Permadoor Secures Prestigious Accreditation

Published: 4th April 2008

Social housing specialist Permadoor has joined a select group of businesses by securing the occupational health and safety accreditation OHSAS 18001:1999. As specialists in the supply of low-maintenance exterior entrance doors to the social housing market, Permadoor has more than 18 years of sector experience, bringing unparalleled support and expertise to social housing refurbishment and new build projects. To demonstrate Permadoor’s ongoing commitment to improve the efficiency of its health and safety performance, a comprehensive review was carried out to address the company’s overall operation.

Steve Perks, SHEQ manager, Permadoor, said: “There is growing pressure within the industry to continually improve both health and safety and environmental credentials.
“Having previously secured the ISO 9001 quality management and the ISO 14001 environmental accreditations, we were keen to maintain our high standards by enhancing our health and safety performance with the management systems already in place. As part of this process we made significant modifications to the 14001 requirements and extended existing procedures including hazard identification and risk control, accident investigation reporting and response to the system in order to apply the OHSAS 18001 accreditation requirements.”

Steve said: “The new systems were implemented into the working environment and training was organised for all employees on a regular basis involving both management teams and factory based personnel. We enjoyed great support from everyone at Permadoor and because they had already gone through similar processes when we were working towards other accreditations, they were all aware of what was required. To achieve this we had to have efficient management systems, controls and procedures in place to verify that all employees had reached the same level, and training records were frequently updated. Employees on the shop floor were trained in risk assessments, safe system of works, and emergency procedures whilst the office staff were trained to specific health and safety controls, applicable to their environment.

“Permadoor’s management team have shown enormous commitment and belief in the accreditation process and this support has encouraged everyone in the company and reaffirmed its value. The whole team has played a part in this process and made a significant difference to the company and its operation.” Steve added: “In achieving this accreditation, we have been able to address the increasing supply chain demands as well as the moral, legal, ethical and financial obligations that the company embraces. Permadoor is now leading the way in health and safety and environmental performance. We are one of only a handful of businesses to have accomplished this level of certification and have worked hard to meet the high standards we continue to set.”