External audit of our Integrated Safety, Quality and Environmental Management System
In the period of 18-23 January 2021, the auditors checked whether we deserved to renew the validity of ISO 9001 (quality), ISO 14001 (environment) and OHSAS 18001 (occupational safety) certificates.
ISO 45001 in place of OHSAS 18001
One of the important elements of this year's audit was the transition to the new, first international standard for work safety management - ISO 45001. So far, we have relied on the standard from Great Britain (OHSAS 18001), which was adopted for use, because there was no international standard so far. The three-year transition period for the old standard ends in 2021 and - in order to maintain the certificate - we had to adapt the standards to new requirements
What changes does the new ISO 45001 standard bring? Increasing the emphasis on process and operation based on hazard identification as well as risk and opportunity analysis (proactive action).
- clarification and extension of the requirements for leadership and commitment of the top management
- increasing emphasis on employee involvement through consultation and participation in all issues related to work health and safety
- increasing emphasis on process and risk-based operations as well as risk and opportunity analysis (proactive action)
In addition, harmonization with ISO 9001 and 14001 standards in the field of:
- building a standard - requirements included in 10 points
- documentation requirements
- requirements for suppliers and subcontractors
The introduced change does not mean a revolution for us, because our activities in the field of work safety, carried out since 2018, were ahead of the former standard and were in line with the requirements of the new one. This means that the direction we have chosen - increasing the level of work safety and building a proactive culture of safe work - is the best direction, because this is what the requirements of the social environment, both employees and customers, aim at.