OHSAS 18001: Occupational Health & Safety Management System

In the changed industrial scenario, an emphatic worldwide endeavour is visible in improving quality in all functions of an organization1. Recognizing that the workplace safety and health is a decisive factor in an organizational effectiveness, several management frameworks have been proposed to implement cost effective occupational health and safety (OHS) in preventing workplace ailments and promoting health and welfare of workers revolving around the International Standards Organization families of management standards (eg. ISO 9000 and ISO 14000)2-3. Broadly, an ideal OHS management system (OHSMS) should provide a structured process to minimize potentials of work-related injuries and illnesses, increase productivity by reducing the direct and indirect costs associated with accidents, and increase the quality of manufactured products and/ or rendered services. It must provide a direction to OHS activities, in accordance with the organizational policies,

regulatory requirements, industry practices and standards, including negotiated labour agreements.

Therefore, conforming to an OHSMS may be of significant value to an organization. This approach has drawn significant attention among the standards organizations, the accreditation and certification bodies and the national agencies in formalizing, implementing and evaluating OHSMS. This write-up gives an account and analysis of the OHSMS development, including its scope in the context of our diverse employment sectors.

What is OHSAS 18001?

An Occupational Health & Safety Management System is a framework that allows an organization to consistently identify and control its health and safety risks, reduce the potential for accidents, aid legislative compliance and improve overall performance.
OHSAS 18001 is the assessment specification for Occupational Health & Safety Management Systems. It was developed in response to the need for companies to meet their health and safety obligations in an efficient manner.
The following key areas are addressed by OHSAS 18001:

• Planning for hazard identification, risk assessment and risk control
• OHSAS management programme
• Structure and responsibility
• Training, awareness and competence
• Consultation and communication
• Operational control
• Emergency preparedness and response
• Performance measuring, monitoring and improvement

Who is it relevant to?

OHSAS 18001 can be adopted by any organization wishing to implement a formal procedure, which will reduce the risks associated with health and safety in the working environment for employees, customers and the general public.
In a competitive market place, customers are looking for more than just keen pricing from their suppliers. Companies need to demonstrate that their businesses are managed efficiently and responsibly and that they can provide a reliable service without excessive downtime caused by work related accidents and incidents.
Whatever the nature or size of your business, implementing an occupational health and safety management system is common sense as well as a legal requirement in many countries worldwide.
Whilst the British and International Management System Standards are autonomous, they are more compatible than ever before. Integrating your systems give limitless potential while adding value and efficiency to any organization. BSI has developed the practical solution for those organizations seeking an integrated management system

What are the benefits?

Assessment to OHSAS 18001 will ensure that you take the effective measures and implement the necessary rigorous controls to ensure that you have identified and are managing the safety and risks associated with your work activities.
Registration to OHSAS 18001 will not only help you enhance your business performance, but also has the following benefits:

·         Reduce risk
Improved safety levels by controlling hazards and risks
Better management of health and safety risks, now and in the future

·         Gain competitive advantage
Demonstrate your commitment to health and safety to stakeholders

·         Improve overall performance
Underline your commitment to an innovative and forward thinking approach
Improved operational efficiency through accident management reduction and reduction in downtime

·         Reduced costs for insurance premiums, compensation or penalties for breach of legislation.

Safety Management System (SMS) Audit

The sample audit and safety inspection checklists contained herein are designed to help you evaluate the quality of your company’s safety management system design and performance. It should be revised as need to best meet your organization's needs. SMS audits should be reviewed at least annually to look at each of the critical components of the SMS to determine what is working well and what changes, if any, are needed. When you identify needs that should be addressed, you have the basis for a new safety and health objective for program improvement. This audit does not replace any provision, standard, or rule contained in the OSHAct of 1970.

 Does the company have a comprehensive written safety and health program that addresses the following key elements:

1. Management commitment;

2. Employee involvement;

3. Management and labor accountability;

4. Incident and accident investigation policy and procedures;

5. Safety training;

6. Hazard identification and control; and

7. Periodic program review.

____ Has responsibility for developing and monitoring the safety and health program been delegated to a person or office?

____ Has responsibility for carrying out the safety and health program been assigned to all levels of the line organization (managers and supervisors) and employees?

____ Are managers and supervisors carrying out their safety and health supervision, training, and enforcement responsibilities?

____ Are employees carrying out their safety and health compliance and reporting responsibilities?

____ Is there an accountability system for ensuring managers and supervisors carry out their safety and health supervision, training and enforcement responsibilities?

____ Is there an accountability system for ensuring employees comply with safety and health rules and hazard/injury reporting responsibilities?

____ Is there a system that provides communication with affected employees on occupational safety and health matters (meetings, training programs, posting, written communications, a system of hazard reporting, etc.)?

____ Does the communication system include provisions designed to encourage employees to inform the employer of hazards at the work site without fear of reprisal?

Is there a system for identifying and evaluating workplace hazards whenever new substances, processes, procedures or equipment are introduced into the workplace, and whenever the employer receives notification of a new or previously unrecognized hazard?

____ Are periodic inspections for safety and health scheduled and carried out by managers and supervisors, and the safety committee?

____ Are inspection records kept which identify unsafe conditions and practices?

____ Is there an incident and accident investigation program?

____ Are unsafe and unhealthful conditions and work practices corrected immediately, with the most hazardous exposures corrected first?

____ Do employees know the safety and health hazards specific to their job assignments?

____ Is training provided to all employees when they are first hired and when they receive new job assignments?

____ Are training needs of employees evaluated whenever new substances, processes, procedures, or equipment are introduced into the workplace, and whenever the employer received notification of a new or previously unrecognized hazard?

____ Are records kept documenting safety and health training for each employee by name or other identifier, training dates, types of training, and training provider?

____ Does the employer have a labor-management safety and health committee?

Safety Inspection Checklists

Since OSHA regulations are quite extensive, these audits are by no means all inclusive. You should add to them or delete items which don’t apply to your operations. More information regarding rules which may apply to your workplace is available from Federal or State OSHA.

Abrasive Wheel Equipment Grinders

Additional VDT Workstation Criteria

Chemical Exposures

Compressed Gas and Cylinders

Compressors and Compressed Gas

Confined Spaces

Cranes and Hoists

Electrical Safety

Elevated Surfaces

Emergency Action Plan

Environmental Controls

Ergonomics

Exit or Egress

Exit Doors

Eye Protection

Fire Protection

Flammable and Combustible Materials

Floor and Wall Openings

General Work Environment

Hand Tools and Equipment

Hazard Communication

Hearing Conservation

Identification of Piping Systems

Industrial Trucks - Forklifts

Infection Control

Injury and Illness Prevention Program

Lockout/Tagout Procedures

Machine Guarding

Materials Handling

Medical Services and First Aid

Noise

Personal Protective Equipment and Clothing

Posting

Portable Ladders

Portable (Power-operated) Tools and Equipment

Recommended VDT Workstation Criteria

Recordkeeping

Safety Committees

Spray Finishing Operations

Stairs and Stairways

Tire Inflation

Transporting Employees and Materials

Ventilation for Indoor Air Quality

Video Display Terminals

Walkways

Welding, Cutting and Brazing