Teknos Russia achieved triple ISO certification: “First of all it is a question of culture"

Coating manufacturer Teknos has achieved ISO 45001 Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems certification in Russia in November 2021. This means that Teknos Russia becomes the second Teknos country organisation, with Teknos Finland, to hold a triple ISO certification: ISO 9001 (Quality), ISO 14001 (Environment), and ISO 45001 (Occupational Health and Safety). The Teknos site in Saint Petersburg manufactures wet paints and powders and employ about 180 persons.

 
One of Teknos Group’s sustainability goals is to improve health and safety in the workplaces. Implementing the ISO 45001 contributes to this goal and the global Sustainable Development Goal 8. All Teknos manufacturing sites are already certified with ISO 9001 and the plan is to achieve ISO 14001 certification by 2025. In addition, ISO 45001 will be implemented according to local needs. 

ISO certification works as a risk management tool 

The international ISO standard defines the requirements and good practices for an occupational health and safety management system and supports organization with risk management. During an external audit, done in all Teknos factories in 2018, it was noticed that Teknos Russia was very close to comply with the requirements of ISO 45001; most of the practical requirements were in place, which accelerated the decision to apply for the certificate. 

“Feedback from the external auditor during the certification process gave us valuable information and helped us to improve our performance and take the needed steps towards healthier and safer working environment. In 2021, in Teknos Russia, we have not had any lost-time incidents. Still, ISO certificate by itself does not guarantee that we will not have any incidents in the future – this is for the people to ensure – but it does support us in the management of our health and safety processes,“ explains Kirill Shangin, Operations Director from Teknos Russia. 

Health and safety in everyday actions

Teknos continues putting efforts in developing health and safety culture and performance. The focus will be on behavioural safety and engaging people to think about health and safety in their everyday actions. In addition, learning from countries that are already certified supports in developing global policies and guidelines. 
 
”In improving our health and safety actions, it is first of all a question of culture. While the procedures support us in continuously improving in this aspect, the culture ensures that the procedures are followed. Thus, we want to create a culture where we share same mindset and principles and dare to speak up. This means that everyone at Teknos shares the understanding that we all are responsible of safety at our workplaces and we should all keep our eyes open and bring up any shortcomings and weaknesses that we notice” tells Nora Muurikainen Group HSEQ Manager from Teknos Group. 
 
“At Teknos Russia, we have a shared understanding that we are on the right track and that everyone’s actions matter. To do this, active dialogue and participation is required. I believe that with this culture and internal feeling, we will succeed well at Teknos Russia”, Kirill continues. 

More information:

Nora Muurikainen  
Group HSEQ Manager, Teknos Group 
email. nora.muurikainen@teknos.com 
 
Kirill Shangin 
Operations Director, Teknos Russia 
email. kirill.shangin@teknos.com