Building trust with H&S certification

Voted the ‘best seaport in the Middle East’ for 24 years, Jebel Ali Port is the largest container port in the region and one of the largest in the world. It’s the gateway for over 80 weekly services and connects more than 150 ports worldwide.

The company operates across key sectors in the global supply chain, helping move cargo seamlessly, efficiently and securely across the entire region and the world.

To help maintain its reputation as a leader in quality and reliability, migrating from occupational health and safety standard OHSAS 18001 to the new and internationally recognised standard ISO 45001 was a primary objective. ISO 45001 certification demonstrates a company’s commitment to reduce occupational injuries and ill health – and promote and protect the physical and mental health of its workers.

DP World, UAE Region was also aware that ISO 45001 certification can help an organisation build trust with stakeholders by demonstrating an in-depth understanding of the needs and expectations of workers and other interested parties such as suppliers, contractors/subcontractors, customers and regulatory authorities.

LRQA audited DP World, UAE Region – a large matrix business – across a wide range of assets including ports and terminals, parks, zones and security services, standardising HSE excellence quickly across the organisation.

As DP World, UAE Region already held environment management standard certification ISO 14001, this made the implementation of ISO 45001 easier, as the two standards are both based on the common framework, Annex SL. Annex SL was developed by the International Standards Organisation (ISO) as the blueprint for all new and revised management systems to reduce the duplication and confusion that arose previously from standards with different structures. Furthermore, migrating from OHSAS 18001 meant that many of the systems and processes which were already in place and documented at DP World, could then be restructured to meet the requirements of ISO 45001.

DP World, UAE Region was the first port operator, trade enabler and free zone within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Middle East to achieve ISO 45001. Being one of the first ports to adopt the new ISO 45001 certification showed a commitment to people safety and continual improvement while maintaining a competitive advantage.

Additionally, it met the needs of current and future customers seeking proof of health and safety excellence when selecting companies to handle their logistical requirements and related business trades.

With a strong emphasis on management to actively engage and take accountability, the certification of the management system was achieved successfully through the commitment of the leadership team and engagement and participation of employees at all levels.

Throughout the process, DP World, UAE Region made significant progress in terms of occupational health and safety maturity, implementing the latest technology as well as looking at health and safety differently in a collaborative and inclusive environment.

The certification journey also allowed the organisation to determine any internal and external issues affecting health and safety. As risk and opportunities were determined and considered, action was taken where necessary to enhance the health and safety performance of the business.