Introduction to Health and Safety at Work

The audit and review of health and safety 
performance
– The results of monitoring and inde-
pendent audits should be systematically reviewed 
to see if the management system is achieving the 
right results. This is not only required by the HSW 
Act, but is part of any company’s commitment to 
continual improvement. Comparisons should be 
made with internal performance indicators and the 
performance of external organizations with exem-
plary practices and high standards.
18.3.3 OHSAS 18001
OHSAS 18001 and ILO-OSH 2001 have many similar-
ities in the details of the two systems. One of the biggest 
differences is that OHSAS 18001 is certifi able whereas 
ILO-OSH 2001 is not. OHSAS 18001, which is shown 
in Figure 18.7, was developed from the British Standard 
8800 and was designed to be integrated with the two 
British Standards for quality and environmental manage-
ment. Both occupational health and safety management 
systems have been shaped by internationally agreed 
occupational health and safety principles defi ned in 
international labour standards and the European Union 
Framework Directive 89/391/EEC. OHSAS 18001:1999 
requires an external audit as part of the certifi cation pro-
cess. OHSAS 18002:2000 has also been produced by 
BSI as a guideline for implementation of OHSAS 18001. 
18002 will be withdrawn when its contents are published 
as a British Standard.
There are fi 
ve elements in the OHSAS 18001 
occupational health and safety management system:
1. 
Policy
– The general requirements are similar to 
HSG 65 with the additional inclusions of a minimum 
compliance with national occupational safety and 
health laws and regulations and a willingness to 
consult fully with the workforce and their represen-
tatives. The policy statement should also refer to the 
need for continual improvement.
2.