ISO 18001 – is a framework that allows an organisation to consistently identify and control its health and safety risks, reduce the potential for accidents, aid legislative compliance and improve overall performance.
BS OHSAS 18001 is the assessment specication for Occupational Health & Safety Management Systems. It was developed in response to the need for companies to meet their health and safety obligations in an efficient manner.
The following key areas are addressed by BS OHSAS 18001:
- Planning for hazard identication, risk assessment and risk control
- OHSAS management programme
- Structure and responsibility
- Training, awareness and competence
- Consultation and communication
- Operational control
- Emergency preparedness and response
- Performance measuring, monitoring and improvement
OHSAS can be beneficial to organisations that wish to:-
- establish a Organisational Health & Safety (OH&S) management system to eliminate or minimise risk to employees and other interested parties who may be exposed to OH&S risks associated with its activities
- assure itself of its conformance with its stated OH&S policy
- demonstrate such conformance to others
- implement, maintain, and continually improve an OH&S management system
- seek certification
Essentially,
- minimise risks to employees
- improve an existing OH&S management system
- demonstrate diligence
- gain assurance
The benefits can be substantial.
1 – ENQUIRY
Initial telephone followed by information pack containing costs, assessment process and details of commitment scheme.
3 – ASSESSOR CONTACT
Initial agreement/discussion, agree onsite dates/timescales.
4 – STAGE 1 ASSESSMENT
always held at your premises. The Stage 1 aims to establish that your occupational management system meets the requirements of BS OHSAS18001. This also includes a detailed review of the site and adjoining areas. We are also looking at the related processes taking place. The assessor will feedback findings throughout the assessment and leave a detailed report that clearly identifies any gaps that need to be addressed.
5 – ANY GAPS IDENTIFIED ARE ADDRESSED AT THIS STAGE BEFORE THE STAGE 2 ASSESSMENTS.
The Assessor develops for the Stags 2 assessment plan and forwards to you prior to the assessment.
2 – COMMITMENT
Welcome pack, commitment certificate & initial contact.
6 – STAGE 2 ASSESSMENT
Carried out onsite – The Stage 2 Assessment verifies that you are working to the occupational management system and you are meeting the requirements of BS OHSAS 18001. We will be assessing your onsite practices and the records that support your activities.
7 – FINAL VERIFICATION
Your application is submitted to an external panel for approval. Certification process: Approved application receive: Award Letter, Certificate, CD ROM containing the Certification Marks Customer Satisfaction Questionnaire
8 – ANNUAL SURVEILLANCE
All organisations certified for BS OHSAS 18001 are required to undergo annual surveillance visits. The assessor will agree the date with you at the end of your stage 2 assessment. We will remind you 1 month prior to that visit. The assessor will also contact before the onsite visit. We will notify you of ongoing communication & invite you to events and updates NB Organisations that do not meet the requirement of BS OHSAS 18001 during the Stage 2 Assessment are required to have a revisit to verify the gaps have been addresses.
