Introduction

Organizations have to take responsibility for the effects their activities have on their employees, visitors, the local population and the local environment. When things go wrong, it can prove costly to personnel and the organization concerned. The repercussions can sometimes be felt by the nation as a whole and, in extreme cases, the international community.

The Benefits of a Formal Health and Safety Management System

Occupational Health & Safety is a subject that must be addressed by all organizations large and small. The organization's management system should identify all legislative requirements, identify the hazards and control the risks of the organization.

Progressive business will aim to go beyond compulsory measures and promote continuous improvement on health and safety matters.

Managing the health and safety of an organization can be approached in an unstructured way or by using a formal approach (i.e. ISO 9001 or ISO 14001 or similar) and it can be integrated into their current system, to reduce the burden of bureaucracy.

A formal H&S management system will provide the following benefits:

• A system for continually identifying legal and other requirements
• A clear management structure delegating authority and responsibility
• A clear set of objectives for improvement, with measurable results
• A structured approach to risk assessment within the organization
• A planned and documented approach to health and safety
• The monitoring of health and safety management issues, auditing of performance and review of policies and objectives.

Time spent on improving an organization's health and safety could provide a financial return in terms of:

• Reduced accidents and occupational ill health
• Reduced stress and greater productivity
• An improvement in underwriting risk
• A reduction in the likelihood of paying legal costs and compensation

Certification

GCAS is one of the world's leading certification bodies and is committed to ensuring that Occupational Health & Safety Management Systems are within the reach of all organizations, large and small.

The assessment to OHSAS consists of two mandatory visits, the initial and main assessments. A preliminary assessment is available on request, which provides clients with the opportunity of a trial run prior to the assessment.

Following a successful assessment, a certificate is issued after which organizations are subject to regular surveillance visits.

Note: Accreditation GCAS