The standard of safety

As the industry works towards delivering a safer and higher quality built environment, Standards Australia has highlighted AS/NZS ISO 45001: 2018 as an ideal tool for improving occupational health and safety.

The standard ISO Occupational health and safety management systems – Requirements with guidance for use was adopted by Standards Australia as AS/NZS ISO 45001:2018 last year. Australian experts contributed heavily to the development of ISO 45001 alongside their international colleagues.

According to Standards Australia, helping workplaces across the country implement effective safety requirements was at the forefront of committee SF-001 decision to adopt the international standard for occupational health and safety.

“The standard intends to leave no stone unturned in relation to workplace safety,” says SF-001 Occupational Health and Safety Committee Chairman, David Solomon. “It has been put together by approximately 160 registered experts (delegates), representing 72 countries who demonstrate the contemporary requirements of health and safety around the world and across the various workplaces in Australia.

“The adopted standard includes subject matter not previously addressed in AS/NZ 4801:2001, making it more comprehensive and up to date with modern workplace practices. Being a direct adoption of an ISO standard, it is has now aligned international health and safety practices. Users of the standard should still bear in mind, its implementation does not replace legal requirements or other requirements, which take precedence.”

The design of the standard aims to help organisations easily integrate it as part of their overall business management plan. It sets out suggested requirements that can be used by all levels of management, with an informative guide on how to implement and achieve its intended outcomes.

“This standard touches every industry and workplace regardless of size,” says Head of Stakeholder Engagement, Daniel Chidgey.

“Standards Australia worked with a range of stakeholders in adopting the international standard to help promote consistent workplace safety across the board, having gained great support from industry.”

For more information on the standard, click here.