ISO 45001 Is Setting New Standards

Whilst not compulsory, if you’re serious about a safe workplace and managing health and safety risks in a proactive manner, then the new ISO 45001 Standard released in March this year is well worth considering. It’s expected to become the primary reference for Health and Safety Management Systems worldwide. Attaining certification will demonstrate your company’s commitment to providing a healthy and safe workplace. It will also ensure that your company’s undertakings don’t negatively impact on other employees, worksites, the general public or visitors.

Key Highlights Of ISO 45001

• ISO 45001 sets a framework to provide a healthy and safe workplace
• ISO 45001 is the world’s first International Standard for Occupational Health and Safety
• ISO 45001 is applicable to all organizations, regardless of size, industry or business
• ISO 45001  can be integrated into an organisation’s current systems or used as a stand-alone system
• ISO 45001 follows the same high-level structure as other ISO management system standards
• ISO 45001 aims to improve OHS performance by developing and implementing effective policies and objectives
• ISO 45001 requires a  higher level of commitment from top management

As a result of the new ISO 45001 Standard being released, OHSAS 18001 will be withdrawn. However, there will be a three-year migration period with early 2021 being the time that ISO 45001 becomes the primary Standard for Health and Safety Management Systems. If you currently certified for AS4801 and/or OHSAS 18001 - Occupational Health and Safety Standard you will be in a strong position to move to ISO 45001.

The final version of the new Standard against AS4801 is yet to be analysed in detail by Australian peak bodies in relation to Australia’s legislative and business environment. At the same time, local conventions or issues still need to be understood.

Major Variations Between ISO 45001 and AS 4801 are increased focus on:

• Building a system that is appropriate for the organisational context
• A risk based approach to inform organisational planning and the addition of ‘Opportunity with Risk’
• Legislative compliance
• The management of psychosocial hazards including stress
• Top management ownership of health and safety management and performance

Key Benefits Of ISO 45001

• Increased alignment with Quality and Environmental management systems to make integration of systems simpler
• Improved health and safety performance with less workplace incidents 
• Creation of a health and safety culture where employees are encouraged to take an active role in their own OHS
• Reinforced leadership commitment to proactively improve OHS performance