Occupational health and safety management systems

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Implementation of an occupational health and safety (OHS) management system will, in addition to ensuring a commitment to comply with all applicable HSE Regulations, provide reassurance to employees and visitors of the commitment of the organisation to provide a safe and healthy working environment.

Health and safety legislation was first introduced in the 19th century to control such things as ventilation, working hours and use of child labour in cotton mills. The first attempt to consolidate some of this legislation resulted in the Factories Act 1961. This was followed, in 1974, by the current Health and Safety at Work Act. To support this Act there are approximately 300 other pieces of UK legislation and Approved Codes of Practice (ACoPs) covering specific aspects of occupational health and safety. This number is growing daily due to new EU Directives.

Although all companies should implement a health and safety management system, not all seek certification. For those that do there is the OHSAS 18001 standard.

References

OHSAS 18001
Specification for occupational health and safety management systems