OHSAS 18001

INTRODUCTION TO OHSAS 18001
OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY
OHSAS is the management systems specification for the management of an organisations health & safety responsibilities. OHSAS has not been published as a British Standard, but has been produced to meet market demand for a recognisable and auditable standard, to which companies can be assessed and certificated.
The specification has been developed to be compatible with other management systems standards such as ISO 9000 for Quality Management Systems and ISO 14001 for Environmental Management Systems.
HOW TO IMPLEMENT OHSAS 18001 ?
As for other management system standards, ISO 18001 is intended to be used as a model or framework for organisations to use when developing their management system, that is relevant to an organisations processes and personnel policies. Below are some of the key elements, essential to the implementation of an effective environmental management system :

An health & Safety policy

Review of applicable legislation and regulations

The identification and evaluation of risk, including historical information and existing procedures

Documented procedures and documentation control

Effective methods of communication and training

Planning for accidents and responses

Corrective and preventive action and continuous improvement
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF IMPLEMENTING OHSAS 18001?
ISO 18001 aims to facilitate organisations in meeting their legal and regulatory requirements, whilst also providing tangible commercial benefits through the effective implementation, ongoing maintenance and continuous improvement of a documented management system. The aim of the OHSAS 18001 specification is to prevent, control and reduce hazards and risks within the working environment.
As with other management systems standards such as ISO 14001, implementation, assessment and certification of an Occupational health & Safety management system, that meets the requirements of OHSAS 18001, will support organisations in producing evidence of meeting their legal responsibilities with regard to the health & safety of employees and due diligence. Other major benefits include, reducing waste and increasing efficiency by
Increasing access to insurance cover at a reduced cost by having a management system that includes risk minimisation and planning.
The enhancement of an organisations commercial image, marketability and competitive edge through the achievement of a recognised management system certification.
An increase in staff motivation and communications by active participation in the processes of continuous improvement and hazard reduction.
Improve relations with industry and regulators through the implementation and management of a system that is designed to ensure that legal and regulatory issues are addressed and hazards, accidents and risks managed and where possible reduced by objectives and targets setting.