CONSULTANCY SERVICES

General Management System Standards

ISO 18001

Introduction

Organizations can better address occupational health and safety (OH&S) concerns in a more orderly and consistent manner with the implementation of an OH&S Management System (OHSMS). The OHSAS 18001 OHSMS provides a framework for organizations to examine issues such as the allocation of resources, assignment of responsibilities and on-going evaluation of practices, procedures and processes systematically, and to achieve continuous improvement in OH&S performance through effective management of their risk impacts.

The current specification is based on the British Standard Institution’s (BSI) OHSAS 18001, an international Occupational Health & Safety Management System specification that has been widely adopted by many countries in the world for their OH&S Management System certification. The main intent of this management system standard is to control risks and prevent harm to those at work.

With the OHSAS 18001 Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) Management System, an organisation is able to manage its OH&S risks with the same degree of expertise and control as its other business activities. The system is practical and takes into account the organisational structure, planning activities, responsibilities, practices, processes and resources for developing, implementing, achieving, reviewing and maintaining the organisation’s OH&S policy.

Benefits of Implementation

OHSAS 18001 provides uncountable benefits - both tangible and intangible. A typical organisation would enjoy the following:

• increased awareness of risks and consequences and in this, better compliance
• a safer workplace and reduced insurance claims and premiums, plus loss time costs
• reduced legal liability by showing due diligence and better management of risks
• attract and retain talent by showing that the organisation cares for their well being
• have a better corporate image in the eyes of regulators, customers, employees as well as the society at large

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the purpose of being OHSAS 18001 certified?

OHSAS 18001 certification proves that your management system has been measured against a best practice standard and found compliant. Issued by a third party accreditation body/registrar, the certificate lets employees and other stakeholders know that you proactively protect the health and safety of your work force.

Is OHSAS 18001 an International Standard?

NO. It is not an international standard. The OHSAS 18000 series was developed by a group of national bodies, certification bodies and specialist consultancy firms rather than the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO). Published by the British Standards Institution, United Kingdom, ownership and copyright of this specification is still retained by them.

What types of organisations does the OHSAS 18001 apply to?

In general, all industries need to have an OH&S Management System. It applies to any organisation that wishes to eliminate or minimize its OH&S risks, assure itself of its stated OH&S Policy and comply to applicable OH&S Laws.

How is OHSAS 18001 different from ILO-OSH and MS 1722?

Both OHSAS 18001 and the Malaysian Standard, MS 1722 Part I are specifications for OHSMS that can be used for certification. Organisations can opt to be certified to either one or both. MS 1722 Part I has additional stipulated requirements compared to OHSAS 18001; namely in operational control.

On the other hand, ILO-OSH 2001 by the International Labor Organisation – Occupational Safety & Health and Part II of the Malaysian Standard, MS 1722 are Occupational Safety and Health Management System guidelines for the implementation of OHSMS and are compatible with the OHSAS 18002 guidelines. These guidelines cannot be used for certification.

Does certification to OHSAS 18001 ensure compliance to national legislation or other legal requirement?

NO. Being certified does not in itself confer immunity from legal obligations. However, as a management system, OHSAS 18001 provides a useful framework for the organisation to address applicable legislative requirements. The concept of compliance to legal requirements and continual improvement are minimum requirements of OHSAS 18001.

Can the OHSAS 18001 be integrated with other Management Systems?

YES. The standard has been developed to be compatible with the ISO 9001 QMS and ISO 14001 EMS. It is recommended that the three systems be integrated into a single one for better business management and performance.