Access Projects obtains Environmental Management System ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 Health & Safety Ma

Access Projects recently completed the process of obtaining two prestigious international quality standards. Having had the quality standard ISO 9001:2008 since 2008, Access Projects has managed to obtain both ISO 14001:2004 and OHSAS 18001:2007 standards for building construction, emphasising its commitment to quality processes, health and safety of their work force and the preservation of the  environment they work in.

Manager QMS Andrew Dasanayake explains how adopting these standards can be beneficial for the company as well for its employees and how adhering to these practices can make our environment a better place for our future generations.

Following are excerpts of the interview:

Manager QMS and Procedure Control Andrew Dasanayake 

receiving the award from SGS Country Manager N. Sriram. Also present are Manager Health & Safety Chaturanga Perera and Executive QMS Lasantha Samarakoon

Q: Could you tell us the main purpose of obtaining these international quality standards?

A: We have been awarded and have successfully completed several projects in the past consecutive years and currently we are one of the leading construction companies in Sri Lanka with a rapid growth in our portfolio of projects both in Sri Lanka and overseas.

As a rapidly growing organisation, it is our duty and responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of all our employees as well as being responsible for our environment and its conservation. While ISO 14001 focuses on the company’s impact on the external environment to reduce pollution and to comply with standardised regulations, OHSAS 18001 ensures a safe and healthy workplace for all employees, which insures the internal environment of the company.

We are looking at adding value to the services we offer our clients in terms of quality with our compliance to internationally-accepted quality standards which is a vital component for our company’s current reputation and growth. I am happy to state that we are among a few elite building contractors to obtain all three international accreditations, and we hope that this will convey to our stakeholders and clients our commitment to a truly value-added service. 

Q:  Could you explain to us briefly the key aspects of each standard and how compliant the organisation becomes having these certifications?

A: If we consider the ISO 14001 management system, it has been designed to enhance factors such as growth, compliance, reputation, perception and lifecycle of an organisation. When it comes to growth, it identifies and establishes the significant impact we make on the environment with our construction work and helps us to implement effective operational controls and encourages us to use natural resources and materials more efficiently. 

As a respectable contractor we are obligated to commit and comply with all applicable legal requirements and we are legally bound to communicate proper information to our employees and stakeholders as well our clients at all times.

When considering our reputation, having such a prestigious standard gives us more credibility while it reassures our stakeholders that the best practices are being implemented and also that we are keen on sustainable development as a company.

When it comes to perception and lifecycle, our company will be recognised as an ethical entity which will enable us to establish partnerships and joint ventures with other reputed companies both locally and internationally. As a company we can assess and control our progression related to our projects and it will ensure our integrity throughout our supply chain.

On the other hand the OHSAS 18001 management system focuses on striving towards ‘zero accidents’ within the company; this provides a unique system on how to minimise health and safety risks where all parties are concerned. This establishes awareness and caution among employees at the workplace. 

This system helps us to stay up-to-date with legislation and remain compliant and avoid breaches, if not this it will lead to fines and prosecutions, which will affect our reputation negatively, so we are compelled to abide by the rules set because a poor health and safety report will surely undermine our level of performance. 

This also helps our employees’ morale and attitude, knowing that they are safe at their own workplace, so we can expect efficiency when all processes of safety are in place and communicated among them. We at Access particularly emphasise on the above factor, where our employees will always be given higher priority and they will feel more comfortable working for us as one team.

Q: From a company perspective, what are the main benefits you expect to reap from these international standards?

A: Most importantly, we are expecting lower operational costs which will also enable us to pass on these cost savings to our customers. Reduce of wastage of material, resources and compliance to all environmental legislations, not to mention the reduction or making non-existent the fines and prosecutions and less visits from authorities will definitely be an added advantage. We are also looking at fewer insurance claims and lower insurance premiums, while being compliant to address issues and taking necessary action before any damages are caused.

We can also confidently guarantee the possibilities of access to new customers and business partners while strengthening ties with existing clients and suppliers, and also ensuring our stakeholders’ satisfaction as well. If we further analyse deeply, we have the competitive advantage and higher bargaining power among both local and international markets because of the positive impression we bestow by having these certifications.

Lastly I would like to add that we are venturing into new avenues and we have partnered with global investor companies to do construction projects overseas, so securing these international accreditations is vital for our current global outreach.