Standards and their impact within business

A relevant Standard can be an important component within the assessment of risk for a particular industry sector. Standards Australia publish relevant Standards that should be considered as part of risk management.

Aligning with various Standards is fast becoming an important part of business albeit, it is essential to note that Australian Standards are not legally enforceable documents. Because of their thoroughness and precision relevant to an industry sector or sectors, a Standard can be incorporated into legislation by government and become mandatory. Similarly, alignment with a Standard may be accepted as “common industry practice” by a regulator, industry body or the Courts hence its implied legal standing.

The decision to recognise a Standard is one by elected governments or other relevant stakeholders such as industry regulators, not Standards Australia.

Standards can also be incorporated into legal contracts. For example, a contract may require a new contract security provider to conduct a risk assessment that aligns with the framework of ISO/AS 31000:2009 Risk Management or ensure the site aligns with AS3745:2011 Planning for emergencies in facilities.

According to Standards Australia, this means Standards are “voluntary consensus documents” that are developed by agreement with industry experts. Their application by industry is optional unless mandated by government/regulator or incorporated within a contract.

Risk assessors and those responsible for managing or influencing a system of security/safety should identify relevant Standards for their sector, and then carefully consider the application of the Standard as it might apply across the relevant workplace or work activity.

More information on Standards is contained on the Standards Australia website – http://www.standards.org.au.