The evolution of Occupational Health and Safety Management Standards: A comparison between AS/NZS 4801:2001 and AS/NZS ISO 45001:2018

Considering the recent publication of the AS/NZS ISO 45001:2018 standard on occupational health & safety (OHS) management systems, this study investigated whether the content of the new standard suggests an evolution in safety thinking and practice from the previous regional standard AS/NZS 4801:2001. Following a comparative analysis between the 2 standards, the results showed that context, management commitment and leadership, workplace participation and engagement, staff development, integrated risk-based management, continual improvement and culture comprise areas newly introduced, enriched or especially highlighted in the new standard. Although the importance of all the themes above is supported by literature, which views them as critical aspects of OHS management, field research is necessary on the realisation of the combined benefits those themes promise through the implementation of AS/NZS ISO 45001:2018.