Many organisations are now looking at implementing the Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSAS 18001). Although not a legal requirement, it is a recognised specification that structures the implementation of an effective H & S management system. This overview takes a brief look at the reasons why certification may be appropriate for your company. It also includes details about where to obtain further information.

What is OHSAS 18001?

OHSAS 18001 is the latest certification specification for Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems. It is based on already published criteria such as BS 8800 and the Management Regulations 1992. OHSAS 18001 is an audit/certification specification, not a legislative requirement or a guide to implementation.

Why seek registration to OHSAS 18001?

Registration to OHSAS 18001 by an independent, third party, registrar demonstrates a commitment to implement, maintain and improve the way in which you manage your Health and Safety system.

Organisations registered to OHSAS 18001 can be more confident about meeting the requirements of H & S legislation. The setting of targets through the Health and Safety policy, together with the ongoing measurement against it ensures a process of continual improvement.

How do you start to implement OHSAS 18001? What is involved?

Firstly, evaluate the Health and Safety needs of your staff and visitors. Then identify the boundaries of your Health and Safety system and document your procedures for meeting the requirements of OHSAS 18001. Ensure these procedures are fully implemented, then audit and review them.

Once developed, internal audits are needed to ensure the system continues to be effective. Always bear in mind the need to conform to legislative requirements.

Audit to OHSAS 18001

Having chosen a third party registrar for your audit, it will review your documentation to ascertain that it meets all the requirements of OHSAS 18001. This is followed at a later date by an audit to check that records are being kept and documented working practices are being followed.

After a successful audit, a certificate of registration to OHSAS 18001 will be issued. There will then be continual surveillance visits (usually once a year) to ensure that the system is maintained and continues to be effective.

Why choose ISOQAR for your audit?

ISOQAR has an enviable record for customer satisfaction with its registration services. A friendly approach to audits and dislike of bureaucracy has led to unprecedented growth through referrals from contented clients. ISOQAR only employs auditors who have empathy with this approach. Auditors are also carefully allocated by their experience in the industry they are auditing. This results in a practical, meaningful audit, carried out in an air of mutual understanding. ISOQAR firmly believes that any audit should benefit the organisation that requests it, not be an intellectual exercise to ‘please’ the auditor.

What is the cost of audit to OHSAS 18001?

We have produced an outline guidance price list to give you some idea of audit fees please get in touch if you would like a copy. For specific costings, we ask you to complete a short on-line questionnaire telling us about your organisation. From that we provide you with a fixed, written quotation.

Joint OHSAS 18001, ISO 9000 and ISO 14001 systems

There are several common elements between these three systems, such as management review, document control, corrective action and the requirement for trained personnel. These can be integrated into a single, joint system or a combination of any of the above. Audit of joint systems is available and may be the best method for some companies.

Integrated systems not only help an organisations internally, by reducing duplication and providing a centralised document control system, but may also offer cost benefits for your third-party audit.

Where to obtain further information or help

The OHSAS 18001 specification is available from The American National Standards Institute (www.ansi.org – Tel: 1 212 642 4900). The American Society for Quality can also help. Telephone them on 1 800 248 1946 for a Product Guide and order form. Both should be able to provide a range of publications about Health and Safety.