News

Get ready to replace OHSAS 18001 and AS/NZS 4801 – here comes the first ISO management systems standard for safety.

Because the standard is currently at the Committee Draft stage, details are still a little sketchy but we know the new standard will follow the same structure as ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015. This already indicates that there will be a stronger focus on the context of organisations, implicit in the quality and environment management systems standards. The idea of context requires organisations to look beyond health and safety within their own facilities and to take into account the working conditions along the supply chain – design, procurement and contractor management.

A second change we can expect is a stronger role for top management, as is already the case in ISO 14001 and ISO 9001. Health and safety will need to become a central part of the organisation’s overall management system, requiring a demonstrable commitment from top management.

I’ll keep you posted as more comes to light. Catch you soon!