Audit
GlaxoSmithKline aims to conduct an Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) audit at each operational site once every three years with more frequent visits for selected sites, depending on risks and issues raised by previous audits. An EHS audit is a key element of the continuous improvement process and assesses implementation and conformance with the Global EHS Standards and with key legislation. In 2003 GlaxoSmithKline fully implemented the new EHS Audit process and scoring system to support the Environment, Health and Safety and Occupational Health professionals, who make up the EHS audit teams. These Auditors have broad EHS experience and knowledge and are certified as lead auditors against the international ISO 14001 Environmental Management standard.
In 2003, auditors assessed 27 sites and performed one audit follow-up review. They found a good level of performance at most sites especially against many of our environmental standards. However, aspects related to employee health and handling of chemical agents were identified for improvement. As part of the continuous improvement process, auditors monitor progress on actions arising from audit findings. The development of a web-based tool to assist with auditing continued through 2003 and a version is in trial. In 2004 we will complete testing this software and will conduct a review of what will constitute the most appropriate web solution for EHS auditing. The aim is to have fully functional EHS auditing software available on myEHS, our intranet site, and in use in 2005.
Certification of EHS Management Systems
In 2002, CEHS began a pilot certification programme with our manufacturing
operations to determine the feasibility of obtaining company-wide
certification to the international standards on environmental management
systems (ISO 14001) and health and safety management systems (OHSAS
18001). Under the pilot programme, six manufacturing sites achieved
certification to international standards ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001.
Following the process, the independent registrars reviewed the EHS
management system, as exemplified by the EHS standards, audit protocols,
and related materials, for conformance to the principles of the
ISO/OHSAS standards. Then they audited and individually certified
a selection of six volunteer sites to both standards.
As a result of the programme, there are now 18 manufacturing sites
within GlaxoSmithKline with management system certification. Nine
sites are certified to ISO 14001 only and nine sites are certified
to both ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001. The certified sites
are in Belgium, Egypt, France, Germany, India, Italy, Mexico, Spain,
Turkey and the UK. We plan to continue certifying individual volunteer
sites and work toward global certification based on a sample of
sites.
|
