With ISO 9001 for quality management already in its arsenal, Hako Machines has now added two more accreditations to its impressive profile.
It was recently awarded ISO 14001 and ISO 45001, both internationally recognised standards, with 1401covering environmental management systems and 4501focusing on specific requirements for occupational health and safety.
Managing Director Sylvie Giangolini said: “I couldn’t be more proud of our audit team, or us as a business, for this achievement. This hasn’t just been a ‘tick box’ exercise as everyone has embraced working to a standard that makes us standout as a supplier and an employer.”
Whilst Hako has had to undergo two week-long audits to achieve the certifications, the work involved has been going on much longer, so it is part of the company’s daily practice.
Adam Bennett, Environmental and Compliance Manager, explains: “Over the past two years we have worked to get the management level at a standard to go for the audit.
“Part of the process is proving that the management systems in place are working and effective, and that procedures are being actioned and executed rather than just place holders.”
The first part of the audit process was to identify gaps in any of the procedures and processes, with a second audit a month later to ensure the gaps had been filled. However, due to the preparation undertaken beforehand, Hako had no non-conformities, so it was a clean sweep!
Human Resources Manager Carmela Parton, also a member of the audit team along with Adam, Business Analyst Ros Morris and Financial Controller Paul Maher, said: “Whilst the ISO audit team understand what’s required for the accreditation, we couldn’t achieve this status if it wasn’t for our team supporting us through our processes in their working day. So to get a ‘clean sweep’ was amazing.”
The team is now planning to conduct internal audits to ensure a yearly pass.
Adam added: “Having these accreditations pitches us above other companies when tendering, secures our position as a market leader and highlights our integrity as a business.”
What is ISO?
ISO 9001 is an international standard that sets out the requirements for a quality management system. International standards can help businesses of all sizes build confidence with consumers, meet regulatory requirements and gain access to world markets.
ISO 45001 is an international standard for health and safety at work developed by national and international standards committees independent of government. Implementing ISO 45001 may help your organisation demonstrate compliance with health and safety law
ISO 14001 is an internationally agreed standard that sets out the requirements for an environmental management system. It helps organizations improve their environmental performance through more efficient use of resources and reduction of waste, gaining a competitive advantage and the trust of stakeholders.