What is OHSAS 18001: Importance, Requirements, and Certification

Occupational health and safety are crucial for businesses aiming to provide a safe working environment for their employees. OHSAS 18001, a globally recognised standard, helps businesses effectively manage occupational health and safety risks. The certification ensures that organisations comply with safety regulations and implement systematic health and safety practices. By obtaining OHSAS 18001 certification, businesses can enhance worker safety, reduce risks, and improve overall efficiency. This article provides an in-depth overview of OHSAS 18001, its importance, and how businesses can achieve certification to enhance safety management.

What is OHSAS 18001

OHSAS 18001, or the Occupational Health and Safety Assessment Series 18001, is a globally recognised framework for managing occupational health and safety (OHS) risks. It outlines a systematic approach to identifying, evaluating, and controlling risks to employees' health and safety. The OHSAS 18001 standard enables organisations to implement processes that help reduce workplace accidents, injuries, and illnesses. Some key elements of OHSAS 18001 include:

• Hazard identification: The process of recognising potential hazards in the workplace, such as unsafe machinery, chemicals, or working conditions, which may cause harm to employees.
• Risk assessment: A systematic evaluation of the likelihood and severity of risks associated with identified hazards, allowing businesses to prioritise safety concerns effectively.
• Control measures: The development and implementation of strategies and actions, such as safety protocols or protective equipment, to eliminate or mitigate risks and prevent incidents.
• Monitoring and review: Regular assessment of the effectiveness of health and safety measures, ensuring they remain relevant and efficient in reducing workplace hazards and improving employee well-being.

OHSAS 18001 provides a structured framework for creating safer workplaces and helps businesses comply with legal and regulatory requirements.

Importance of OHSAS 18001

OHSAS 18001 certification is crucial for businesses aiming to foster a culture of safety and prevent workplace incidents. The standard provides numerous benefits, including:

• Improved employee safety: OHSAS 18001 helps identify hazards early, enabling businesses to implement measures to protect employees.
• Reduced workplace accidents: By addressing risks proactively, organisations can significantly reduce the frequency of accidents and injuries.
• Cost savings: A reduction in accidents leads to lower workers' compensation claims, fewer medical expenses, and reduced insurance premiums.
• Legal compliance: The certification ensures businesses comply with national and international health and safety regulations.
• Increased reputation: Organisations with OHSAS 18001 certification are seen as responsible employers committed to employee welfare, enhancing their reputation among clients, partners, and employees.
• Continual improvement: The standard encourages businesses to continuously monitor, assess, and improve their safety management systems, leading to long-term benefits.

OHSAS 18001 vs. ISO 45001

While OHSAS 18001 has been the global standard for occupational health and safety (OHS) management systems for many years, ISO 45001 is the updated version that provides a more modern and comprehensive framework for safety management. Understanding the differences between these two standards is crucial for organisations looking to adopt the latest health and safety practices.

• ISO 45001: As the successor to OHSAS 18001, ISO 45001 integrates occupational health and safety into the broader business strategy. This newer standard emphasises leadership involvement, ensuring that top management is actively engaged in promoting a safety culture. It also focuses on worker participation, encouraging the inclusion of employees at all levels in decision-making processes. ISO 45001 adopts a risk-based approach, identifying potential hazards and proactively addressing them to reduce the likelihood of accidents and health issues.
• OHSAS 18001: While OHSAS 18001 shares similarities with ISO 45001, it places less emphasis on leadership engagement and a risk-based strategy. OHSAS 18001 focuses on creating and maintaining a safe working environment through predefined procedures and control measures. It is primarily concerned with eliminating or controlling hazards but does not incorporate the same level of continuous improvement and proactive risk management seen in ISO 45001.

Requirements for OHSAS 18001

To achieve OHSAS 18001 certification, organisations must meet several requirements outlined in the standard. These include:

• Health and safety policy: A clear and comprehensive health and safety policy that reflects the organisation’s commitment to employee well-being.
• Hazard identification and risk assessment: A robust process for identifying and assessing risks associated with workplace activities and developing control measures.
• Legal and other requirements: Compliance with local, national, and international health and safety laws and regulations.
• Objectives and targets: Establishing specific, measurable objectives to reduce risks and improve health and safety performance.
• Resource allocation: Adequate resources must be allocated to implement and maintain the health and safety management system.
• Employee involvement: Employees should be involved in the identification and mitigation of risks through consultations and participation.
• Monitoring and evaluation: Regular monitoring of health and safety performance to identify areas for improvement and ensure compliance with the set objectives.
• Corrective actions: A system to address non-conformities, accidents, and incidents, including preventive and corrective actions.
• Management review: A periodic review of the system by top management to ensure its ongoing effectiveness and alignment with the organisation’s goals.

How to get certified to BS OHSAS 18001

Getting certified to BS OHSAS 18001 involves a structured process that begins with developing a health and safety management system (HSMS) aligned with the standard’s requirements. The steps to certification include:

• Initial assessment: An initial assessment of the organisation’s existing health and safety management system is conducted to identify gaps against the OHSAS 18001 standard.
• Developing the system: Based on the assessment, the organisation develops or updates its health and safety management system to meet OHSAS 18001 requirements. This may involve revising policies, procedures, and processes.
• Employee training and awareness: Employees must be trained to understand the new health and safety management practices and their roles in maintaining a safe working environment.
• Internal audit: Before applying for certification, an internal audit is conducted to verify that the system complies with the OHSAS 18001 standard.
• Certification audit: A third-party certifying body conducts a certification audit to evaluate the system’s compliance with the OHSAS 18001 standard. This involves reviewing documentation, processes, and practices.
• Corrective actions and improvements: If any non-conformities are identified, corrective actions must be taken to address them. After improvements, a follow-up audit is conducted.
• Certification granted: Upon successful completion of the audit and resolution of non-conformities, the organisation receives the OHSAS 18001 certification.

Conclusion

OHSAS 18001 certification is a vital step for businesses looking to create a safer and healthier working environment. By adopting a systematic approach to managing occupational health and safety risks, businesses can protect their workforce, reduce accidents, and comply with regulations. The certification enhances a company’s reputation, leads to cost savings, and demonstrates a strong commitment to employee welfare. As organisations transition to ISO 45001, it is essential to stay informed and adapt to the evolving standards for long-term success.

For businesses seeking financial support to implement safety measures or improve operations, a business loan can be an excellent option. This financial resource can help cover the costs associated with upgrading systems, training, and ensuring compliance with health and safety standards.