National safe work month is the perfect time to check your standards are still current with some recent changes made to the classification of a key standard by Standards Australia.

The peak standards organisation for Australia has recently classified AS/NZS 4801:2001, Occupational health and safety management systems as “available superseded”.

This means it has been formally superseded by another standard but is being maintained because it is referenced in safety legislation and codes of practice nationally.

Businesses wanting to maintain a contemporary safety management system should consider transitioning to the most current standard – AS/NZS ISO 45001:2018, Occupational health and safety management systems – Requirements with guidance for use.

Published in March last year by the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO), it provides an easy-to-use framework to benefit employees and reduce risks in the workplace.

It concentrates on the interaction between an organisation and its business environment, instead of focusing on specific hazards and internal issues.

Standards Australia adapted and published the Standard as AS/NZS ISO 45001 in October last year, noting that AS/NZS 4801 will remain current until determined otherwise by regulators and stakeholders.  to be otherwise.

AS/NZS ISO 45001 is adopted in Australia as a voluntary standard and is seen as “best practice” guidance for workplaces and individuals responsible for safe systems of work.

What this means for you?

Members who are currently accredited to AS/NZS 4801:2001 can seek to transition to the new standard by contacting their certification provider.

CCIWA’s Safety and Risk Team can provide an audit service to members where their safety management systems can be assessed in accordance with criteria in AS/NZS ISO 45001:2018.

While not an accreditation audit, it will provide members with an ideal platform to identify any gaps in their safety management systems and/or prepare them for accreditation.

►For help identifying your hazards and managing them in accordance with WA’s OSH laws, contact the expert team on [email protected] or call 9365 7415.