Abstract
This article analyzes the genesis of the ISO 45001 standard for Occupational Health and Safety, a new initiative of transnational private regulation. Based on interviews with stakeholders involved in its design, approval, and initial dissemination, together with a qualitative content analysis of the internal documentation of the committee responsible for the approval of the standard, a controversial picture is drawn. Like its predecessors for environmental management – ISO 14001 – and corporate social responsibility – ISO 26000 – serious concerns are raised by a set of stakeholders, as the new standard deals with substantive political, social, and legal issues.