Dear Mr.Johnson
Registration requires evidence of implementation of OHSAS 18001 requirements, which includes: Procedures and records to maintain compliance to applicable laws, commitment to continual improvement (in a broad sense), and commitment to prevention of accidents and incidents. The decision to actually certify an organization to OHSAS 18001 will be dependent on the specific business goals that the company has in conforming to the standard as well as the market and public context in which the company operates. For some companies, independent, third-party certification may be the most beneficial option. It is very important to understand that either third-party certification or self-declaration may be options.
OHSAS 18001 focuses on creating a safe and healthy work environment for the employees. Thus, organizations of all sizes and types can apply for OHSAS 18001 Certification, improving the health and safety performance of the workers.
Self-declaration of conformance:
One important difference between OHSAS 18001, ISO 14001 and other international standards is that an organization can self-declare their compliance. Because ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 are very similar, the management systems can be effectively combined, integrated and self-declared (a cost savings option where there are no registration fees.)
Like the ISO 14001, self-declaration is an option unique to this OHSAS 18001:2007 standard, and thus organizations can simply use the standard as a guideline. Although entities can self declare conformance to OHSAS 18001, this only means that they conform to a prescribed system, not to prescribed health and safety technologies, safety levels, etc. Keep in mind that OHSAS 18001 does not replace existing health and safety regulations but certified companies are typically more quickly alerted to health and safety issues.
Third party verified registration:
Generally, when you sign a contract with a Third party, it will include the Registration Audit and the Surveillance Audits. The Registration Audit is the initial audit that will be done to see if you will achieve registration. After you have your registration, the Registrar will come back every 6 or 12 months to see if you are maintaining your system and continuing to meet the requirements of the standard. Registrars vary in their approach, so you will want to find out details from each Registrar you are interested in.
You may find that the terms Registration and Certification are often used interchangeably. That is because the registration company, (the registrar), that you select recommends your management system for certification, registers your company and issues a certificate.
Your certificate will be valid for 3 years. After that period your registrar will be required to do another Registration Audit to renew your certification. The contract you set up with your Registrar will be for the three year period. You would renew your contract after three years to start the cycle again.
Registration Audit: An audit of your OHSMS system to see if you meet the requirements of the Standard and will achieve registration.
Surveillance Audit: A follow up audit of a portion of your OHSMS to see if the system is being followed and maintained. These are done every 6 months or year.
With Regards,
Rohan Puthran..