- The subsidiaries join the Tenerife Refinery in obtaining the certification
- The standard includes new developments, such as workers from all levels actively participating in occupational health and safety
Cepsa's aviation subsidiaries in the Canary Islands, Cepsa Aviación and CMD Aeropuertos Canarios, have certified their Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) systems under the ISO 45001:2018 standard, after successfully passing audits carried out by the external certifier, AUDELCO.
The audits, involving 24 representatives from different departments of both subsidiaries, were carried out across various centers on a virtual basis over 6 working days. The new standard, which was implemented on a voluntarily basis, replaces OHSAS 18001 (Occupational Health and Safety Assessment) and includes improvements.
Improvements to the certification
Strengthening the leadership and commitment of senior management stand out among the improvements resulting from implementation of the new certification. Other aspects include promoting the consultation and active participation of workers at all levels, by providing the mechanisms, time, training and resources needed to achieve this.
The company must not only protect, but also promote the physical and mental health of its workers. Therefore, workers' wellbeing at work is now assessed in terms of their emotions or feelings about their work and professionalism (assessment, respect, development, etc.), along with other aspects that can improve the working environment (work-life balance, flexibility of working hours, remote working, etc.).
In addition, this standard places greater emphasis on the need for continuous improvement and on the development of indicators to demonstrate this progress, all through ongoing evaluation and monitoring. It also enhances compliance with legal requirements by requiring proof of this progress.
Cepsa's director in the Canary Islands, José Manuel Fernández-Sabugo, stresses that "Cepsa's aviation subsidiaries in the Islands are following in the footsteps of the Tenerife Refinery who recently moved from OHSAS 18001 certification to ISO 45001. Our subsidiary dedicated to the supply of ship fuel will also be joining them in the near future."
“Part of our business culture is about minimizing risks and trying to avoid danger in any given situation. Safety is one of our core values along with continuous improvement. Hence our effort to voluntarily implement this new certification, which improves on the previous one we had in place."
From OHSAS 18001 to ISO 45001
Cepsa has always proactively integrated the occupational health and safety of its employees and ancillary companies into its management, providing safe and healthy workplaces to prevent work-related injuries and health deterioration, by minimizing risks and eliminating hazards, taking into account the participation of workers and their representatives in the process.
As a result of this, in 2008, the Cepsa aviation subsidiaries adopted the OHSAS 18001 standard as a benchmark for managing its hazards and risks. The standard has now been replaced by the even more demanding ISO 45001.