BS 18004:2008 - Guide to Achieving Effective Occupational Health and Safety Performance

BS 18004 provides guidance for an occupational health and safety (OH&S) management system or the OH&S elements of an organization's overall management system.

It enables an organization to control its OH&S risks and improve its OH&S performance.

BS 18004 applies to any organization that wishes to: Establish an OH&S management system to control risks to personnel and other interested parties who could be exposed to OH&S hazards associated with its activities; Implement, maintain and continually improve an OH&S management system; Demonstrate commitment to good practice, including self-regulation, and continual improvement in OH&S performance; Assure itself of its conformity with its stated OH&S policy and with BS OHSAS 18001 by: 1.

Making a self-determination and self-declaration, or 2.

Seeking confirmation of its conformity by parties having an interest in the organization, such as customers, or 3.

Seeking confirmation of its self-declaration by a party external to the organization, or 4.

Seeking certification/registration of its OH&S management system by an external organization. All elements of BS 18004 can be incorporated into any OH&S management system and enables an organization to incorporate OH&S within its overall management system.

The extent of the application will depend on such factors as the OH&S policy of the organization, the nature of its activities and the risks and complexity of its operations. BS 18004 is for organizations of all types and sizes. Who should use BS 18004? BS 18004 is useful to all those responsible for Health and Safety in their organization at an operational and strategic level including: OH&S directors and managers; Safety practitioners; Facilities managers; HR directors and managers; Compliance officers; Risk managers; Quality managers; OH&S consultants.