OHSAS 18001:1999 - some simple facts
• OHSAS 18001 is designed to place a proactive and preventative emphasis on risk control factors by identifying and assessing the likelihood of hazards in the workplace.
• An organization's conformance to OHSAS 18001 safeguards that employees, clients and all parties in question are exposed to as few risks as possible.
• Third-party certification authenticates that an organization has taken steps to avoid accidents and hazardous situations using a comprehensive and effectively implemented system.
• The Standard can be implemented by organizations of all sizes and in any industry.
• Currently, there is no international standard, with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) deciding against developing one in 1996
• Debate over developing an international OHSMS standard continues, and ISO may revisit the matter in the future.
• Since OHSAS is similar in structure to ISO 9001 and 14001, it is possible for an organization to integrate OHSAS 18001 with ISO 9001and / or ISO 14001.
• OHSAS 18001 is spreading rapidly and being adopted across the world in place of an ISO standard.
• UKAS, (United Kingdom Accredited Service) do not Certify to OHSAS 18001
• Elements of an occupational health and safety management system include an occupational Health and Safety Policy, planning, implementation and operations, checking and corrective actions, management review and continual improvement.
• It is important to note that certification will not eliminate all risks and does not release an organization from its obligation to fulfil any additional legal requirements.
• Benefits include :-
o Potential reduction in the number of accidents
o Potential reduction in downtime and associated costs
o Demonstration of legal compliance and commitment to health and safety
o Demonstration of an innovative and forward thinking approach
o Increased access to new customers and business partners
o Better management of health and safety risks, now and in the future
o Potential reduced public liability insurance costs
