June 30 2008

OHSAS 18001 changes

OHSAS 18001:2007 Occupational health and safety management systems. Requirements specifies requirement for an occupational health and safety (OH&S) management system, to enable an organization to control its OH&S risks and improve its performance.

OHSAS 18001:2007 supersedes OHSAS 18001:1999, but remains current until 2009.

There have been a number of significant changes to the document since the first edition was published in 1999.

Principal amongst the changes are much greater emphasis on “health” rather than just “safety”, and significantly improved alignment to ISO 14001:2004 (to enable organizations to develop “integrated management systems”).

Your organization is expected to:

  • Show evidence of review and update the Management System if necessary;
  • Make internal auditors aware of the changes; and
  • Address in Management Review.

Validity and transition of certificates

For those organizations already certified to OHSAS 18001:1999, a two year “transition” period has been agreed, in order to allow them to make the change to using the new standard. The transition period will end on 1 July 2009.

You have questions about OHSAS 18001:2007?

Please contact us for questions about the new standard and your next assessment.

Contact Details:

Mr. Rajendra Khare, + 91 9810268573, rkhare@dqsindia.com

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