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About OHSAS 18001:2007

Released in July 2007, OHSAS 18001:2007 is an updated edition of OHSAS 18001:1999.

For those familiar with the earlier version, the changes place greater emphasis on health rather than focusing primarily on safety. OHSAS 18001:2007 is also more closely aligned with the international environmental management system standard, ISO 14001

Anticipating risk

In the past, occupational health and safety management tended to focus on the question of how to react to work-related incidents. In contrast, OHSAS 18001 sets out a preventative and proactive approach which involves identifying workplace hazards and assessing and controlling risk.

Key elements

Some of the essential elements of the Standard include:

	Developing OH&S policy
	Planning
	Implementing policy and plans
	Checking for problems and taking corrective action
	Reviewing management processes
	Sustaining continual improvement.

Growing pressures on employers

Employers today confront bigger challenges than ever before, not least in the field of occupational health and safety where they face:

	More rigorous health and safety regulations
	Greater penalties for negligence
	Rising compensation costs
	Costly medical claims
	Increasing rates of illness and injury
	Pressure to retain workers and ensure employee satisfaction.

The benefits of OHSAS 18001

Organizations certified to the Standard report a range of benefits, including:

	A reduction in lost working days
	Fewer workplace accidents
	Fewer medical claims
	Recognition by insurers and regulators
	A more disciplined approach to safety
	Improved employee motivation, retention and satisfaction
	Reduced legal costs
	Less time and money spent on accident-related investigation and paperwork.

Workforce awareness

Employers who have adopted OHSAS 18001 report that it promotes greater employee awareness and understanding of health and safety at work.

Organizations which have attained registration maintain that it leads to improved internal and external communications and a more disciplined attitude among employees to health and safety matters.

Relevant to all employers

The requirements specified in OHSAS 18001 are intended for incorporation into any OH&S management system. The Standard is relevant to all employers, whatever the size or nature of the business.

OHSAS 18001 registration

S.e.H. can help you to develop and implement an OH&S management system to OHSAS 18001. We have a reputation for quality customer services and clear, open communication with our clients.

We allow for a flexible registration process tailored to individual requirements and schedules. We will rapidly assign you a consultant to help you identify clearly the individual needs of your organization.

Some organizations may choose to register their OH&S management system only to OHSAS 18001 as a stand-alone specification. Others may see advantages in integrating the Standard with other management standards such as ISO 14001, which provides a powerful framework around which OHSAS 18001 can be built.