AS 4801 or AS/NZ 4801 ISO Occupational Health and Safety Standards

AS 4801 or AS/NZ 4801 ISO standard defines the Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems (OHSMS) requirements in Australia and New Zealand. This standard requires the implementation of five major components of OH&S Management in order for a business to have met all the OH&S requirements necessary to ensure effective management of OH&S issues.

AS 4801 or AS/NZ 4801 iso standard defines the Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems (OHSMS) requirements in Australia and New Zealand. This standard requires the implementation of five major components of OH&S Management for a business to meet all the OH&S requirements to ensure effective management of OH&S issues.

This standard also defines the requirements for an effective Occupational Health and Safety management system to guide organizations in developing policies and objectives that comply with legislative regulations and take into account the information about hazards and risk in its work environment. The AS 4801/ NZS 4801 standard governs the risks that the organization has control and influence over them. However, the standard does not have specific Occupational Health and Safety performance outcomes.

The AS 4801 / NZS 4801 Standard enables organizations to achieve the following:

• Develop, implement, maintain and improve an effective OHSMS
• Have assurance that it conforms with the required Occupational Health and Safety policies
• Provide evidence of conformance to policies to interested stakeholders
• Seek and acquire certification or registration of an organization’s OHSMS by an external organization
• Declare conformance with the standard or make a commitment to conform to its requirements”

The Requirements of the AS 4801/ NZS 4801 Standard:

This standard defines the requirements to include in an OHSMS. The extent to which a business organization implements these requirements depends on its Occupational Health and Safety policy, conditions of operations and nature of its activities. An effective Occupational Health and Safety management system ensures compliance with the relevant OHS legislation, codes of practice and standards.

Complying with the requirements set by this standard does not automatically mean that the business organization complies with the legal requirements and other statutory obligations of the organizations, even if the business is certified or recognized by a third party organization. Implementing the requirements of this standard or intending to implement them does not preclude action by a statutory body.

Safety certification involves an accredited, independent third party certifying recognizing that an organization complies with a recognized standard defining Occupational Health and Safety management principles and has a good Occupational Health and Safety management system in place. It demonstrates to the public that the organization is committed to reducing and eventually eliminating workplace injuries and accidents.

Benefits of Having a Certified Management System

• Improved quality and consistency of services and products giving clients an understanding and trust of what your business offers
• Qualification to submit applications for tenders and contracts that have ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and AS4801 / NZS 4801 certification as a requirement
• Opportunities to trade in the global markets when you have certification meeting international standards
• Gain a competitive advantage over other organizations without certifications since clients want to do business with certified suppliers for guarantee of quality performance
• Having certification means continuous training and development of staff which maintains and improves the organization’s competence
• ISO 9001 Management Systems certification provides an opportunity to cut costs and improve the bottom line by evaluating the process to identify strengths and weaknesses
• Employees can handle the programs and procedures giving the owner time to handle important business challenges.”

Although having a certified management system is not compulsory, having certified and recognized programs is crucial in today’s competitive business environment. By following strict Occupational Health and Safety standards in the work environment, your business also benefits from a reduction in workplace accidents and injuries.