OHSAS 18001 award demonstrates commitment to staff welfare
Kings Lynn-based Williams Refrigeration has achieved another refrigeration
‘Industry First’ with certification to the Occupational Health and Safety Standard (OHSAS) 18001:2007.
“The award of this prestigious international standard to our Kings Lynn site reflects our continual improvement initiatives,” says Williams Group Safety & Environmental Manager Stuart Gray. “It complements the existing ISO 9001 Quality standards and ISO 14001 Environmental Management certifications held not only in the UK but also with our operations in Australia and China.
“OHSAS 18001 recognises our achievement of world class Health and Safety Systems, to better safeguard the wellbeing of our colleagues, visitors and business operations.”
Williams is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of commercial refrigeration for the catering and baking industries. Its customers include leading hotel, pub, restaurant and supermarket groups, as well as hospitals, universities, schools and contract caterers. The company says that, as business increasingly focuses on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), it expects more manufacturers to follow its example.
“Many of our major customers are looking for suppliers to prove their CSR through ISO and similar accreditations,” says Stuart Gray. “Being awarded OHSAS 18001 will undoubtedly give them increased confidence. Achieving the standard now means Williams will be in a strong position to satisfy its major customers’ requirements in the future.
“The award reflects the hard work and commitment of our health and safety teams and all our colleagues from across the business. It is very much part of our own on-going CSR initiatives.”
In fact, Williams has been operating in accordance with the standard for some time. The company’s common management approach will see its UK and International operations follow similar safe systems, processes and procedures as undertaken at King’s Lynn.
Certification was awarded via LRQA, the internationally recognised accreditation company. “We chose LRQA because they set particularly stringent standards, which provide a lasting assurance to those working at and with Williams,” says Stuart Gray. “The decision underlines our efforts to strive for best practise as opposed to mere legal compliance. We aim for our standards of health and safety to be beyond what the law requires.”
Williams Refrigeration offers a comprehensive range of solutions, from commercial refrigeration to bakery equipment and including a market-leading choice of gastronorm cabinets, modular storage and reach-in and roll-in blast chillers.
To learn more about Williams extensive product range visit www.williams-refrigeration.co.uk.