Posted By Barrie (Badger) Etter Hi Robin, Our company (non-construction) has 14001 but not 18001 as its not seen as a requirement by our customers. The reverse may apply to your position with enviro coming a also ran. It would be nice to dig a garden in a new build house without any builders (enviro) rubbish being found many years later. Basically its a compny marketing tool and how much your company can afford in the acrediting company's fees charged by the likes of BSI or LRQA. Badger

Posted By John Fitzmaurice Hi Robin, My company has 9001 and 14001 really because it is a requirement of our clients and customers and if we didn't have it then we probably wouldn't win the work. However saying that we are quite fortunate that we have a team of HSQE Advisors who implement and monitor the management systems and a MD who gives the team his full backing so it does work out to be a useful tool. The problem with a small organisation is that accreditation may not really be of any benefit to them, as a guidleine I would develop your system to meet the standards and your own requirements but you might be creating unnecessary work for yourself and others by pushing for approved 3rd party certification.

Posted By loweysafety I agree with John. I don't work in construction so I can't generally speak for that industry. However we use an IMS with BSI certification to all 3 standards. The big contracts are usually decided by having these in place - often a key requirement of our contracts.

Posted By CAW Its not only a marketing tool. Don't forget that a properly implemented management system such as OHSAS 18001 will provide a framework which will help you drive forwards improvements in health and safety performance as well. This has to a real benefit to all - identification of hazards, legal compliance, objectives checked and monitored. Please use one of the accredited bodies for assessment if you want to challenge you systems. Its not easy ( and not cheap) but it does keep you on your toes!