ISO 45001 published as joint Australian/New Zealand Standard

Standards Australia has announced that AS/NZS ISO 45001:2018, ‘Occupational health and safety management systems – Requirements with guidance for use’ has been published.

The new joint Australian/New Zealand standard is a modified adoption of the International Standard ISO 45001. The International Standard provides guidance to organisations and individuals responsible for safe work systems.

“Australian experts contributed heavily to ISO 45001, working with their international colleagues to deliver a standard outlining international best practice in the management of workplace safety,” said Standards Australia CEO Dr Bronwyn Evans. “Ultimately, organisations of every size and in every industry have guidance available to achieve a minimum level of workplace health and safety thanks to the publication of this standard.”

AS/NZS ISO 45001:2018, ‘Occupational health and safety management systems – Requirements with guidance for use’ is intended to provide a framework for workplace safety to benefit employees and to reduce risks in the workplace.

Work is also underway to scope what additional guidance could be provided on AS/NZS ISO 45001 to support organisations and individuals using the standard.

“The publication of this standard brings a systems-based approach to workplace health and safety across every industry in Australia. The support this document has received from industry is indicative of the effort Australian organisations have already put into improving safety in their workplaces, which has the potential to be a simple and more effective process thanks to this international standard,” said Dr Evans.

According to Standards Australia, if AS/NZS ISO 45001 is adopted in Australia as a voluntary standard, consideration will be given to the status of AS/NZS 4801, which today remains a current Australian Standard cited in a range of legislation across Australia.

For information on the potential transition to AS/NZS ISO 45001, contact a certification body, which can be located using the JAS-ANZ Accredited Bodies directory.