With 100 manufacturing sites all over the world, SKF is both the world’s first major bearing manufacturer and the largest company to have its Occupational Health, Safety and Management System certified by DNV Certification.
The OHSAS 18001 standard is applicable to companies of any size, but is especially relevant to companies with a large work force, manual and heavy work tasks, and high risk work environments.
“This health and safety management standard is of significant relevance to SKF, which has around 100 manufacturing sites distributed all over the world, their own sales companies in 70 countries, and a total workforce that counts 39,000 persons in more than 140 countries,” explains Eva Normell, project manager DNV Certification Sweden.
Aims for zero accidents
This OHSAS 18001 certificate covers 81 units in 24 countries. “SKF's main objective with the certification is to assist our units in their drive to achieve zero accidents on work-related injuries and illness, through effective health and safety management systems. Since the introduction of a ‘Zero Accidents’ initiative in 2000, SKF has cut the accident rate for the group by around 75%,” says Håkan Persson, manager of corporate sustainability at SKF.
The OHSAS 18001 certification project started in September 2003, with a target to be certified within 2005. “The tight schedule reflects SKF's commitment to the elimination of work-related injuries and illness,” says Håkan Persson.
Largest OHSAS to date
“SKF is the world’s first major bearing manufacturer and the largest company to have its Occupational Health and Management System certified by DNV Certification. A minimum of 28 sites shall be audited yearly and will involve a minimum of 84 man days,” explains Hans Holm, business manager, DNV Certification Sweden.
“The SKF contract is very much in line with DNV Certification’s strategy of working with large, international customers, and helping them to implement global management systems. This is also a proof of the confidence SKF has shown,” says Jimmy Nilsson, marketing and sales manager DNV Certification Sweden.
About OHSAS 18001
OHSAS 18001 is an international standard for occupational health and safety management. OHSAS 18001 is the health and safety equivalent of the environmental management standard ISO 14001. Targeting the health and safety of employees proves that a company is actively working to ensure that its operations are safe both for employees and the surrounding environment.
About SKF
The Sweden-based SKF Group is a leading global supplier of products, customer solutions, and services in the business of rolling bearings, seals, mechatronics, services and lubrication systems. The group's main competencies include technical support, maintenance services, condition monitoring and training.