OpeOluwani Akintayo
22 November 2017, Sweetcrude, Lagos — Ikeja Electric, Plc, has been conferred with the ISO 9001 and OHSAS 18001 international certification.
OHSAS 18001 Occupational Health & Safety Management System was intentionally developed to be compatible with the ISO 9001 (Quality) and ISO 14001 (Environmental) management systems standards for easier integration of quality, environmental and occupational health & safety management systems by organizations.
Speaking on the certification today, the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Anthony Youdeowei, explained that with the achievement, Ikeja Electric Plc becomes the first and only company in the power sector to receive the OHSAS 18001 certification.
According to him, the feat is an attestation that the company is dedicated and passionate about sustainable safety culture and excellence.
He added that with the ISO 9001 certification, the company is also the first electricity Distribution Company, DisCo, to set up business improvement models with customer focus in Nigeria in line with international practices.
Youdeowei attributed the achievement of the company in this respect to the new innovations on safety compliance permit, Safety Code otherwise known as 10 Commandments, lifesaving rules, reward system for safety compliance, top management commitment and involvement in safety activities, training and the use of quality materials at all time in its daily operations, especially the maintenance and replacement of obsolete electrical items in the system.
“The new innovations which we have put in place has enabled the company win various awards including Best HSE Practising Company, Power Utility at 9jasafe Hall of Fame Award- 2015, Best Health and Safety Initiatives in Nigeria at the Nigerian Risk Award-2016, Merit Award for Outstanding Commitment to Health & Safety Recognition Awards by the Nigerian Institution of Safety Engineers, NISE 2016”, he said.
Youdeowei said as a responsible organisation, the safety standard and training is not limited to Ikeja Electric staff but to customers and other stakeholders, especially the Licensed Electric Contractors Association of Nigeria, who are certified to carry out installations of electrical items in various communities, especially the wiring of buildings, to ensure compliance with safety standard and also to assist in reminding IE customers of some basic guidelines that will help save lives at all time.
According to him, the company has partnered with many reputable companies to ensure adequate training for most workers in the company, in ensuring ISO safety as it will assist to prevent an accident during their daily operations.