01.03.2009

O'Brien's upgrades quality system

William O’Brien Plant Hire, the Cork,Ireland, based crane rental company, has achieved an upgrade to its Occupational Health & Safety Management System, from the OHSAS 18001:1999 to the improved 2007 standard.

According to the company this makes it the only plant hire company in Ireland to have achieved such high safety standards.

O’Brien’s says that the achievement is important in order to comply with legislation, continually improve occupational health & safety performance and reduce safety risks.

The OHSAS standard was awarded to the company following an intensive two day audit by National Quality Assurance (NQA) which took place both at the company’s head quarters and on an operational construction site at Whitegate, East Cork.
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(L-R)Claire Waterman,Reg Sanlon Lead Assessor, NQA and Michael Cotter ofWilliam O'Brien

The safety standards provide companies with the framework necessary not only to react to dangerous situations and record specific incidents but also to prevent and pre-empt dangerous situations and to put operational systems in place to ensure best work practices.

O’ Briens says that it has always led the way in Ireland in terms of “best practice” policies and has invested heavily in staff training and education and claims to be one of the first companies in Ireland to appoint a full time Health and Safety Officer.

Health and Safety Officer Claire Waterman said: “This award is the culmination of all of the hard work we have put into ensuring we are compliant with best practice standards. Our drivers as well as holding Crane Operator Tickets undergo rigorous training, testing and constant monitoring of skills. We have now achieved the upgraded OHSAS Standard of 2007 and we are thrilled that our perseverance has paid off. Management as well as our safety department have worked together to ensure the highest Health & Safety Standards are achieved and maintained. We really feel we have raised the bar higher and are setting safety standards that other companies should aspire towards”