New Year resolutions

Hi, I’m Simon Parkinson, managing partner of HPA. It’s incredible to think we are nearly at the end of 2018! As we look towards the New Year, it’s usual for folk to take stock and think about what they would like to change not just in their personal lives, but in their business and professional lives too.

So, what are the New Year’s resolutions for YOUR company?

Perhaps it’s to retain and win more business or improve customer or staff relations - and by doing so increase profitability. I’d like to make two suggestions as to how your company can achieve these things from the effective operation of management systems in 2019.

Number 1, don’t just view ISO Management standards as a box ticking exercise. View them as a means to build a better, more effective business. Focusing on compliance alone is short sighted and ignores the potential for these standards to align with your business strategy and drive continuous business improvement.
So, my advice is - make sure you have real senior management commitment and understand exactly how your management systems can help deliver your business strategy and achieve your goals.

Number 2, if you are OHSAS 18001 registered, start thinking NOW about migrating to ISO 45001. Having seen the negative consequences for those who failed to update their ISO 9001 and 14001 systems before September 2018, it is always best to start early. Don’t be on the back foot when the deadline for change comes around in 2021 – it will be here before you know it.

A properly implemented ISO 45001 system, with increased senior management commitment, greater workforce consultation and improved performance monitoring will deliver much greater benefits than OHSAS 18001 compliance ever could.

If you would like some advice on any of the above, please feel free to give us a call on 01477 549 116. In the meantime, I wish you are Happy Christmas and a very prosperous New Year.