Williams Refrigeration has achieved the international certification for the ISO 45001 occupational health and safety standard. This is a lengthy, tough process and, considering that a significant portion of testing took place under the additional safety measures required to combat Covid-19, an extremely impressive result.
The aim of ISO 45001 is the reduction of occupational injuries and diseases, including the promotion and protection of both the physical and mental health of staff. It is the replacement for OHSAS 18001, which is due to be made obsolete in 2021. Williams took the decision to invest in the switch to the new ISO 45001 now because of its enhanced standards and benefits.
While OHSAS 18001 took a reactive approach to hazard control, delegating responsibility to safety officers, ISO 45001 seeks to establish a proactive culture within the overall management system, creating strong leadership roles for managers to maintain a strong health and safety programme.
Achieving this standard required Williams to implement and maintain an occupational health and safety management system that eliminates hazards and reduces risks by improving health and safety.
Implementing these standards has numerous benefits for Williams. Every business process is studied from a health and safety angle first. This involves a proactive risk prevention strategy based on finding innovative improvements. The global standard clearly represents and demonstrates Williams’ commitment to sustaining a safe workplace for all employees.
Staff undertake regular health and safety training along with ongoing checks to ensure best practice is being maintained. As well as the obvious benefits of running a safe and healthy workplace, it also helps to increase output as the business operates more efficiently.
“Williams has always had an exemplary health and safety record,” says Tim Smith, managing director of Williams. “Achieving this ISO certification is a globally recognised demonstration of our commitment to the highest health and safety standards for our staff, and our determination to find ways to continually improve those standards.”