subject: Introduction To Ohsas: 18001 Management Systems [print this page] The industries are required to grow to satisfy the need of the society but at the same time they need to do all this in an occupation, Health and safety acceptable manner. Of late, industries have been reactive towards OHSAS management and follow up of safe production practices. In this scenario, the concept of OHSMS through plan approach of system implementation for occupational, health and safety issues are taking shape.
OHSMS
OHSAS Management System (OHSMS) refers to a system used by an Organisation to manage its activities, product or services in such a way to minimize or eliminate the adverse impacts on Occupation, Health and safety of workers. More explicitly, the OHSMS is that part of the overall management system viz. organizational structure, planning activities, responsibilities, practices, procedures, processes and resources which are necessary for developing, implementing, reviewing and maintaining the organisation's OHSAS policy.
Evidently, OHSAS Management System is not a Hi- Tech mechanism to address Occupation, health and Safety issues of an organisation. Basically OHSMS is a manual system consisting of three components namely:
IV.Design or development of elements of OHSMS
V.Documentation and
VI.Implementation
Of course, the documentation can be supported by software.
Unlike the Quality Management System which concentrate only on customers satisfaction, the OHSMS is required to satisfy different stakeholder e.g. employees, shareholders, regulatory authorities, customers and general public as well. Also, quality can be defined by technical specification and so satisfying the customers is relatively easier. Whereas in case of OHSMS it is dependent on diverse interest of the
Stakeholders In addition, the OHSMS is required to ensure compliance with relevant legislation and regulations. Thus the scope of application and operation of OHSMS is wider than that of QMS.
The need of OHSMS
With the growing Health and safety awareness, compulsions and competition, it is becoming imperative to not only manufacture but source raw materials and sell products in manner that is taking care of OHSAS issues.
Global trade henceforth would reinforce flow of safer goods and services, in which only OHSAS complying companies shall be able to retain and enhance their share of growing international market.
While all industrial enterprises are required to comply with growing number of OHSAS regulation, it is only those, who proactively seek to demonstrate OHSMS performance far beyond compliance, would be the market leaders.
Credibility comes in only when an independent, well respected, internationally recognized third party speaks of these OHSAS achievements. Then it not only carries conviction but also impacts the consumer mind favourably.
Occupation, Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS) certification is one such opportunity that can enable the companies acquires the label of sound enterprises and improves their economic performance at the same time.
Why implement OHSMS?
* Systematic approach
* Improved communication
* Improved compliance
* Improved profitability
* Reduction in liability and risk
* Improved internal management
* Confidence with stakeholders
* Improved employee confidence / faith
* Market credibility / image
* Improved emergency preparedness
Developing an OHSMS: -
Any organisation may develop its own OHSMS Management System to address OHSMS issues arising out of its activities, product or services. The elements of such a system may be decided by the organisation itself depending upon the need.
Such a system may be functioning well to enhance the OHSMS performance; still it will lack credibility and conviction. In these circumstances third party certification of OHSMS is required. For this purpose the organisation's OHSMS has to be designed, developed and implemented as per specification of recognised standards.
Thus OHSMS scope is as below.
* Must be based on control of causes, not hazards and risks reactive
* Must address all management elements of control
* Must address Normal / Abnormal / Emergency conditions
* Must have measurable parameters
* Must be goal driven
* Must be relevant to risks
* Must involve all
* Must promote continual improvement
* Management and not control / eradication
* OHSMS is managing risks and hazards
* The essence of hazard management is to avoid high risks, manage medium risks and live with low risks
PURPOSE AND BENEFITS OF OHSMS (18001): -
Organizations certified to OHSAS: 18000 would achieve significant competitive edge over Organizations engaged in similar operations (activities, products and services), as it reflects the proactive ness of Organization to protect the OHSAS through preventive mechanisms rather than corrective one.
A well functioning OHSMS provides confidence to the Organization and the various stakeholders as well that and give the benefits as listed below:
1. Increase the Acceptance from financial institutions, Bank, Public, Insurance etc.
2. Improve Industry - Government Relations.
3. Improve OHSAS Performance, which in turn increase productivity of man and machines.
4. Meet customer's OHSAS expectations and maintain good public relations.
