There is a US variation on the OHJ theme, called the 'teardrop arrival', which, IMHO, works a bit better.
Essentially, you overfly the rwy 1000ft above pattern alt (or at whichever alt is published) midfield and determine wind and rwy in use. You then proceed outside the pattern and initiate a descending turn against the direction of traffic. This way, you have anyone else entering the pattern in sight, but do not conflict as you are outside. Once at pattern alt you proceed to do a standard 45deg join.
The main advantage of this is that you have all other traffic in view at all times and do not have to cross the departure end of the rwy. Due to this, it is also very easy to adjust to other traffic entering on the 45 - you simply extend or shorten your descending turn.