Relevant standards key to improved workplace safety
In October 2018, Standards Australia adopted the new ISO Occupational health and safety management systems – Requirements with guidance for use, standard as AS/NZS ISO 45001:2018.
“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,” said Head of Stakeholder Engagement, Daniel Chidgey.
“While AS/NZS 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4801:2001, Occupational health and safety management systems – Specification with guidance for use is now available superseded.”
The Technical Committee of Standards Australia responsible for these standards, SF-001 Occupational Health & Safety Management, has met many times to discuss 4801 and 45001 and how the two interact with legislation across the country.
Today, AS/NZS 4801:2001 remains a current Australian Standard cited in legislation across Australia. It is important to note, it is up to government authorities to decide whether available superseded standards should be referenced in legislation.
“After much consideration, the decision from the technical committee was made for the standard to be available superseded. However, AS/NZS ISO 45001:2018 is the most current Standard for Safety Management Systems, and should be considered by organisations wishing to maintain a contemporary Safety Management System,” said SF-001 Committee Member, David Solomon.
“The objective of this standard is to reduce workplace injuries and fatalities which is exactly why Standards Australia has been working with industry, government and the general public to ensure the current standard available to Australian organisations contains the most relevant and up to date information available,” said Mr Chidgey.
Source: Standards Australia News Item
