Introduction of OHSAS 18001
OHSAS 18001 is an international standard for occupational health and safety management. It is designed to provide organizations with a framework for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continually improving their occupational health and safety management system. The standard is applicable to organizations of all sizes and types, and it provides a systematic approach to managing occupational health and safety risks.
History of OHSAS 18001
The development of OHSAS 18001 was a collaborative effort between several leading standards organizations, including the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), and the British Standards Institution (BSI). The first edition of the standard was published in 1999, and it has since been revised twice, in 2007 and 2018.
Who Uses OHSAS 18001?
Any company or organization can use OHSAS 18001 to improve their occupational health and safety management system. The standard is especially popular in high-risk industries such as construction, manufacturing, and mining.
How Does OHSAS 18001 Work?
OHSAS 18001 works by providing a framework for companies to identify and control health and safety risks in the workplace. The standard consists of five main elements: policy, planning, implementation and operation, checking and corrective action, and management review.
Benefits of OHSAS 18001
Implementing OHSAS 18001 can bring a range of benefits to organizations, including:
Improved health and safety performance:
OHSAS 18001 provides a systematic approach to managing occupational health and safety risks, which can lead to improved health and safety performance.
Reduced workplace accidents and injuries:
The standard provides a framework for identifying and controlling workplace hazards, which can help reduce workplace accidents and injuries.
Increased employee morale and satisfaction:
By demonstrating a commitment to occupational health and safety, organizations can improve employee morale and satisfaction.
Enhanced reputation and competitive advantage:
Implementing OHSAS 18001 can enhance an organization’s reputation and give it a competitive advantage in the marketplace.
Compliance with legal and regulatory requirements:
The standard provides a framework for compliance with legal and regulatory requirements related to occupational health and safety.
Reduced insurance premiums and other costs:
By improving health and safety performance and reducing workplace accidents and injuries, organizations can potentially reduce insurance premiums and other costs associated with workplace accidents and injuries.
Key Elements of OHSAS 18001
The OHSAS 18001 standard is based on a Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle, which involves four main steps:
Plan: Establish the objectives, policies, and procedures for managing occupational health and safety.
Do: Implement the policies and procedures, and provide employees the necessary resources and training.
Check: Monitor and measure the effectiveness of the policies and procedures, and conduct regular audits and reviews.
Act: Continuously improve the health and safety management system based on the results of the audits and reviews.
The standard also includes several key elements, such as hazard identification and risk assessment, legal compliance, emergency preparedness and response, and performance measurement and evaluation.
Implementing OHSAS 18001
Implementing OHSAS 18001 requires a systematic and structured approach, and it involves several key steps:
- Conduct a gap analysis to determine the current state of your health and safety management system and identify areas for improvement.
- Establish a cross-functional team to lead the implementation process and ensure buy-in and participation from all levels of the organization.
- Develop an action plan based on the results of the gap analysis, and establish objectives, policies, and procedures for managing occupational health and safety.
- Implement the policies and procedures, and provide the necessary resources and training to employees.
- Monitor and measure the effectiveness of the policies and procedures, and conduct regular audits and reviews to identify areas for improvement.
- Continuously improve the health and safety management system based on the results of the audits and reviews.
Nutshell
OHSAS 18001 is an internationally recognized standard for Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems (OHSMS). It provides a framework for organizations to manage and improve their health and safety performance, reduce the risks and hazards in the workplace, and ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
With the implementation of OHSAS 18001, organizations can create a safer working environment for their employees, reduce workplace accidents and illnesses, and improve productivity and profitability. The standard emphasizes the importance of continuous improvement, risk assessment, and employee participation in the OHSMS.
Overall, OHSAS 18001 is a valuable tool for any organization that wants to prioritize the health and safety of its employees and demonstrate its commitment to social responsibility. By implementing this standard, organizations can not only protect their employees but also enhance their reputation and competitive advantage in the marketplace.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Who can benefit from OHSAS 18001 certification?
OHSAS 18001 is a certification that helps organizations establish and maintain an effective occupational health and safety management system. Any organization, regardless of its size or sector, can benefit from OHSAS 18001 certification.
- How long does it take to get OHSAS 18001 certified?
The process for obtaining OHSAS 18001 certification involves the following steps:
- Conducting a gap analysis to identify areas where your organization does not comply with the standard.
- Developing and implementing an occupational health and safety management system that meets the requirements of the standard.
- Conducting an internal audit to ensure that your system is functioning effectively.
- Engaging an accredited certification body to conduct an external audit of your system and issue the certification.
- What happens if a company does not meet the OHSAS 18001 requirements?
If a company does not meet the OHSAS 18001 requirements, they may face legal penalties, fines, and even criminal charges. They may also experience a negative impact on their reputation, which could lead to a loss of business and revenue.
