SERVICES

Warrington-based technology company Satellite Communication Services has worked with fellow Warrington newcomers, Centre for Assessment, to achieve a top industry health and safety standard. 

It is the first time that Centre for Assessment, the established provider of assessment services, has awarded OHSAS 18001 although more North West-based companies are currently undergoing the accreditation process.  Growing in recognition with organisations across the UK, OHSAS 18001 is a standard that helps companies to identify and control risks and ultimately put processes in place to improve performance.  

Gaining the quality standard can reduce insurance premiums for organisations and help companies demonstrate compliance with legislation when tendering for new business.   It is particularly relevant to companies in the construction sector, public sector and suppliers to local authorities.

Carol Newall, HR and Finance Manager at Satellite Communication Services (SCS), says: “At SCS, health and safety is paramount.  We employ people who work at heights as part of their everyday jobs on scaffolding, up ladders and on building sites for example, so it’s vital that we act responsibly and manage our health and safety procedures.  We now have a fully integrated management system for the whole company, with both a top down and bottom up communication network on all aspects of the business. 

“We have worked with Centre for Assessment for over four years on ISO 9001, and I knew the team would give us the same support for OHSAS 18001.  Our assessor was very supportive throughout the process, ensuring that we not only adhered to the standard, but that sensible health and safety remains key.”

John Keen, assessor for Centre for Assessment, says: “To award SCS with the standard, I started by doing a pre-audit visit to determine what systems and health and safety controls were already in place.  I then completed a more detailed audit of the system documentation to measure existing compliance with the OHSAS 18001 standard. 

“The team at SCS used the reports that the initial assessment produced to ensure that all the requirements of the standard were reached, before I completed my final assessment.  I’m very happy to report that they passed.  Moving forward, this will benefit not only the company, but the 44 staff who work at SCS too.”