OHSAS 18001:2007
OHSAS 18001:2007 standard lays down requirement for a System of Management of Health and Work Safety (SGSSL), to allow an Organisation to check its risks for health and work safety and to improve its performance.
Education and training of OHSAS 18001 represents an organisation tool allowing to manage in organic and systematic way the safety of workers without upsetting the company's organisation structure, relying on following requirements:
- adoption of a safety management policy;
- identification of hazard, assessment of risks and individuation of control means, in strict connection with the prescriptions coming from laws or other sources;
- statement of specific programs and goals using the logics of Plan – Do – Check - Act; statement of tasks and responsibilities;
- instruction, training and involvement of staff;
- ways to consult and communicate with workers and involved persons ;
- checked management of documentation;
- realisation of control systems for activities connected with identified high risk, including processes such as design and maintenance;
- preparation of measures suitable to individuate, prevent and check possible accidental events (incidents and failed incidents) and emergencies;
- monitoring and measuring system performance as for safety and health, as well as for the maintenance of conformity to laws;
- definition and realisation of systematic control (incidents, non conformities, corrective and preventive actions) and periodical controls on the adequacy of the management system;
- individuation and assessment of risks and hazards linked with activities carried out by externals at the organisation workplace.
The new standard will definitely come into force as of 1st July 2009, term within which new requirements will be compulsory for certified companies OHSAS 18001 is the internationally recognized assessment specification for occupational health and safety management systems. It was developed by a selection of leading trade bodies, international standards and certification bodies to address a gap where no third-party certifiable international standard exists.
OHSAS 18001 can be adopted by any organization wishing to implement a formal procedure to reduce the risks associated with health and safety in the working environment for employees, customers and the general public.
In a competitive marketplace, your customers are looking for more than just keen pricing from their suppliers. Companies need to demonstrate that their businesses are managed efficiently and responsibly and that they can provide a reliable service without excessive downtime caused by work-related accidents and incidents.
Certifying your BS OHSAS 18001 management system enables your organization to prove that it conforms to the specification and provides the following benefits:
- Potential reduction in the number of accidents
- Potential reduction in downtime and associated costs
- Demonstration of legal and regulatory compliance
- Demonstration to stakeholders of your commitment to health and safety
- Demonstration of an innovative and forward thinking approach
- Increased access to new customers and business partners
- Better management of health and safety risks, now and in the future
- Potential reduced public liability insurance costs
