OHSAS 18001 Information Leaflet

Don’t take a chance-find out moreContact us now:Email: KimBeavis@imsm.comWeb: www.imsm.comHow does it work?The first step is to define the company’sOccupational Health & Safety Policy, and clearlycommunicate it to the employees.A Plan is then drawn up, which identifies therequirements of a particular business, determinescriteria and responsibilities, timescales, and detailshow to measure performance.IMSM’s Assessors help to objectively identifyhazards, assess risks, and draw up an Action Plan.Materials, machinery, processes, people, and premisescan be included.Legal requirementsand approved codes ofpractice are of courseidentified. Manuals aredrawn up, and there isa requirement to keepthese up-to-date at all times. These will include what to do in anemergency, and contingency planning.Continuous improvement is built in to the Standard,to ensure that the system is operating as intended,and new procedures have been incorporated.International Management Systems MarketingIMSM Ltd, The Gig House, Oxford Street,Malmesbury, Wiltshire, SN16 9AXManaging the risksthrough OHSAS 18001235 fatal injuriesat work*30,666 reported seriousinjuries at work*Ill health accounts foraround three-quartersof working days lost*Two fifths of injuriescaused by handling,lifting and carrying*Prosecutions up by 6%on previous year** Source: Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Statistics Highlights 2003/04Business ManagerManaging the risks through OHSAS 18001HEALTH & SAFETYAT WORKMany companies already have occupationalhealth and safety management systems,demonstrating their commitment and outliningtheir approach to a healthy and safe workplace.Now businesses can adopt a pro-activeapproach, by developing their risk assessment and risk management systems to conform to the OHSAS 18001 international standard.What is OHSAS 18001?OHSAS 18001 works on the sameprinciple as the ISO standards,ISO9001:2000 (Quality management)and ISO14001 (Environment). It follows the successful Plan-Do-Check-Act model. If a business already hasISO9001:2000 in place, achieving OHSAS18001 becomes much simpler. Companies which hold the OHSAS 18001 Standardare proclaiming that they have taken all reasonablemeasures to minimise risks and prevent accidents.As each organisation is different, so each will havedifferent health and safety issues which need to beaddressed. Existing systems are incorporated.How can OHSAS 18001help your business?Implementing OHSAS18001 provides yourorganisation with preventative measures toprotect your employees. In a world competing forskilled staff, this makes your business a moreattractive choice.You can make substantial savings by reducing andeliminating the likelihood of minor incidents, whichcause disruption and delays in processing.Long term disability is distressing for the employee,and can amount to a major cost for the employer.Being able to demonstrate that a policy and systemswere in place significantly reduces the likelihood ofsuch events, and provides a framework for legalresponsibilities.Insurance companies recognisethe Standard as a means ofreducing risk, and hence premiums.Prospective customers andsupply chains perceive a valuabledifferentiating measure.The Standard has been developedby an international committee ofindustry experts, saving time andeffort on your part.How can IMSM help?IMSM has been established for 10 years, addingvalue to businesses around the world throughmanagement systems leading to ISO and otherinternationally recognised standards. Thisexperience helps streamline the process.Experienced and qualified assessors work with yourexisting health & safety systems, developing them toconform to the OHSAS18001 Standard. • IMSM will help you write thepolicy, plan the actionsrequired, and documentthem accurately.• You only pay a fixed fee,based on number ofemployees, for easierbudgeting.• Fees include preparation ofmanuals and certificationaudit by QAS International.• Fast track programme, tosuit your business needs.