OHSAS 18001

Implementation
Checklist

Many companies wonder where to begin when implementing OHSAS 18001

registration. This checklist can help you start down the right path.
BUY THE STANDARD

You will need a copy of OHSAS 18001. Please visit http://infostore.saiglobal.com/ or contact our Publishing division at
(888) 454-2688 or by email at uspubsales@saiglobal.com.

RESEARCH

Gaining an understanding of how other organizations have implemented and benefited from OHSAS 18001 is
necessary to support and motivate your decision to register.

DECISION TIME

Top Management must be committed in their support of your implementation of OHSAS 18001 within the
organization.

PERFORM A GAP ASSESSMENT

You must know the status of your current systems versus OHSAS 18001 requirements in order to plan and accomplish
the implementation of a management in the most efficient manner possible.

OHS TRAINING

You may decide that self-studying the standard is not enough. Consider one of the OHSAS 18001 courses available at
http://www.saiglobal.com/training/assurance/ohsas-18001/ .

CONSULTANT

You may also decide to bring in a business management consultant to help with your implementation.
Your local SAI Global office may be able to provide a selection of qualified individuals.

OHS STRATEGY

Before planning and implementing your OHS, decide on its structure: will it cover one or multiple sites?
Will it be managed centrally or independently? Will it integrate with other existing management systems?

SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION PLANNING

Create the plan to ensure you put controls in place to meet all the requirements of the standard, such as training,
procedures or work instructions, maintenance, communications, audits and management reviews.

SELECT A REGISTRAR

Apply to a registrar and complete a facility questionnaire.

IMPLEMENTATION

Complete the development of policies and procedures, launch an awareness campaign and begin implementation of
new practices. Talk to your SAI Global auditor!

CONDUCT THE FIRST FULL CYCLE OF INTERNAL AUDITS AND MANAGEMENT REVIEW
An internal audit and management review are part of your OHS and are needed in order to demonstrate full
implementation of your OHS. Note that you will need to audit them separately after they have been held.

SAI GLOBAL | Assurance Services | OHSAS 18001 Implementation Checklist

www.saiglobal.com/assurance

DOCUMENT REVIEW AND PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT

We will review your documented procedures to assess implementation progression. You will receive a report identifying
areas of concern and will schedule a registration audit date.

REVIEW SAI GLOBAL FINDINGS

Review areas of concerns identified and implement any improvements you may identify to build a robust OHS
program.

COMPLETE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF YOUR OHS

You should aim to have your OHS fully implemented for a minimum of three months so that sufficient information is
available for an auditor to assess.

CONDUCT SECOND FULL CYCLE OF INTERNAL AUDITS AND MANAGAMENT REVIEW

A second round of internal audits will confirm that your OHS is fully implemented and functioning to meet customer
expectations. These audits will also confirm readiness for the registration assessment. Corrective actions resulting from
previously-identified nonconformities should be verified if corrected and closed.

REGISTRATION AUDIT

All the requirements of OHSAS 18001 will be covered. In addition, SAI Global will provide an audit plan to guide you
through the opening meeting, site tour, interviews, observations, records review, debriefings and closing meetings; we
will also issue a final report.

OHSAS 18001 CERTIFICATE

SAI Global will conduct an internal independent review of your registration and issue your certificate after audit
nonconformances, if any, have been resolved.

CELEBRATION

Youve earned your registration! Celebrate and promote your success.

MAINTAIN AND IMPROVE YOUR OHS

Maintain the practices defined by your OHS management system and look for improvement opportunities.

SURVEILLANCE AUDITS

Similar to the registration audit, except it covers either approximately one-quarter of your OHS every 6 months or half
of your OHS every year, concentrating on how well you are maintaining your OHS.

RE-REGISTRATION AUDIT

Similar to registration and surveillance audits, this focuses on how well you are maintaining your entire OHS.

NEW OHSAS 18001 CERTIFICATE

Similar to the registration audit, except it covers either approximately one-quarter of your OHS every 6 months or half
of your OHS every year, concentrating on how well you are maintaining your OHS.

To learn about training courses, whitepapers, on-demand webinars and other free
resources, please visit http://www.saiglobal.com/training/assurance/ohsas-18001/.

For more information

about SAI Global:

(800) 465-3717
certification.americas@saiglobal.com
www.saiglobal.com/assurance

SAI GLOBAL | Assurance Services | OHSAS 18001 Implementation Checklist

www.saiglobal.com/assurance