Introduction of an occupational health and safety management system at SLV Halle GmbH

The high status of safety at work and health protection in the company is an important prerequisite for productive and safe working. The incorporation of all the employees and managers as well as the entrepreneurial and personal responsibility for oneself and others not only promote the motivation, effectiveness and quality of the work but, in the long term, also safeguard the jobs and the position of the company in the market.

With the incorporation of all the employees, it was possible in 2014 to prepare the introduction of the occupational health and safety management system of the Employers' Liability Insurance Association for the Wood and Metal Industries (BGHM) which is entitled "Seal of quality - Safe with a system" and is based on the national guideline for occupational health and safety management systems. It extends to all the fields of the business activities of SLV Halle - training and further education, research and development, quality assurance as well as materials testing. One particular challenge facing the occupational health and safety management system consists of taking account of the large number of visitors characteristic of an SLV in the processes, such as evacuation scenarios or access authorisations.

The checking and assessment by BGHM in the middle of January 2015 has provided enduring proof that the required documents are available and are being implemented in the working processes with regard to safety at work and health protection.

By introducing the occupational health and safety management system, it was possible to successfully create the prerequisites in order to minimise the risks to the lives and health of the employees and visitors. Furthermore, each individual's awareness of safe working is being promoted and consolidated. With the "Seal of quality - Safe with a system", SLV Halle possesses a certificate which provides the proof of a functioning occupational health and safety management system whenever orders of all kinds are placed.

Ultimately, this seal of quality is also an expression of the fact that occupational health and safety is not only taught in the training process but is also actively implemented in all the departments.


Contact: winkler(at)slv-halle.de