Prevex recently received its third ISO certificate—this time ISO 45001, a management system for occupational health and safety. The benefits of the certificate are numerous.
“Working with occupational safety becomes easier now that we have clear processes in place. We don’t have to wonder what to do each time; we now have a tool for continuous improvement,” explains Linda Sundvik-Näsi, Occupational Safety Manager at Prevex.
Obtaining the certificate was a natural step for Prevex, as the company has long addressed these issues and already had many processes in place.
“The certification was more about fine-tuning and ensuring that all documentation met the required standards,” says Johanna Hermans, Quality Manager at Prevex.
Prevex already holds ISO 9001 certification for quality and ISO 14001 for the environment.
A tool for everyday operations
One of the greatest gains from the certification process has been increased engagement among employees, both within management and on the production floor. Among other improvements, Prevex has simplified its reporting system to make it easier to report accidents, near misses, and deviations.
“We have succeeded in getting employees to report more actively. It’s about building a culture where safety is everyone’s responsibility, not just the managers’,” says Sundvik-Näsi.
With many different nationalities and languages in the workplace, clear communication is vital.
“We work actively to bridge cultural differences and language barriers to ensure that everyone understands and follows safety regulations, even during busy periods,” says Hermans. Through digital screens showing accident-free days and monthly discussion themes regarding occupational safety, the topic remains a constant priority on the factory floor and in the breakrooms.
