Posted By garyh I am looking to save my organisation money by doing the initial gap analysis for 18001 myself. I have 2 questions:- 1) What is the status of 18001 v BSI? What is the most up to date standard I should be looking at? 2) Does anyone have a 18001 gap analysis check list? I have one based on HSG65. Thanks

Posted By Norman T I haven't got a check list, I used the standard as the checklist. Simply work through (OHSAS18002 preferably) and see whether you feel you fulfill the requirements of the clauses: Have you got a written policy? Do you do risk assessments - set objectives and targets, and have programmes in place to achieve them? Do you have a register of applicable legal and other requirements? and so on............. My advice, and it worked for us, is get on with looking at your organisation with a critical eye - don't kid yourself that you're fulfilling the requirements of the standard if you're not. I wouldn't have thought that the BS18001 will be much different to OHSAS18001 so I would use the existing one.

Posted By John Holland1 The standard does not require continuous improvement, it requires continual improvement which is not the same. You will find the requirement to continually improve a lot easier than you will continuous improvement John

Posted By Ian G Hutchings Gary I think there is value in having a third party undertake a gap analysis ("he would say that wouldn't he as he is a consultant" I hear you say). 18001 and other SMS processes can become a pure documentation exercise, in my opinion and experience. I have worked with several companies who have a certified or accredited SMS but still have significant uncontrolled risks in their operations. You are probably better spending your time with managers and employees working together to involve and support real changes on a task/process basis, and then backtracking to ensure the paper reflects this and gives clear assurance and traceability back to the board. I think it is worth getting a fresh pair of eyes to review where you are and do a comparison. I would ensure the individual is not one who is linked directly to a service to provide reams of documents for you and give you a tick in the box. This just generates pointless paperwork. For every piece of paper created I always try and ask the question 'will this improve safe behaviour and reduce risk in reality'. If it doesn't, don't do it. Good luck Ian