Posted By Jim Walker
Mike,

I'm looking at this too

A list sounds a good idea.
Maybe a IOSH special interest group is worth considering. (or does one already exist).

Posted By Sean Fraser
As a representative of a third party registration body that covers OHSAS 18001, I have a vested interest in this thread but on a professional level, I am interested in the potential take-up of a Safety Management System Standard that is applicable both nationally and internationally. And therein lies the problem - quality management was (and still is) a voluntary measure, so BSI stole a march on everyone and created a Standard that was formally adopted internationally as no-one else had a viable alternative. Environmental protection, although law in most countries by now, followed on from this and can still be seen as relatively "new", so it was an obvious one to agree a new Standard approach (although it should be noted that ISO14001 can be replaced by EMAS, so it isn't all or nothing). The "problem" with safety is that the laws of the various countries go back much further, and there seems to be difficulty in defining terminology, let alone agreement on the correct apporach to safe systems. For example, how much emphasis should be placed on appropriate corporate culture and behaviours? Are they essential to making the workplace safe - i.e. is it more physical than psychological or the other way round?

I have a keen interest in how management Standards are perceived and applied, how much importance is placed on third party recognition (after all, if you are doing it properly why not have that confirmed in a way that others will automatically accept, not just take your word for it?) and most importantly - are the stated benefits actually realised?

I have had no problems finding literature on how to implement ISO9001 or ISO14001 - but I have found it difficult to locate anything on OHSAS 18001. Is it really that difficult - or is it still seen as being so rare that there is no commercial benefit in publishing it?

As a third party registration body, we need to be sure there is sufficient existing and potential demand before we will commit resources to training assessors to competently assess systems - you will be assured to know that achieving recognition for this particular skills base within our organisation is seen as more challenging and time consuming than either quality or environmental systems, but the flip side of this is that they are few and far between. If few want it, why should we invest in providing the service? Hence it would be interesting to know how many organisations are implementing the Standard and more importantly, how many are intending to seek formal registration as their goal. The danger will be that with few providers, choices will be restricted and the competition is limited, with all that this will entail.

Posted By Nigel Hammond
In response to Sean's comment, the way I look at it, I value getting OHSAS 18001 accreditation because it is rare. The moment it becomes too popular - it won't be so special! You see the investors in people badge everywhere now - so that doesn't seem so special!

Posted By Alan Harwood
I have followed this thread with interest, having just completed a gap analysis of our organisations HSE management system against the 18001 standard.

In response to Mike's original post, I would be very happy to share information with you and any other organisations striving for certification.

As for the "prestige v. added value" debate, for me both apply. Senior management will consent to the application for the prestige it will add to the organisation, whilst I know from the gap analysis that complying with the 18001 specification will strengthen our HSE management system, not least by encouraging more board level participation.

Alan