OHSAS, which stands for Occupational Health and Safety Assessment Series, is a set of international standards that provide a framework for implementing occupational health and safety management systems. It was initially developed in the United Kingdom in the mid-1990s and has gained recognition worldwide. OHSAS is designed to assist organizations in improving their occupational health and safety performance and in providing a safe and healthy working environment for employees and stakeholders.
The OHSAS standards are based on a systematic approach to occupational health and safety management, focusing on identifying potential risks, implementing control measures, and continuously monitoring and improving the system. They provide a set of requirements that organizations can follow to establish, implement, and maintain an effective occupational health and safety management system.
The main aim of OHSAS is to prevent work-related injuries, ill health, and fatalities by promoting a proactive approach to health and safety management. The standards outline the responsibilities of management, employee participation, hazard identification, risk assessment, emergency preparedness, and performance monitoring. It also emphasizes the importance of compliance with legal and regulatory requirements related to occupational health and safety.
Organizations that successfully implement the OHSAS standards can demonstrate their commitment to employee safety, reduce workplace accidents and injuries, enhance their reputation, and potentially achieve cost savings through improved efficiency. OHSAS has become a widely recognized and respected framework that enables organizations to systematically manage occupational health and safety risks and ensure the well-being of their workforce.
