18001 has at last been issued as a formal standard which can be assessed and a certificate issued. Previously the guidelines could be adopted but didn't carry the same weight as a British Standard. Many organisations wanted a recognisable occupational health and safety management system standard that could be assessed and certificated.

The format of the standard is similar to the template set for ISO9001 - the quality standard and ISO14001 - the environmental standard. The structure of all three standards allow for integration if desired.

There are elements of communality:

• Management review


• Internal audit


• Non-conformity control


• Evaluation of compliance


• Performance measuring


• Document control


• Control of records


• Communication


• Competence, awareness and training


• Control of resources


• Objectives & targets

Many organisations are choosing the integrated approach to incorporate
'industry best practice' to maximise compliance to the raft of regulations
facing businesses today. Certification provides independent evidence of compliance which can be used to offset any problems in the quality, environmental of H & S areas.

Labels: 18001:2007, BS, Health, Management, OHSAS, safety