO 45001 is not just a name change —it involves core structural and philosophical changes that auditors must understand to conduct effective and credible audits.

Key changes include:

Without proper migration training, auditors risk overlooking essential compliance requirements and may not be approved to conduct ISO 45001 certification audits.

Course Objectives

Upon completing the ISO 45001 Migration Lead Auditor Training, participants will be able to:

1. Identify and understand the differences between ISO 45001 and OHSAS 18001

2. Interpret and apply new OH&S concepts like risk-based thinking and leadership accountability

3. Lead and manage audits under ISO 45001 requirements

4. Evaluate organizational readiness for ISO 45001 migration

5. Support the transition process within organizations or for clients

6. Demonstrate auditing competence in line with ISO 19011 and ISO/IEC 17021-1

Training Course Structure

The migration training typically spans 2–3 days and is offered by IRCA or Exemplar Global-accredited providers. It includes a mix of:

• Instructor-led sessions

• Group exercises and case studies

• Audit simulation activities

• Knowledge checks and written assessments

Core Modules Often Include:

1. Introduction to ISO 45001
   Overview, benefits, and purpose of the new standard

2. Structural and Terminological Changes
   Clause-by-clause comparison of ISO 45001 and OHSAS 18001

3. Risk-Based Thinking and Worker Involvement
   How to audit proactive safety and worker participation

4. Leadership and Organizational Context
   New auditor expectations for leadership and compliance strategy

5. Auditing Techniques
   Best practices for planning, conducting, and reporting audits under ISO 45001

6. Transition and Certification Process
   Steps organizations must take to successfully migrate

7. Exam or Competency Evaluation
   A final written test or practical assessment to confirm learning outcomes

Certification and Recognition

Once completed, participants receive a Migration Lead Auditor Certificate that demonstrates:

• Proficiency in ISO 45001 audit requirements

• Competence to lead OH&S audits under the new standard

• Updated status for certification body registrars (eg, IRCA or Exemplar Global)

Some registrars may update your profile and certification status automatically after course completion, maintaining your eligibility to audit under ISO 45001.

Benefits of ISO 45001 Migration Lead Auditor Training

1.Stay Certified and Competitive

For previously certified OHSAS 18001 auditors, this training is required to remain valid and competitive in the OH&S auditing space.

2. Gain a Deeper Understanding of Risk Management

ISO 45001 introduces a proactive, risk-driven approach to workplace safety. This training helps you master it.

3. Enhance Career and Consultancy Opportunities

With ISO 45001 becoming a global benchmark, certified auditors are in demand across industries, geographies, and certification bodies .

4. Help Organizations Transition Smoothly

Your updated knowledge can support companies looking to migrate effectively and pass their certification audits without nonconformities.

5. Improve Internal Audit Quality

Whether working in-house or as an external consultant, migration training ensures your audits are accurate, efficient, and value-adding .