Does ISO 45001 replace AS/NZS 4801?

AS/NZS 4801 and it’s transition to ISO 45001

AS/NZS 4801 is a well-recognised standard in Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems. Recently, AS/NZS 4801:2001 was superseded by ISO 45001:2018, the new international Standard for Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems. Understanding the transition from AS/NZS 4801 to ISO 45001, including the nuances of as 4801 vs iso 45001, is crucial for Australian businesses.

The official transition period ended on the 30th of September 2021, with a final deadline being the 13th of July 2023. This shift signifies that Australian organisations must migrate from AS/NZS 4801 to the AS/NZS ISO 45001 certification. For a smooth transition, organisations can utilise the services of a JAS-ANZ accredited company, facilitating the shift and ensuring compliance with international standards like ISO 9001 and ISO 45001.

Differences between OHSAS 18001, AS/NZS 4801, and ISO 45001

The transition to ISO 45001 also raises the question, what is ISO 45001 replacing? Notably, it replaces OHSAS 18001 and AS/NZS 4801. The differences between these standards are substantial, as outlined in the following tables.

ISO 45001 vs. AS/NZS 4801

ISO 45001 vs. OHSAS 18001

Migrating to ISO 45001: Steps and considerations

With the aim to replace OHSAS 18001 and AS/NZS 4801, Standards Australia mandates the implementation of ISO 45001. Companies must complete this migration by 30 September 2021, with provisions for extensions until 13 July 2023 under specific circumstances.

The migration process, often overseen by senior management and management representatives, involves several key steps:

• Conducting a gap analysis to inspect existing systems.
• Preparing certification documentation.
• Developing and implementing a new management system.
• Conducting internal audits for continual improvement.

A reasonable timeline for migrating to ISO 45001 is approximately three months, although faster transitions are possible if necessary.

Integrated Management System (IMS) and ISO 45001

An Integrated Management System (IMS) offers an efficient way to combine multiple standards such as ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001. This approach not only streamlines management processes but also aligns with the Annex SL structure, which is common across these international standards.

In summary, AS/NZS 4801 is transitioning to AS/NZS ISO 45001, with significant implications for Australian businesses in terms of their safety management systems. The transition not only aligns

with international standards but also emphasises the role of senior management in actively managing occupational health and safety risks and opportunities. The replacement of OHSAS 18001 and AS/NZS 4801 with ISO 45001 marks a shift towards a more dynamic, inclusive, and continually improving health and safety management culture. Companies are encouraged to engage with a certification body for assistance in migrating to ISO 45001 and to consider integrating it with other management systems for enhanced efficiency and effectiveness.