In an era where great change is upon us – the introduction of AI, the explosion of gig work, the visible and not so visible impacts of climate change – it’s fair to say working safely and in a way that’s conducive to our health, the health of our planet, and the health of our business, is more important than ever.  

Enter ISO 45001:2018, the international safety Standard designed to assist organisations create and continually improve, effective, participatory workplace health and safety (WHS) systems and programs.

Background: The Transition from AS/NZS 4801 to ISO 45001:2018

Until 2018, Australia and New Zealand utilised AS/NZS 4801 as the benchmark for great WHS systems (also known as Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems, or OHSMS).

In March 2018, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) introduced ISO 45001, a new standard that had been developed through global consensus. This global standard not only surpasses AS/NZS 4801, but it set a new benchmark for WHS practices worldwide.

The transition from AS/NZS 4801 to ISO 45001 was critical as it promoted a more dynamic and proactive approach to risk management and worker safety: ISO 45001 emphasises both a strong worker safety culture and greater involvement from top management, which were less pronounced in the previous standard.

ISO 45001 also marked a significant step forward - ISO 45001 aligns with other international management systems, such as ISO 9001 (for Quality) and ISO 14001 (for environmental management), promoting a seamless integration of systems to promote health, safety, quality and the environment. 

Key Elements of ISO 45001:2018

ISO 45001 is built around several core principles that guide its framework and implementation. They include:

1. Leadership and Worker Participation. A fundamental shift in ISO 45001 versus AS/NZS 4801, is its emphasis on leadership involvement and worker participation. The Standard requires that top management demonstrate leadership and commitment to WHS, ensuring that WHS policies are compatible with the direction of the organisation. Worker participation is also encouraged, facilitating a safety culture where employees take an active role in all safety matters.

2. Risk Management. Unlike AS/NZS 4801, which primarily focused on hazard control, ISO 45001 introduced a risk-based approach that required organisations to proactively identify, assess, and control risks to prevent work-related injury and ill health. This approach not only helps to manage risk but also enhances other areas of business performance.

3. Context of the Organisation. This element requires organisations consider both internal and external factors that impact their WHS system. It helps organisations understand the needs and expectations of workers and other interested parties, and align their WHS/OHS policy and objectives with the strategic direction of theeir business.

4. Continuous Improvement. ISO 45001 underscores the importance of continual improvement of a WHS management system. The standard encourages organisations to use performance evaluation and monitoring to make informed decisions and drive improvements in ongoing health and safety performance.

Auditing and Compliance

To ensure compliance with ISO 45001, regular audits are necessary. Auditing bodies accredited under the Joint Accreditation System of Australia and New Zealand (JAS-ANZ) are key players in certifying organisations to this standard. These bodies provide essential services, including certification audits, surveillance audits, and recertification audits.

So how do you get ISO45001:2018 accredited?

Achieving ISO 45001:2018 accreditation is a structured process that requires commitment and systematic preparation by a business. Below are the 10 overarching steps that you will need to take to get there.

1. Understand the Standard

It might sound obvious, but the first step towards accreditation is to thoroughly understand the requirements of ISO 45001:2018. Organisations should obtain a copy of the Standard and invest in training or consultation where necessary to better understand the Standard's expectations, particularly where it differs from AS/NZS 4801.

2. Perform a Gap Analysis.

Before implementing the new Standard, it's crucial to conduct a gap analysis to compare your current WHS/OHS management system (if you have one) against the requirements of ISO 45001. This analysis will identify gaps or areas that need improvement, and provide a clear roadmap for the steps necessary to achieve compliance.

3. Develop an Implementation Plan

Based on the outcomes of your gap analysis, you'll need to develop a detailed implementation plan. This plan should outline necessary changes to policies, processes, and practices to meet the Standard's requirements. It should also include a timeline and assign responsibilities to ensure effective execution.

4. Train and Engage Staff

Training staff and adopting a participatory approach is essential for successful ISO 45001 implementation. Employees at all levels should understand their roles in the WHS/OHS management system and be trained on relevant aspects of the Standard. Effective communication and training ensure that the workforce is competent and committed to the system’s success.

5. Implement the System

With the plan in place and staff prepared, the next step is to implement any new or revised processes and practices. This involves integrating your WHS/OHS management system into all areas of your organisation, ensuring it becomes a part of everyday operations and decision-making processes.

6. Conduct Internal Audits

Before seeking external certification, conduct internal audits to evaluate the WHS/OHS management system against ISO 45001 standards. Internal audits help identify any remaining gaps and provide an opportunity to correct issues before the formal certification audit begins.

7. Choose a Certification Body

Select an accredited certification body to audit your WHS/OHS management system. It’s important to choose a reputable auditor registered under an accreditation body such as JAS-ANZ, to ensure credibility and recognition of the certification.

8. Certification Audit

Certification audit's are typically conducted in two stages. The first is to complete a preliminary review of the WHS/OHS management system documentation and planning. The second is the main audit, where the auditor will assess the effectiveness of the WHS/OHS management system in practice, ensuring that it meets ISO 45001 requirements.

9. Address Non-Conformities

If the auditor identifies any non-conformities, your business will need to address these by making necessary corrections and/or improvements. Once resolved, the auditor can then issue the ISO 45001 certification.

10. Continuous Improvement

After achieving certification, your organisation will then shift focus toward maintaining and continually improving your WHS management system. Regular reviews, ongoing training, periodic internal audits, and renewing the certification at appropriate intervals are all part of sustaining accreditation and enhancing overall safety performance.

Achieving ISO 45001:2018 accreditation is not just about meeting compliance requirements; it is about fostering a culture of safety and continuous improvement that can significantly reduce workplace incidents and increase overall employee wellbeing. By following the steps outlined above, organisations can successfully navigate the accreditation process and realise the benefits of a robust WHS management system. 

Resources 

Organizations looking to transition to ISO 45001 or enhance their understanding of the standard can refer to several resources.

• ISO
• SafeWork Australia
• Standards Australia