WEINHEIM, Germany—Freudenberg-NOK Sealing Technologies' facilities in Troy and Milan, Ohio, have received recognition for their systematic health and safety approaches, becoming the company's first North American sites to receive ISO 45001 health and safety certifications.
This is the first step toward ensuring all of the company's North American facilities achieve the ISO 45001 certification. Freudenberg Sealing Technologies facilities in Europe already have met the standards, setting the course for the company's goal of certifying all of its facilities within three years.
Global certification provides several advantages, according to Freudenberg Sealing Technologies. Among them is a consistent approach to health and safety protocols, as ISO 45001 established a management system that captures and codifies best practices and operational knowledge.
"Freudenberg Sealing Technologies has always been committed to strong health and safety protocols in its facilities, although the standards varied between North America, Europe, and Asia," John Batchik, vice president of corporate quality and health, safety and environment in the Americas, said in a news release. "Adoption of the ISO 45001 health and safety standards in our North American facilities allows us to manage our operations consistently through an accessible, transparent management system."
Because the certification process is a rigorous one, Freudenberg Sealing Technologies facilities collaborated to ensure they were meeting the standards using the best possible practices. As a result of these efforts, FST said, customers and employees will benefit now and in the future.
"Early adoption by the company is a demonstration of Freudenberg Sealing Technologies' commitment to the health and safety of its employees and customers," Batchik said. "ISO 45001 will only become more important in the future, and we are committed to a global system of standards that protect our employees and customers no matter where they are located in the world."