Using OHSAS 18001 to work with greater consistency
Celtic Technologies, based in Cardiff, is a remediation contractor for brownfield sites and has 47 full time employees. Simon Aubrey-Smith, systems manager of Celtic Technologies, explains the benefits experienced since implementing OHSAS 18001, the occupational health and safety specification, a few years ago. They include:
- increased success at winning new business
- recognition of quality and commitment from customers and partners
- improvements in staff training and internal consistency.
Why did Celtic Technologies decide to pursue OHSAS 18001 accreditation?
OHSAS 18001 is looked upon very favourably in the marketplace and demonstrates a commitment to the concept of total quality. Implementation indicates that an organization is as concerned about its employees as it is about products and services, especially if it is implemented alongside other management systems standards.
- Simon Aubrey-Smith says:
”Because we had already implemented ISO 14001 and ISO 9000, we found it very easy to bring OHSAS 18001 into the business. In many ways, it was just a case of formalizing things we already did and then checking that they were correct.”
Read more about the use of standards.
How was it recognised that Celtic Technologies had implemented OHSAS 18001?
As well as the internal benefits of implementation, demonstration of compliance with standards is an extremely valuable tool for inspiring customer confidence. For this, official registration of compliance by an independent third party is needed. This is conducted by an external auditor.
- Simon Aubrey-Smith says:
“Once we had implemented OHSAS 18001, we decided to bring in an outside auditor so we could become registered. This allows us to put a logo on our letterheads, for example, to show our compliance has been tested and approved. Our customers have the say-so of a third party - they don’t just have to take our word for it.”
What value can an external auditor add beyond granting permission to use the logo?
As well as confirming an organization’s compliance with a standard, an experienced auditor can offer consultancy toward continuous improvement.
- Simon Aubrey-Smith says:
“Getting audited brings a fresh pair of eyes to the way things are being done within your business. The auditor can often make very constructive comments.”
