The OHS standard is one of several promoted for development since the publication of the ISO 9000 quality standard in 1987 and the ISO 14000 environmental standard in 1994. The steel industry has rallied against the development of these sorts of standards, especially when they come with costly certification schemes that can lead to redundant audits. The big question is whether standards for OHS, risk management, financial planning, and other similar areas warrant international status.
Cost is one factor.
Ironically, some companies have argued that they might as well keep ISO 9000 registration because it means far less work than the SDOC approach. The good brands will not need to show third-party certification. But the certification is of limited value. He is well aware that some automakers, particularly Ford Motor Co., very much favor registration to ISO 9000 and ISO 14000. Although some progress has been made in convincing Ford representatives of SDOC's merits, Guertler says, they weren't prepared to propose self-declaration to upper management.