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How OHSAS 18001 Helps Identify and Manage Workplace Hazards and Risks: A Comprehensive Guide
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Workplace safety is a top priority for organizations worldwide, and the OHSAS 18001 standard provides a robust framework for identifying, assessing, and managing occupational health and safety risks. As an internationally recognized Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS), OHSAS 18001 helps organizations proactively address hazards, ensure compliance with legal requirements, and foster a culture of safety. This blog delves into how OHSAS 18001 aids in hazard identification, risk assessment, and the implementation of effective control measures. Whether you’re dealing with physical, chemical, biological, or psychosocial hazards, this guide will help you understand the systematic approach OHSAS 18001 offers to create a safer and healthier workplace.
The OHSAS 18001 is an internationally recognized standard for Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems (OHSMS). It provides a systematic way to identify and ensure the safety and health of employees through proactive management practices
Table of Contents
OHSAS 18001 handles the following parts as follows:
First, let’s discuss Hazard identification.
Hazard identification should aim to proactively determine all sources, situations or acts (or a combination of these), arising from an organization’s activities, with a potential for harm in terms of human injury or ill health.
A few examples are as follows:
- Sources (eg, moving machinery, radiation or energy sources),
- Situations (eg, working at heights), or
- Acts (eg. manual lifting).
Hazard identification should consider the different types of hazards in the workplace, including physical, chemical, biological and psychosocial. The organization should establish specific hazard identification tools and techniques that are relevant to the scope of its OH&S management system.
Here are the few examples of items for inclusion in a hazard identification checklist.
Hazard Type | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
Physical Hazards | Environmental factors causing harm through physical impact or conditions | Slippery or uneven ground, working at height, falling objects, poor ergonomics, manual handling, repetitive work, entanglement, burns, transport hazards, fire & explosion risks, electricity, noise, vibration, radiation, extreme temperatures, workplace violence |
Chemical Hazards | Harm caused by exposure to hazardous substances with toxic or reactive properties | Inhalation of vapors/gases, skin contact or absorption, ingestion, improper storage or mixing of chemicals |
Biological Hazards | Exposure to harmful biological agents like bacteria, viruses, or allergens | Inhalation of pathogens, contact with bodily fluids, needle-stick injuries, insect bites, contaminated food ingestion |
| Psychosocial Hazards | Workplace conditions affecting mental and emotional well-being | Excessive workload, poor communication, lack of control, stress, fatigue, anxiety, depression, workplace violence |
Risk Assessment: A Key Step in Workplace Safety
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- Risk assessment is the process of evaluating the risks arising from hazards, considering the adequacy of existing controls, and determining whether the risks are acceptable.
- Let’s discuss an acceptable risk: one that has been reduced to a level the organization is willing to assume in accordance with its legal obligations, OH&S policy, and OH&S objectives.
- Risk assessment should be conducted by individuals with competence in relevant risk assessment methodologies and techniques, as well as appropriate knowledge of the work.
Risk Assessment Methodologies:
- Systematic Approaches to Identifying and Mitigating Risks
- An organization can use different risk assessment methods as part of an overall strategy for addressing different areas or activities. When seeking to establish the likelihood of harm, the adequacy of existing control measures should be taken into account. A risk assessment should be detailed enough to determine appropriate control measures.
- Some risk assessment methods are complex and appropriate to special or particularly hazardous activities. For example, risk assessment of a chemical process plant might require complex mathematical calculations of the probabilities of events that could lead to a release of agents that might affect individuals in the workplace or the public. In many countries, sector-specific legislation specifies where this degree of complexity is required. In many circumstances, OH&S risk can be addressed using simpler methods and can be qualitative. These approaches typically involve a greater degree of judgment, since they place less reliance on quantifiable data. In some cases, these methods will serve as initial screening tools, to determine where a more detailed assessment is needed.
- The risk assessment should involve consultation with, and appropriate participation by, workers and take into account legal and other requirements. Regulatory guidance should be taken into account where applicable.
What are the mandatory points an auditor should check in a risk assessment?
First check That all OH&S Risks have been identified
Ensure that a procedure has been developed for ongoing identification of hazards, the assessment of risks, and the implementation of necessary control measures.
Check that the documented procedure will ensure that the company will meet its legal obligations with regards risk assessment
Review risk assessment records to confirm that the following areas have been considered:
Identification of hazards;
Evaluation of risks with existing (or proposed) control measures in place (taking into account exposure to specific hazards, the likelihood of failure of the control measures, and the potential severity of consequences of injury or damage);
Evaluation of the tolerability of acceptable (residual) risk
Identification of any additional risk-control measures needed,
Evaluation of whether the risk controls measures are sufficient to reduce the risk to an acceptable level.
Risk Assessment Techniques:
The three common risk management techniques are:
Failure Modes and Effects Analysis:
Hazard and Operability Study (HAZOP);
3. 5×5 Method
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Risk Control Considerations
- The considerations shall be made on the following when developing Control measures
- Severity/Consequence Likelihood/Occurrence
Hierarchy of Control
The following provides examples of implementing the hierarchy of controls:
- Elimination – modify a design to eliminate the hazard, e.g. introduce mechanical lifting devices to eliminate the manual handling hazard;
- Substitution – substitute a less hazardous material or reduce the system energy (eg lower the force, amperage, pressure, temperature, etc.);
Engineering controls
- install ventilation systems, machine guarding, interlocks, sound enclosures, etc.;
Signage, warnings, and/or administrative controls
- safety signs, hazardous area marking, photo-luminescent signs, markings for pedestrian walkways, warning sirens/lights, alarms, safety procedures, equipment inspections, access controls, sale systems of working, tagging and work permits, etc.;
Personal protective equipment (PPE)
- safety glasses, hearing protection, face shields, safety harnesses and lanyards, respirators and gloves.
Conclusion:
OHSAS 18001 is an invaluable tool for organizations committed to improving workplace safety and reducing occupational risks. By systematically identifying hazards, conducting thorough risk assessments, and implementing control measures, businesses can not only comply with legal requirements but also enhance employee well-being and operational efficiency. Although OHSAS 18001 has been replaced by ISO 45001, its principles remain foundational for effective health and safety management.
Learn how to identify the best ISO certification company to achieve fast, valid certification with confidence—explore here.
Safety Resources: Explore our OHSAS 18001 resources for workplace safety guidance, occupational risk management best practices, migration to ISO 45001, and expert insights to strengthen your health and safety management system.
FAQ
How does OHSAS 18001:2007 help in identifying workplace hazards?
OHSAS 18001:2007 provides a structured approach to identifying hazards by assessing workplace activities, equipment, materials, and environmental conditions. It covers physical, chemical, biological, and psychosocial hazards to ensure a safe working environment.
What is the importance of risk assessment in OHSAS 18001?
Risk assessment helps organizations evaluate workplace hazards, determine their impact, and implement necessary control measures. This ensures compliance with safety regulations and reduces the likelihood of workplace injuries or illnesses.
What are the key control measures for managing workplace risks?
OHSAS 18001 follows the Hierarchy of Controls, which includes:
- Elimination (removing the hazard)
- Substitution (replacing with a safer alternative)
- Engineering controls (adding safety mechanisms)
- Administrative controls (policies and procedures)
- Personal protective equipment (PPE) (gloves, helmets, masks)
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