What do you know about OHSAS Management System?

OHSAS Management System (OHSMS) refers to a system used by an Organization to manage its activities, product or services in such a way to minimize or eliminate the adverse impacts on Occupation, Health and safety of workers. More explicitly, the OHSMS is that part of the overall management system viz. organizational structure, planning activities, responsibilities, practices, procedures, processes and resources which are necessary for developing, implementing, reviewing and maintaining the organizations's OHSAS policy.

Evidently, OHSAS Management System is not a Hi- Tech mechanism to address Occupation, health and Safety issues of an organization. Basically OHSMS is a manual system consisting of three components namely:

• Design or development of elements of OHSMS
• Documentation and
• Implementation

   
Unlike the Quality Management System which concentrate only on customers satisfaction, the OHSMS is required to satisfy

different stakeholder e.g. employees, shareholders, regulatory authorities, customers and general public as well. Also,

quality can be defined by technical specification and so satisfying the customers is relatively easier. Whereas in case of

OHSMS it is dependent on diverse interest of the
Stakeholders In addition, the OHSMS is required to ensure compliance with relevant legislation and regulations. Thus the

scope of application and operation of OHSMS is wider than that of QMS.


The need of OHSMS


With the growing Health and safety awareness, compulsions and competition, it is becoming imperative to not only manufacture

but source raw materials and sell products in manner that is taking care of OHSAS issues.

Global trade henceforth would reinforce flow of safer goods and services, in which only OHSAS complying companies shall be

able to retain and enhance their share of growing international market.

While all industrial enterprises are required to comply with growing number of OHSAS regulation, it is only those, who

proactively seek to demonstrate OHSMS performance far beyond compliance, would be the market leaders.

Credibility comes in only when an independent, well respected, internationally recognized third party speaks of these OHSAS

achievements. Then it not only carries conviction but also impacts the consumer mind favorably.

Occupation, Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS) certification is one such opportunity that can enable the companies

acquires the label of sound enterprises and improves their economic performance at the same time.


Why implement OHSMS?


* Systematic approach
* Improved communication
* Improved compliance
* Improved profitability
* Reduction in liability and risk
* Improved internal management
* Confidence with stakeholders
* Improved employee confidence / faith
* Market credibility / image
* Improved emergency preparedness