12 Apr Transitioning from AS/NZ 4801 to ISO 45001
In recent years, the world has seen a growing emphasis on occupational health and safety. As a result, many countries have implemented standards to ensure the safety of workers in the workplace. Australia and New Zealand have had their own standard, the AS/NZ 4801, which has been widely used by organisations across both countries. However, with the introduction of the new ISO 45001 standard, organisations are now transitioning from AS/NZ 4801 to ISO 45001.
What is AS/NZ 4801?
The AS/NZ standard was first introduced in 2001 and was designed to provide a framework for managing occupational health and safety risks. The standard provided guidance on hazard identification, risk assessment, and control measures. Organisations that implemented AS/NZ 4801 were able to demonstrate their commitment to the health and safety of their employees and improve the overall safety performance.
What is ISO 45001?
However, in March 2018, the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) introduced a new global standard, ISO 45001, which replaced AS/NZ 4801. ISO 45001 is an internationally recognised standard that provides a framework for organisations to manage occupational health and safety risks and improve their safety performance. It has been designed to be compatible with other ISO management system standards such as ISO 9001 and ISO 14001.
Reasons for Transition to ISO 45001
One of the main reasons for the transition form AS/NZ 45801 to ISO 45001 is the global recognition of the latter. ISO 45001 is a worldwide standard, which means that organisations that implement it will be recognised globally. This recognition can help organisations to establish themselves as leaders in their respective industries and increase their credibility with customers and stakeholders.
Another reason for the transition is the fact that ISO 45001 is more comprehensive than AS/NZ 4801. ISO 45001 not only addresses occupational health and safety risks but also takes into account the well-being of employees. The standard places a greater emphasis on the involvement of employees in the management of occupational health and safety risks and encourages organisations to develop a culture of safety.
Shift to Pro-Active Risk Management
ISO 45001 also requires organisations to take a more proactive approach to occupation health and safety. The standard requires organisations to identify and address risks before they occur, rather than simply responding to incidents as they happen. This approach can help organisations to reduce the likelihood of accidents and injuries in the workplace.
In conclusion, the transition from AS/NZ 4801 to ISO 45001 is a positive step for organisations in Australia and New Zealand. ISO 45001 is a more comprehensive and globally recognised standard that can help organisations to improve their safety performance and establish themselves as leaders in their respective industries. Organisations that have not yet transitioned to ISO 45001 should begin the process as soon as possible to reap the benefits of the new standard.
To learn more about SafeWrite can help you fast-track your transition to ISO 45001, book in a quick demo of the SafeWrite tools today!
