OHSAS 18001 is a comprehensive, certifiable Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) management system specification, designed to enable organisations to control OH&S risks and improve its performance.

The development of safety management system, can make the management of Occupational health and safety more transparent and effective by translating risk assessments into action plans to achieve cost reduction in accidents.

Implementing a Safety Management System helps an organization in identifying Hazards and Risks involved in their work place and to prioritize their objectives towards incorporating safe working and reducing work environment risks. It reduces the number of personnel injuries through prevention and control of workplace hazards and the risk of major accidents; ensures a well-qualified and enthusiastic workforce by fulfillment of the increasing expectations of your employees; reduces the material loss caused by accidents and material loss caused by production interruptions. Serves the possibility for an integrated management system including quality, environment and health and safety ensuring that appropriate legislation is addressed and acted upon. Meeting the increasing importance of OH&S for public image and demonstrating legal compliance and also reducing the risk of potential litigation. It helps to reduce accidents and downtime.Gives access to new customersm and partners who require suppliers to meet tender relevant criteria.

In almost all cases companies seek to have their system independently assessed. This enhances the credibility of any system.

• Registration to OHSAS 18001 by a certification body shows a commitment to quality to customers, and a willingness to work towards improving efficiency levels.
• It demonstrates the existence of an effective OH&S management system that satisfies the rigours of an independent external audit.
• An OHSAS 18001 certificate enhances company image in the eyes of customers, employees and shareholders alike.
• It also gives a competitive edge to an organisation's marketing.
• VQMI is in the process of OHSAS accreditation.

The implementation of a system takes time and commitment from senior management and has several key steps in the process, which include:

• Identify the requirements of OHSAS 18001 and how they apply to the business involved.
• Establish OH&S objectives and how they fit in to the operation of the business.
• Produce a documented OH&S policy indicating how these requirements are satisfied.
• Communicate the OH&S objectives throughout the organisation.
• Evaluate the OH&S policy, its stated objectives and then prioritise requirements to ensure they are met.
• Identify the boundaries of the management system and produce documented procedures as required.
• Ensure these procedures are suitable and adhered to.
• Once developed, internal audits are needed to ensure the system carries on working.

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