UPDATE: The ISO 45001 migration deadline has been pushed back to 2021
On 12th March 2018, the International Accreditation Forum (IAF), OHSAS Project Group, and the ISO agreed to a three year migration period for businesses moving from AS/NZ 4801:2001 to ISO 45001:2018.
However, due to the challenges of COVID-19, the deadline has been pushed back to 12th September 2021 so the migration goes smoothly.
Until then, AS/NZ 4801:2001 can still be called up in legislation and recognised for schemes like e-waste until the regulator or scheme owner can amend their industry requirements. However, business owners and organisations should migrate from AS/NZS 4801:2001 before September 2021.
For more information, keep reading. In this article, we explain the difference between AS/NZ 4801:2001 and ISO 45001:2018, plus why we recommend making the transition sooner rather than later.
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The difference between ISO 45001 and AS/NZS 4801:2001
Many business owners are probably wondering why they have to transition from AS/NZ 4801:2001 to ISO 45001:2018. There are quite a few differences between the two standards including context, objectives, targets and programs, leadership, training, corrective action, and much more.
The main objective of ISO 45001:2018 is for business owners to take a more thoughtful, effective, and efficient approach to workplace safety and wellness.
“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,” Danial Chidgey, the Head of Stakeholder Engagement at Standards Australia, 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4801:2001, Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems – Specification with guidance for use is now available superseded.”
Some of the latest updates to the standard include:
- Consideration of the business’ or organisation’s context as well as the needs and expectations of its workers.
- The addition of risk management methods of workers, suppliers, and contractors.
- More focus on the identification and control of hazards and risks, rather than just the identification.
- Consideration of mental health, wellness, and wellbeing alongside standard workplace injuries.
- Improve OHS management in the workplace.
Why you should complete ISO 45001 migration early
Safety is of the utmost importance in business of all kinds – whether you own a start-up, a small local business, or a large and well-established organisation.
It’s good for the health, safety, and wellbeing of your employees, but also for your business as a whole. A safety management system can help reduce the risk of workplace injuries and incidents, meaning there’s less chance of down-time, closure, and potentially hefty lawsuits.
We recommend making the transition from AS/NZ 4801:2001 to ISO 45001:2018 sooner rather than later so you have plenty of time to assess the current state of your safety management system, address areas in need of improvement, and train your team so they, too, can contribute to the ongoing improvement of safety in the workplace.
Let us make the migration process simpler – and more affordable
At BusinessBasics, we’re committed to making Australian workplaces safer and more efficient. If you are planning on making the transition from AS/NZ 4801:2001 to ISO 45001:2018 early, make sure to get in touch with our team of ISO 45001 consultants – we can provide expert advice and recommendations to get your business ready for the new standard.
Right now, we’re offering an exclusive upgrade package of $4,801 to help prepare your business for migration. There’s never been a better time to get the process started.
Contact our team of ISO 45001 consultants for more information about the migration process today.
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