New OHS Standard for Aussie/NZ employers

AS/NZS ISO 45001:2018, Occupational health and safety management systems – Requirements with guidance for use has been published following discussions with industry and regulators across Australia and New Zealand. The new joint standard is a modified adoption of the International Standard of the same name.

“Australian experts contributed heavily to ISO 45001, working with their international colleagues to deliver a standard outlining international best practice in the management of workplace safety,” said CEO of Standards Australia, Dr Bronwyn Evans. “Ultimately, organisations of every size and in every industry have guidance available to achieve a minimum level of workplace health and safety thanks to the publication of this standard.”

AS/NZS ISO 45001:2018, Occupational health and safety management systems – Requirements with guidance for use is intended to provide a framework for workplace safety to benefit employees and to reduce risks in the workplace.

Work is also under way to scope what additional guidance could be provided on AS/NZS ISO 45001 to support organisations and individuals utilising the standard.



“The publication of this standard brings a systems-based approach to workplace health and safety across every industry in Australia. The support this document has received from industry is indicative of the effort Australian organisations have already put into improving safety in their workplaces, which has the potential to be a simple and more effective process thanks to this international standard,” said Dr Evans.

Frequently asked questions on ISO 45001

What is ISO 45001?

ISO 45001 is an International Standard that provides guidance to organisations and individuals responsible for safe work systems. You can learn more about ISO 45001 on the ISO website.

If AS/NZS ISO 45001 is adopted in Australia as a voluntary standard, consideration will be given to the status of AS/NZS 4801 which today remains a current Australian Standard cited in a range of legislation across Australia.

What does it mean for those already certified to the current Australian Standard?

Standards Australia is not a government agency or a regulator and we are not involved in the certification or testing process in order to determine compliance with an Australian Standard. For information on the potential transition to AS/NZS ISO 45001, please contact a certification body, which can be located using the JAS-ANZ Accredited Bodies directory.



Originally posted on Workplace OHS