The OHSAS 18001 “Management Systems for health and safety in the workplace – Requirements” is a standard that aims to develop a Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS). By means of the definition of responsibilities, processes, procedures and all corporate resources, the organization ensures the safety of activities by protecting workers.
The System is also a way to legally protect both individuals working in the company and legal persons from liabilities due to non-compliance with regulations on protection of occupational health and safety.
The creation of this instrument requires the involvement of everyone in the company, since everyone is involved and responsible for safety within the workplace. To organize, manage and plan the actions on OHSMS, the organization must select a professional whose responsibility is the overall management of the system. This figure is the Manager of the OHSMS.
The management system, in order to be effective, must comply with the requirement set by OHSAS 18001 and can actually be applicable within the company.
In conclusion, the OHSMS allows to demonstrate responsibility within the company, optimizes the competence of workers, reduces corporate costs – thanks to the control of processes and the reduction of accidents – and spreads the culture of safety and health within the company.