Key Differences – AS/NZS 4801:2001 and ISO/DIS 45001 2016

New Requirements
ISO 45001 introduces a small number of requirements that are largely new when compared to AS/NZS 4801:2001, including:

• Understanding the Organisation and its context (4.1)
• Understanding the needs and expectations of workers and other interested parties (4.2)
• Assessment of risks to the OH&S Management System (6.1.2.2)
• Identification of OH&S opportunities (6.1.2.3)
• Planning to take action (6.1.4)
• Evaluation of compliance with legal and other requirements (9.1.2)

Consolidated Requirements
ISO/DIS 45001:2016 consolidates a requirements spread across a number of clauses of AS/NZS 4801 into stand-alone requirements including (AS/NZS clause numbers in brackets). For example:

• Management of Change (4.3.4, 4.4.3, 4.4.6.2, 4.5.2)
• Outsourcing, Procurement  and Contractors (4.3.1, 4.3.2, 4.4.6.2 and 4.4.2, 4.4.1.2)
• Continual Improvement  (4.2, 4.3.3, 4.4.1.1, 4.4.1.2)

Modified Requirements
ISO/DIS 45001:2016 clauses represent a modification of what is required in AS/NZS 4801 rather than being a totally new requirement. For example:

• OH&S Policy (5.2)
• Participation and consultation (5.4)
• Emergency preparedness and response (8.2)
• Continual improvement (10.2)

Relocated Requirements
ISO/DIS 45001 is based on a 1-10 Section structure. Accordingly, ISO 45001 simply relocates a requirement that is very similar to a requirement in AS/NZS 4801:2001.

​For example:

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If you  are familiar with AS/NZS 4801:2001 you will be familiar with many of the requirements and concepts in ISO/DIS 45001:2016, including:

• The Plan-Do-Check-Act model remains the fundamental “systems” model promoted by ISO 45001.

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• Process Approach – establishing a Policy and objectives for improvement and processes to achieve them, implementing these processes and monitoring and measuring process results remains a key part of the Standard.
• The overall intent (a framework for managing prevention of death, injury, ill-health) is consistent with AS/NZS 4801:2001.
• ISO 45001 maintains (and enhances) the focus on the role of top management in an effective OH&S management system
• ISO 45001 maintains a strong focus on hazard, risk, controls focus
• Very similar requirements for:

           – Planning and policy
           – Legal requirements
           – Improvement – objectives, action planning, monitoring.
           – Awareness, consultation, competency needed
           – Resources required to support system
           -Monitoring, evaluating, analysing OHS performance and improvement.

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