Bermuda Electric Light Company Limited (BELCO) today announced a major achievement for the Company, certification to the ISO 45001 Occupational Health and Safety standard.
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) publishes International Standards developed by global experts covering nearly all industries around the world. ISO, which is based out of Switzerland, has members from 161 countries.
ISO 45001 is the globally recognised international standard for Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems. It provides a framework for organisations to proactively manage workplace risks, prevent work-related injuries and illnesses, and continually improve overall safety performance.
Since 2010, BELCO’s integrated Occupational Health, Safety, and Environment (OHSE) Management System has been registered the ISO 14001 Environmental Management standard and now the Company is also certified to the ISO 45001 Occupational Health and Safety standard.
This certification places BELCO among a select group of organization worldwide and makes BELCO the only company in Bermuda to hold both ISO 45001 and ISO 14001.
Mark Pacheco, Director Operational Support Services said: “This is a significant milestone for our Company. We are now the only company on island with both certifications. This demonstrates our diligent approach to OHSE management and commitment to continual improvement in these important areas. This certification is not an award for the OHSE team alone, but rather a reflection of the entire Company. It recognises everyone who influences safe behaviours, prioritises the implementation of safety controls, and genuinely believes in protecting our environment. It also demonstrates that, at every level of our organisation, we are committed to keeping our employees, contractors, and visitors safe when they interact with our operations, while consistently working to reduce potential impacts that our operations may have on the environment. I would like to thank all our dedicated employees who contribute to this success daily and continue to commit to the ongoing improvement and maintenance of BELCO’s integrated OHSE Management System.”
About ISO 45001:
ISO 45001 is an international standard that specifies requirements for an occupational health and safety (OH&S) management system. It provides a framework for BELCO to manage risks and improve OH&S performance. The standard establishes criteria for an OH&S policy, objectives, planning, implementation, operation, auditing and review. Key elements include leadership commitment, worker participation, hazard identification and risk assessment, legal and regulatory compliance, emergency planning, incident investigation and continual improvement.
About ISO 14001:
ISO 14001 is the International Standard for Environmental Management Systems (EMS). The Standard provides BELCO with a framework to protect the environment and respond to changing environmental conditions in balance with socio-economic needs. BELCO’s certification to ISO 14001 reinforces the organization’s aim of contributing to the environmental pillar of sustainability. In addition to meeting legal obligations, the Standard helps BELCO to improve resource efficiency, reduce waste, and consistently manage its environmental responsibilities.
For more information about ISO, please visit www.iso.org.
