In March 2018, the International Accreditation Forum’s (IAF) announced ISO 45001:2018, a new set of occupational work and safety standards designed to replace AS/NZS 4801:2001.
The purpose of the updated standard is to put more focus on identifying and controlling potential safety risks in the workplace.
Organisations have until September 2021 to migrate from AS/NZ 4801:2001 to ISO 45001:2018. It’s essential to start transitioning to the latest version of ISO 45001 as soon as possible, as the window of opportunity is gradually closing.
At BusinessBasics, we can make the transition process quick, simple, and affordable – in fact, we’re offering to help transition your business from AS/NZ 4801:2001 to ISO 45001:2018 for $4,801.
Learn how your business can benefit from this new set of standards and let us help make the move over to ISO 45001.
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Why do I need to make the transition?
As we mentioned earlier, businesses have until the 12th of September 2021 to migrate from AS/NZ 4801:2001 to ISO 45001:2018. This new set of standards focuses more on the identification and control of workplace hazards, as opposed to the identification of hazards in general.
While migration from AS/NZ 4801:2001 to ISO 45001:2018 is mandatory, Standards Australia have said AS/NZS 4801:2001 can still be used as a point of reference for regulatory purposes (with permission from government authorities).
“AS/NZS ISO 45001 has given health and safety professionals in organisations of any size a new way to help manage the many safety risks in workplaces across the country,” Standards Australia’s Head of Stakeholder Engagement, Daniel Chidgey, said.
“While AS/NZS ISO 45001 has now been published, this means that AS/NZS 4801:2001 “Occupational health and safety management systems – Specification with guidance for use” is now available superseded.”
What are the new benefits of ISO 45001:2018?
There are a wide range of benefits to this new set of standards – regardless of the size or nature of the business. For example:
- ISO 45001:2018 takes into account the context in which the business or organisation operates, as well as the needs and expectations of its workers and other interested parties.
- ISO 45001: 2018 requires businesses and organisations to assess risk management methods of workers, suppliers, and contractors. Businesses need to consider and control these methods for all team members, contractors, and subcontractors.
- ISO 45001:2018 puts more focus on the identification and control of hazards and risks, rather than just the identification required for AS/NZ 4801:2001.
- ISO 45001:2018 also enables businesses to integrate other aspects of health and safety like worker wellness and wellbeing.
- ISO 45001:2018 can be used (in whole or in part) to improve occupational health and safety management.
- ISO 45001:2018 requires businesses to have documents and processes in place surrounding workplace health and safety. This documentation must contain information related to health and safety processes that are carried out according to plan.
This new set of standards was created in response to increasing workplace accidents and deaths. The main benefit of this set of standards is a more thoughtful, effective, and efficient approach to workplace safety and wellness.
What do I need to do to achieve ISO 45001:2018 certification?
Organisations certified to AS/NZS 4801:2001 and are not affected by regulatory lags should migrate to ISO 45001:2018 before the 12th of September 2021.
The migration process might sound daunting – but we’re here to help. Our team of certification consultants can make the transition quick and simple, so you can focus on the more important things like managing your team and monitoring workplace safety with a more focused eye.
Our team will complete a gap analysis of your existing OHS management system and identify any areas of non-compliance. We will then help to develop a plan and address these areas of non-compliance, including the development of new safety systems and processes.
We can also assist with training team members so they have a thorough understanding of the new safety systems and requirements.
Once potential gaps and weaknesses have been addressed, the transition will be streamlined and certification will be easier to achieve.
Upgrade to ISO 45001:2018 for $4,801 with BusinessBasics
The window of opportunity to transition from AS/AZ 4801:2001 to ISO 45001:2018 is closing. To encourage Australian businesses and organisations to make the change, we’re offering an attractive incentive to get the process underway.
Our team is offering an exclusive upgrade package for businesses transitioning from AS/AZ 4801:2001 to ISO 45001:2018. We can help make the process simpler for the $4,801.
We can provide expert advice and recommendations to get your business ready for ISO 45001:2018. Get in touch with our ISO 45001 consultants today.
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