March 2018 brought with it the introduction of ISO 45001, a new international standard for management systems of occupational health and safety (OH&S). Essentially, it aims to standardise conditions across the world and to contribute to safer, healthier workplaces for everyone. The objective is to encourage companies to consider not only the protection of their own workforce but also of other individuals under their responsibility.
According to ISO 45001, work conditions involved in the delivery chain must be monitored and documented in an all-embracing corporate health and safety management system.
The new standard is applicable to any organisation that wishes to establish, implement and maintain an OH&S management system to improve occupational well-being, eliminate hazards and minimise health and safety risks (including system deficiencies); take advantage of OH&S opportunities; and address OH&S management system nonconformities associated with its activities. ISO 45001 enables organisations to integrate other aspects of health and safety into its OH&S management system, such as employee wellness and well-being.
Since its introduction earlier in the year, ISO 45001 has seen an uptake in utilisations from organisations, such as the Dussmann Group. As one of the largest multi-service facility management providers in the world, the Dussmann Group has successfully completed the audit for certification, according to the strict health and safety requirements of the new international standard, and it one of the first companies in Germany to do so.
In preparation for the award of Group certification, TÜV Austria carried out audits of several Dussmann Service and DKA branch offices and service operations. Auditing also focused on operations at international Dussamann subsidiaries in the United Arab Emirates, Lithuania and the Czech Republic. The implementation of the new norms for health and safety, quality, environmental and energy management were checked. The audit criteria also includes social responsibility and sustainability.
“We are very proud to receive Group certification, thanks to our well-functioning systems,” says Dr Wolfgang Häfele, Dussmann Group executive board spokesman. “The responsibility for our employees all over the world is a core element of our corporate philosophy. It is part of the continual improvement of our processes for the benefit of our clients.”
Dussmann Group has 64,500 employees across 17 countries, and it says it carries out services for people, by people. The largest company division, Dussmann Service, provides technical services, catering, security and reception services, cleaning, surgical sterilisation, commercial property management and energy management. DKA installs refrigeration and air-conditioning systems and offers after-sales services; HEBO Aufzugstechnik GmbH manufactures premium-class elevators and carries out elevator services; and Kursana manages nursing and care services for 13,600 seniors. In addition, the Group operates the media department store Dussmann das KulturKaufhaus in Berlin and provides in-house corporate child care through Dussmann KulturKindergärten.
For more information visit www.dussmanngroup.com.
Image: 123RF’s Vitali Michkou © 123RF.com
