ISO 45001 is now published

The International Standard for occupational health and safety (OH&S) ISO 45001:2018 has just been published. The standard was developed to address the increasing number of work-related injuries, illnesses and fatalities worldwide.

The ISO 45001:2018, Occupational health and safety management systems – Requirements with guidance for use, provides a set of processes for improving work safety in global supply chains.

Designed to help organisations of all sizes and industries, the new International Standard provides governmental agencies, industry and other affected stakeholders with guidance for improving worker safety in countries around the world. By means of an easy-to-use framework, it can be applied to both captive and partner factories and production facilities, regardless of their location.

The new OH&S standard is based on the common elements found in all of ISO’s management systems standards and uses a simple Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) model, which provides a framework for organisations to plan what they need to put in place in order to minimise the risk of harm. The measures should address concerns that can lead to long-term health issues and absence from work, as well as those that give rise to accidents.

David Smith, chair of project committee ISO/PC 283 that developed ISO 45001, said: “It is hoped that ISO 45001 will lead to a major transformation in workplace practices and reduce the tragic toll of work-related accidents and illnesses across the globe.

“World standards writers have come together to provide a framework for a safer workplace for all, whatever sector you work in and wherever you work in the world, ” added Smith.

More than 70 countries, including Australia, were directly involved in the creation of this important document, developed by ISO/PC 283, Occupational health and safety management systems, with the British Standards Institution (BSI) serving as the committee secretariat.

Standards Australia’s technical committee, SF-001 Occupational Health & Safety Management, voted to support the publication of ISO 45001. This demonstrates Australia’s commitment to the global development and support of occupational health and safety management.

What will ISO 45001 mean for Australian businesses?

According to Standards Australia: Australia already has a workplace health and safety legislative framework, and voluntary document, AS/NZS 4801:2001, Occupational health and safety management systems – Specification with guidance for use. This joint Australian and New Zealand Standard remains current in this area. Complying with an International Standard in this area is a decision to be made by the individual business manager after considering their position and business, at the same time as their legislative requirements.

Will ISO 45001 be adopted in Australia?

The Standards Australia Australian committee recognise that further discussion is required in relation to the compatibility of this international standard within the Australian regulatory framework. Standards Australia said it is committed to working with all stakeholders to determine the most suitable way of utilising this new international standard in Australia.

ISO 45001 will replace OHSAS 18001, the world’s former reference for workplace health and safety. Organisations already certified to OHSAS 18001 will have three years to comply with the new ISO 45001 standard, although certification of conformity to ISO 45001 is not a requirement of the standard.

The International Accreditation Forum (IAF) has developed the migration requirements to help certified organisations, certification bodies, accreditation bodies and other interested parties prepare. For more information, see the IAF website.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/Pamela Moore