International occupational health and safety standard ISO 45001 has been published as a joint Australian/New Zealand Standard.

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

AS/NZS ISO 45001:2018 intends to provide a framework for workplace safety to benefit employees and reduce risks in the workplace.

Standards Australia CEO Dr Bronwyn Evans said 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 organizations 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,” Evans said.

Evans added that 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.

“Ultimately, organizations 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.”

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

Frequently Asked Questions About ISO 45001

What is ISO 45001?

ISO 45001 is an International Standard that provides guidance to organizations and individuals responsible for safe work systems. Click here to learn more about ISO 45001.

What will happen to AS/NZS 4801:2001?

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 remains a current Australian Standard cited in a range of legislation across Australia.