Metrolink RATP Dev awarded BSI health and safety certification

The operator of Greater Manchester’s tram network, Metrolink RATP Dev, has been recognised for its effective management of health and safety, with the award of a major health and safety certification from the British Standards Institute.

The certification, known as BS OHSAS 18001, involves an independent audit of all policies, systems and procedures relating to the management of health and safety within the company. It ensures a company meets the requirements for occupational health and safety management best practice.

As part of the auditing process, site visits were made across the Metrolink tram network and employees at all levels of the business were interviewed.

Chris Coleman, Managing Director of Metrolink RATP Dev, said: “As the operator of the UK’s largest tram system, safety is our top priority. We not only have a responsibility to the 90,000 customers that travel on the network each day, but also to our 720 employees. Achieving this standard reinforces the excellent work we do as a company in ensuring the careful management of the health and safety of our employees.”

“This is the first time we chose to apply for this certification and I’m extremely proud that we’ve been certified to the standard. We will now be audited every year to ensure we continuously improve on how we manage health and safety at Metrolink RATP Dev.”

Tim Jackson, CEO of RATP Dev UK, said: “I am very proud that Metrolink has achieved this accreditation, which has already been awarded to six of our London bus depots, which operate buses under contract to Transport for London. Whether in Manchester, London or anywhere else in the world where RATP Dev operates transport networks, safety is our number one priority.”

Toni Allen, UK Head of Client Propositions, BSI, said: “By achieving certification to OHSAS 18001, Metrolink RATP Dev is able to demonstrate that they have the policies, procedures and controls in place to achieve the best possible working conditions and workplace health and safety. We’ve worked closely with them to help embed industry-recognized practices and to ensure any safety risks or hazards are identified and managed effectively.”

Metrolink RATP Dev, which is already EFQM accredited, is currently preparing for ISO 9001 certification of its Quality Management System. This is alongside its application for ISO 45001, the world’s first international occupational health and safety standard, which is due to come into effect in October 2016 and will replace BS OHSAS 18001.