What is OHSAS 18001?

The OHSAS 18001 standard (may also be mistakenly referred to as ISO 18001) is internationally accepted as a method of assessing and auditing occupational health and safety management systems. Developed by leading trade and international standards bodies, it provides a framework for organisations to instigate proper and effective management of health & safety in the workplace.

By having a clearly defined management system in place to identify and control health and safety risks, organisations are able to minimise risks to their workforce and visitors or external contractors on their premises. The standard will enable organisations to put in place processes for continually reviewing and improving occupational health and safety.

Key areas that will be assessed by OHSAS certification

• Management systems in place
• Planning and risk assessment
• Staff training and awareness
• Communication of safety management systems
• Response to emergency situations
• Monitoring and continual improvement

Health and safety management System

Achieving a structured health and safety management system throughout the organisation will demonstrate your commitment to the welfare of your staff and external parties.

It will provide a framework to implement the OHSAS 18001 requirements and a process for continual improvement.

The development of a robust and manageable system will provide benefits to the organisation and its workforce. Cost savings and a reduction in accidents are just two of the many benefits. Click here to read about some of the other benefits of achieving certification.

Who is it for?

OHSAS 18001 is suitable for all types of organisation wanting to become more efficient in managing and reducing accidents in the workplace.

By setting up systems that are assessed by a third party certification body, organisations will prove to their staff, suppliers and customers that they take health and safety seriously.

OHSAS 18001 accreditation provides a framework to help organisations meet their legal obligations to Health and Safety in the workplace.

The audit can be undertaken by a number of Certification bodies, however it is important to note that not all auditing organisations are UKAS accredited. If you do not use a UKAS accredited auditor your certification could end up being worthless.

Please check out the British Government Department BIS for clarification:
http://www.bis.gov.uk/policies/innovation/standardisation/non-accredited-certification

Santa Monica Registrars have American National Standards Institute so before you start contact us to find out more.