The AS/NZS ISO 45001 standard has just been published in Australia and New Zealand.
On the Standard New Zealand's news website Touchstone AS/NZS ISO 45001:2018 provides:
"... a robust and effective set of processes for improving work safety in global supply chains. Designed to help organisations of all sizes and industries, this standard is expected to reduce workplace injuries and illnesses around the world."
That is quite a statement. I guess proof of whether it will reduce injuries will come in time.
Annex SL Helps You Integrate Your Systems
This standard uses the Annex SL terminology and clause structures. This structure is used by ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 22000, ISO 27001 and ISO 50000.
So if your company meets these standards, integrating the AS/NZS ISO 45001 standard into your management system should be straight forward for you.
I have written multiple times on how to integrate your management systems. You can find them here, here and here.
How Does this Affect AS/NZS 4801
Now this is an interesting question.
Because AS/NZS 4801:2001 is quoted in the Asbestos Regulations under New Zealand's Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, therefore AS/NZS 4801:2001 remains in place for the foreseeable future
Things will only change when the Government decides to review and amend the legislation or regulations. So watch this space. It may take a few years before AS/NZS 4801:2001 is finally retired and put out to pasture.
How Does this Affect Health and Safety at Work Act 2015
If you meet the requirements of AS/NZS ISO 45001, it doesn't then mean that you meet the requirements of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015. This is important that you recognise this. Meeting the standard will certainly help you with compliance to the Act but it's not the whole answer.
AS/NZS ISO 45001 not mandatory. However, if it is mentioned in legislation then it can become mandatory. So keep an eye on the Regulations to see if the AS/NZS ISO 45001 standard gets a mention.
How Does this Affect BS OHSAS 18001?
According to the JAS-ANZ website there are approximately 80 companies in New Zealand that are certified to BS OHSAS 18001.
So if you are one of these or you meet the requirements of BS OHSAS 18001, BSI has said that ISO 45001 replaces 18001 and you will need to transition to 45001 in the next three years.
