Can safety, quality, and profitability go hand in hand? At KBC, we believe they must.
Today, stricter environmental regulations, rising stakeholder expectations, and operational complexity are changing how refineries operate. As a result, refineries must focus on productivity and the health, safety, and quality management systems that support these standards long-term. This is where international certifications such as ISO 45001 and 9001 help.
ISO 45001 is the globally accepted occupational health and safety management system standard. It offers a systematic way to reduce workplace hazards and guarantee the security of both employees and visitors. Conversely, ISO 90001 emphasizes quality management, ensuring services consistently satisfy legal and consumer demands.
KBC's achievement of ISO 45001 and ISO 9001 certification is a testament to its commitment to consistently meeting the highest standards in health, safety, and quality management.
For us, it began with taking an honest look in the mirror.
Here are six steps that we followed to succeed:
1. Identified areas of improvement through conducting gap analysis
We began with a gap analysis that compared existing processes against ISO 45001 and 9001 requirements. This process involved assessing management systems and identifying areas where current practices fell short of certification standards. From there, we developed a targeted action plan to close these gaps.
2. Implemented enhanced processes and controls for health, safety, and quality management
We created and introduced a comprehensive risk management framework to continuously monitor safety audits, incident reporting protocols, and quality control systems. These controls ensured excellent service delivery.
3. Provided training for employees on safety and quality standards
We conducted carefully structured training sessions for all employees to raise their awareness of health, safety, and quality standards. Refresher courses and assessments will reinforce this knowledge and keep employees up to date with safety protocols and/or quality management systems.
4. Strengthened risk assessment and mitigation strategies
We applied root-cause analysis of incidents and integrated risk management tools into project planning to help employees implement a proactive hazard identification strategy. Additionally, we created tailored mitigation plans for each project to ensure consistent safety and quality standards, which guarantees compliance with the certification requirements.
5. Engaged in internal audits and continuous process improvements
We performed internal audits focused on health, safety, quality, and environmental audits, along with root cause analysis for non-conformities. Moreover, customer satisfaction surveys and incident reports were tracked to refine processes and address any emerging issues.
6. Successfully pass the external audits
Completing external audits carried out by DNV (Det Norske Veritas), a global leader in quality assurance and risk management, marked a significant milestone in our ISO 45001 and 9001 certification journey. DNV's comprehensive assessment validated our compliance with global standards for health, safety, and quality management systems.
Beyond compliance, these ISO certifications reflect our dedication to safety, quality, and ongoing improvement – foundations of operational excellence and lasting trust. As we evolve, we invite partners who value safe, efficient, and future-ready operations to grow with us.