AS4801 and ISO45001

AS4801 EXTERNAL AUDITING, CONSULTANTS, INTERNAL AUDITING, TRAINING, FREE TOOLS, CHECKLISTS and ACCREDITATION

Update on ISO 45001: Publication of the long-awaited new international standard for occupational health and safety – ISO 45001 – is likely to be delayed after participating members of the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) committee “disapproved” the draft circulated in January. READ MORE HERE

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Based on AS/NZS 4801:2001 Occupational health and safety management systems – Specification with guidance for use and following the guidelines of AS/NZS 4804:2001

What is AS4801?

“This standard (AS 4801) establishes an audit framework principally for use by third party bodies that have been asked by an organisation to conduct an independent audit of the organisation’s OHSMS. The framework can also be used as a reference point for internal auditing procedures.” (from the Foreword of the standard). An Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS) is defined in AS 4801:2000 as: “that part of the overall management system which includes organizational structure, planning activities, responsibilities, practices, procedures, processes and resources for developing, implementing, achieving, reviewing and maintaining the OHS policy, and so managing the OHS risks associated with the business of the organization.” Our Engineers are certified by the RABQSA International as auditors of OHS Management Systems. To maintain independence, consultants cannot audit OHS management systems that they helped establish (within the previous five years). “Some organisations may also use independent third party assurances that an organisation they are proposing to do business with has effective systems in place to control their OHS.” (from the Foreword of the standard).

If your clients are demanding proof that you have an effective OHS programme, an AS 4801 audit report can provide them with excellent verification. Head contractors are required to hold accreditation in order to enter into Australian Government directly and indirectly funded building and construction contracts, subject to certain thresholds. Applicants for accreditation are required to have an OHS Management System that is certified to Australian Standard 4801 or OHSAS 18001. Evidence of certification to AS 4801 or evidence from a third party that the OHS management is equivalent to AS 4801 is a mandatory requirement for provisional accreditation. AS/NZS 4804:1997 – Occupational health and safety management systems – General guidelines on principles, systems and supporting techniques Provides guidance on the development and implementation of occupational health and safety management systems (OHSMS) and principles, and their integration with other management systems. The guidelines are intended for use as a voluntary, internal management tool and are not intended for use by OHSMS certification/registration bodies as a specification Standard. This Standard aligns closely with AS/NZS 4801:2001.

Standards Australia Committee for AS4801 has decided that the existing AS 4801 will not be updated until the new international standard, ISO 45001 is published in 2016.

ISO announced recently that a new committee has been formed – “ISO Committee ISO/PC 283 – Occupational Health & Safety Management Systems”. Their objective will be to develop and publish an international standard for Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) based on OHSAS 18001. This new standard will be known as ISO 45001.

The new standard will be aligned with the September 2015 published revised versions of ISO 14001 (Environment) and ISO 9001 (Quality).

If you need help you develop your OHSMS to AS4801, conduct AS 4801 audits, or provide advice and assistance in preparing for an audit to this standard. We recommend you contact:

Craig Clancy

B.App. Sc – Construction Management

Director – Safety in Industry

M:0458 797 836

E: craig@safetyinindustry.com.au

W: www.safetyinindustry.com.au