What is ISO 18001(OHSAS)?
The OHSAS 18001 standard has been conceived to be applicable for organisations of all types and sizes and is related by its structure to standards of the EN ISO 9000:2000 and EN ISO 14000:1996 series so that it may be possible to create an integrated management system of the organisation.
The OHSAS 18001 standard differs from the structure of the ISO 9000:2000 and EN ISO 14000:1996 series of standards particularly in the areas which relate to application of risk limiting procedures.
Generally, it is a three-stage process including:
- risk identification;
- risk assessment;
- risk limitation.
Legal regulations as well as this standard emphasize a requirement for organisations to propose and implement measures which wherever possible eliminate or curb hazards or isolate an employee from them. Should this not be possible work activity must be planned and managed by means of organisational measures in such a manner that its performance is safe and does not jeopardise health.
Benefits of certification of the occupational health and safety management system according to OHSAS 18001
- demonstration of a commitment to ensuring and improving occupational health and safety system adopted at all levels and by people at all positions in the organization, particularly by the top management;
- demonstration of a systematic reduction in risks or hazards jeopardising safety and health of all persons affected by organisation's activities, products or services;
- reducing occurrence of occupational diseases and job-related injuries;
- minimising costs caused by workplace accidents;
- demonstrating commitment to meeting legal and regulation requirements related to occupational health and safety;
- a created self-controlling system responding flexibly to changes in legislation and safety requirements as well as changes inside the organisation (for instance those derived from new technologies, organisational changes, etc.)