OHSAS 18001:2007 is an internationally recognized standard for Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems (OHSMS). It helps organizations identify workplace hazards, reduce risks, prevent accidents, and ensure employee safety and legal compliance.
The OHSAS standard was developed by leading certification bodies such as the British Standards Institution (BSI) and was widely adopted across industries before being replaced by ISO 45001. However, many tenders, contracts, and legacy systems in India still refer to OHSAS 18001:2007.
This Saving Mantra blog explains the step-by-step process for OHSAS 18001:2007 certification in India, including eligibility, documentation, audits, benefits, and timelines—crafted to rank higher on Google.
What is OHSAS 18001:2007?
OHSAS 18001:2007 is a management system standard focused on:
- Workplace health and safety
- Hazard identification and risk assessment
- Legal and regulatory compliance
- Accident prevention and emergency preparedness
Certification demonstrates an organization’s commitment to safe and healthy working conditions.
Who Should Apply for OHSAS 18001:2007?
OHSAS certification is suitable for:
- Manufacturing units
- Construction and infrastructure companies
- Factories and industrial plants
- Engineering and EPC contractors
- Warehouses and logistics companies
- Service organizations with occupational risks
📌 Often required for government tenders, PSU contracts, and large corporate vendor empanelment.
Benefits of OHSAS 18001:2007 Certification
- 🦺 Reduced workplace accidents and injuries
- 🦺 Compliance with labour and safety laws
- 🦺 Improved employee morale and productivity
- 🦺 Better risk management and controls
- 🦺 Increased trust with clients and authorities
- 🦺 Competitive advantage in tenders
Step-by-Step Process for OHSAS 18001:2007 Certification
Step 1: Gap Analysis
- Compare existing safety practices with OHSAS requirements
- Identify gaps in risk assessment, training, and controls
📌 Recommended for smooth certification.
Step 2: OHS Documentation Preparation
Prepare key documents such as:
- Occupational Health & Safety Policy
- Hazard Identification & Risk Assessment (HIRA)
- Legal compliance register
- Emergency preparedness plan
- Incident reporting & corrective action procedures
Step 3: System Implementation
- Implement safety procedures at workplace
- Provide PPE and safety training
- Maintain records of inspections and incidents
⏳ Implementation Time: 2–6 weeks (depends on size and risk level)
Step 4: Internal Audit
- Conduct internal OHS audit
- Identify non-conformities and corrective actions
Step 5: Management Review
- Top management reviews OHS performance
- Approves corrective actions and improvements
Step 6: Certification Audit
Audit is conducted by an accredited certification body in two stages:
- Stage 1: Documentation review
- Stage 2: On-site implementation audit
Step 7: Grant of OHSAS 18001:2007 Certificate
- Certificate issued after audit compliance
- Validity: 3 years
- Annual surveillance audits required
Documents Required for OHSAS 18001:2007
- Company incorporation documents
- OHS policy and objectives
- Risk assessment records
- Training and PPE records
- Accident & incident logs
- Internal audit & management review reports
Timeline for OHSAS Certification
| Stage | Approximate Time |
|---|---|
| Documentation & Implementation | 2–4 weeks |
| Audit & Certification | 1–2 weeks |
| Total Duration | 3–6 weeks |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ❌ Treating safety only as paperwork
- ❌ Not involving workers in safety practices
- ❌ Ignoring legal compliance requirements
- ❌ Poor incident reporting and follow-up
OHSAS 18001 vs ISO 45001
OHSAS 18001 has been replaced by ISO 45001, but:
- Many existing contracts still accept OHSAS
- Some organizations maintain OHSAS for legacy compliance
- Migration to ISO 45001 can be planned later
Why Choose Saving Mantra for OHSAS Certification?
- ✔ End-to-end OHSAS 18001:2007 support
- ✔ Industry-specific safety documentation
- ✔ Audit-ready implementation
- ✔ Fast certification with accredited bodies
- ✔ Cost-effective solutions for MSMEs
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Is OHSAS 18001 still valid?
Yes, it is still accepted in many tenders and contracts, though ISO 45001 is the latest standard.
Q2. What is the validity of OHSAS 18001 certificate?
The certificate is valid for 3 years with annual surveillance audits.
Q3. Is OHSAS certification mandatory?
Not legally mandatory, but often required by clients and authorities.
Q4. Can small businesses apply for OHSAS?
Yes, startups and MSMEs can also obtain certification.
Disclaimer
This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Certification standards, acceptance, and audit procedures may change over time. Readers are advised to consult qualified professionals before applying.