Posted By Tony abc jprhdnMurphy I met a very interesting guy yesterday who talked me through the OHSAS 18001 process, the benefits to the Company etc. I decided to check out the Company and other issues relating to this topic and was surprised to learn that they were not UKAS accredited, nor is it a requirement. in fact there is no legal status attached to this standard, which, correct me if I am wrong, means that I can issue my own OHSAS accreditation on a nice certificate, place it in my office, get an independant but freindly auditor to double check it and save a few grand. I then find out that there are in fact many organisations not accredited through UKAS offering a similar service and it is a complete sham. Has anyone else sussed this out?

Posted By Jay Joshi It has been relatively recent that DTI (now BERR)in its MoU with UKAS has agreed and included accreditation of OHSAS 18001 (now BS OHSAS 18001). Therefore only 2 certification bodies have UKAS accreditation, although I am aware that a few are in the process of being accredited.

Posted By PJA My understanding of this whole situation is that it is all down to auditor competance,I understand that some certification bodies have brought in subcontract "experts" to try and get them through this process but have still failed. Surely it is about adding value that's why some have gone through and some have not. Its like joining IOSH the ones that get through pave the way and set the example to others.