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johnfitz  
#1 Posted : 12 January 2010 11:59:13(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
johnfitz

OHSAS 18001 states that top management shall authorize the organisations OHSAS policy which we have normally done by having the regional MD sign and date and display. However our policies are due to be posted on the Intranet and one of them on the Internet and the MD does not want his signature displayed for various reasons. Is anyone aware if a signaure is required or could proof of discussion at Management Reveiw be evidence to show authorisation?
Alex Petrie  
#2 Posted : 12 January 2010 12:15:07(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Alex Petrie

Hi John,

We hold 18001, and our policies are available on our company intranet. We require a username and password to be entered to obtain access to this - might this be a solution for you?

Alex
johnfitz  
#3 Posted : 12 January 2010 12:22:34(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
johnfitz

Hi Alex,

That's a good idea but would it prove that the policy has been authorised though?
Alex Petrie  
#4 Posted : 12 January 2010 12:28:03(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Alex Petrie

Sorry John, should have said. We put the MD's electronic signature on the policy stored on the intranet. We submit an electronic copy of the policy with our various PQQ's, tenders, accreditation applications etc - haven't been made aware of any problem with having an electronic signature.
Paul Duell  
#5 Posted : 12 January 2010 12:29:57(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Paul Duell

Could you post the unsigned text on the web, with a footnote "Copy signed by (MD's name) held by company administration office", or something like that. As long as there's a signed copy somewhere, I don't see that that signature has to appear on a public version.
Barrie(Badger)Etter  
#6 Posted : 12 January 2010 12:40:58(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Barrie(Badger)Etter

John,
Away from the hard copy our MD's signature is typed in in 'French Script' @ 32 size font. This way his signature is protected and what is produced by word gives a passable piece of legible handwriting.


Badger
johnfitz  
#7 Posted : 12 January 2010 13:39:28(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
johnfitz

Some good ideas here, but I can't find anything in the standard that states it must be signed. The MD is stating that as the policy is agreed at Board level and brought up again at management review (which are both recorded) so therefore is authorised, any thoughts?
Garfield Esq  
#8 Posted : 12 January 2010 17:06:35(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Garfield Esq

JohnFitz wrote:
Some good ideas here, but I can't find anything in the standard that states it must be signed. The MD is stating that as the policy is agreed at Board level and brought up again at management review (which are both recorded) so therefore is authorised, any thoughts?


An electronic signature would be fine. Trust me on this.

Gary
Garfield Esq  
#9 Posted : 12 January 2010 17:29:45(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Garfield Esq

garfield esq wrote:
JohnFitz wrote:
Some good ideas here, but I can't find anything in the standard that states it must be signed. The MD is stating that as the policy is agreed at Board level and brought up again at management review (which are both recorded) so therefore is authorised, any thoughts?


An electronic signature would be fine. Trust me on this.

Gary


Just checked BS OHSAS 18002:2008 (for implemetation of 18001) and there is no such requirement in any case. Problem solved. Emphasis is on continual improvement and regular review of policy to ensure ongoing compliance and relevance. Nothing about signing in HSAW / 9001 or 14001 either.

GC
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