Grow your business with an ISO 9001 certification

Many smaller businesses grow very slowly with the capacity to serve a limited customer base, delivering limited volumes and operating within a defined area.

Potential customers outside this immediate demographic are sceptical when higher value contracts are on the line.

For any business to grow, it must offer it’s customers consistent, reliable results.

Keeping existing business, is as important as, winning new business. It has been tried and tested millions of times over, an ISO 9001 Quality Management System is the best way to grow confidence among your customers.

What is ISO 9001? It is the international standard that defines the key parameters that demonstrate the certified organisation is capable of consistently delivering on its stated customer promises. It is the language that businesses and the supply chain understand. It gives confidence to those who deal with your business that you can deliver.

What does ‘certified’ to ISO 9001 mean? This means a recognised independent and accredited organisation has assessed your business against the requirements of the standards and verifies that the organisation meets those requirements.

What is the process for ISO 9001 certification? It is a 3 stage process; the use of an experienced consultancy can make this a painless and seamless process.
1. Gap Analysis– This is an assessment of the current position of the organisation against the requirements of ISO 9001
2. Implementation of ISO 9001– This process involves a range of activities to close the gaps identified in the gap analysis.
3. Certification Audit– An accredited certification body will conduct an onsite audit to independently verify that your organisations’ operations meet the requirements of ISO 9001. An (annual) regime of surveillance audits will be put in place by the certification body to verify continuing compliance.
Following certification, your business' newly acquired credentials should be at the heart of your sales and marketing strategy. It is important that everyone in your supply chain is made aware that your business is certified.

With an ISO 9001 certification your business can confidently apply for both public and private sector tenders/contracts directly, rather than as a subcontractor.

ISOsafe is Australia’s leading supplier of ISO consultancy services supporting SMEs in their effort to be more competitive; by improving quality performance, customer satisfaction and, ultimately, their market share. Get in touch today on 1300 789 132 to learn more about our services for your business. 

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Transition to ISO 9001:2015 - What to expect

Preparation is key when it comes to avoiding non-conformances. So we’ve collated the top three questions auditors ask during ISO 9001 transition audits, as well as, some suggestions on how your quality management system could address each of these questions.

1. How have you determined the external and internal issues that are relevant to your business and its strategic direction? (Understanding the organization and its context – clause 4.1)
Big businesses will typically have a strategic business plan. It is important to refer the auditor to the sections of your plan that cover the external forces, internal strengths and weaknesses.
On the other hand, small businesses should refer to their Vision and Mission statements to demonstrate where the business is heading – its strategic direction. Further, a SWOT analysis is a simple and effective tool used to identify the external and internal issues. “SWOT” stands for Strengths, Weakness, Opportunities, and Threats. With Strengths and Weakness being internal issues and Opportunities and Threats being external issues. 
Useful tip: ISO 9001:2015 does not require any of this to be documented the term it uses is “determined”, however, we’ve found that many auditors want written evidence. Remember, we are here to help with SWOT analysis and all other ISO 9001 transition requirements – get in touch today.

2. How have you determined the quality risks and opportunities that need to be addressed? (Actions to address risks and opportunities – clause 6.1)
Many big businesses already have a risk manager or risk department, and it is quite common for them to be fixated on the big picture risks to the business. Further, they may not be concerned with the opportunities for the business – where it could be growing. And because quality is about the customer, some of these risks and opportunities will need to be related to the customer. The quality management system should include all identified risks and opportunities, so any actions and quality objectives should be aligned. 
For small businesses we recommend the use of a risk register. If your business has a safety system, you almost certainly will have one. If you don’t have one – create one (or leave it to ISOsafe). Your risk register should identify quality risks and opportunities, this involves looking at your business through the eyes of your customer - what you would not like if you were a customer (risk), and what would you like the business to be doing if you were a customer (opportunity). Once you have a list of customer risks and opportunities, identify how you can reduce the negative risks and build on the opportunities.
Useful tip: ISO 9001:2015 requires documented information as evidence of management reviews and these reviews should include the effectiveness of actions taken to address risks and opportunities.

3. How have you determined the inputs required and outputs expected from your quality management system processes? (Quality management system and its processes – clause 4.4.1)
Any organization that is certified to ISO 9001:2008 should have the interaction of processes already described in their quality manual. ISO 9001:2015 requires more detail on process interaction, calling for the identification of all inputs and outputs relating to each process. 

Large businesses, managing a number of different projects should have process maps in place. This could be an arduous task identifying the inputs and outputs of each of these individual processes. Warning: Auditors could have a field day here! Simplify and streamline your processes to make identifying inputs and outputs easier. 

Small businesses will also need to draw up a process map. However, ISO 9001:2015 does not require a quality manual. This is a good thing. Many small business can meet the requirements without bulky, and impractical manuals.

Useful tip: There is a lot of talk about the process approach in this version of ISO 9001:2015 however, it was very clearly spelled out as a requirement in ISO 9001:2000 so it’s been around for at least 15 years. If your consultant, quality person or auditor doesn’t know this – get a new one!

Court imposes $150, 000+ fine on labour hire company

The South Australian Industrial Court recently imposed a penalty of $150 000 plus court costs to a Queensland based labour hire company for failing to provide and maintain a safe work environment.
On 22nd October 2012, a contracted employee of the labour hire company was working on the South Road Superway project, when his head was crushed between a lifting arm and welding table, suffering life threatening injuries.
Following investigation by SafeWork SA, the labour hire company was charged with offences under the then Occupational Health Safety and Welfare Act 1986 (SA), for failure to ensure its employee was safe from injury and risk to health whist at work, as far as was reasonably practicable.
SafeWork SA executive director, Marie Boland said it is the responsibility of the labour hire company to ensure hazard identification and risk assessments are completed at the host workplace before employees commence work. Boland added “this conviction reinforces that a labour hire company has a work health and safety duty to employees which cannot be delegated to others including joint venture partners”.
Don’t risk noncompliance. ISOsafe’s services will protect your labour hire business. We will prepare all safety documentation, including risk assessments on your behalf, to demonstrate compliance. Call us now 1300 789 132 or email us at enquiries@isosafe.com.au, to learn more about our services for businesses and their owners.

ISO 9001:2015 - How we can help you get there

ISO 9001 is the internationally recognised standard for Quality Management Systems (QMS). It is the most widely used standard in the world, with over 1.1 million certificates issued to organisations in 178 countries.

ISO 9001 provides a framework and set of principles that ensure a common-sense approach to the management of your organisation to consistently satisfy customers and other stakeholders. In simple terms, it provides the basis for effective processes and effective people to deliver an effective product or service time after time.

ISO 9001:2015 was released on 15th September 2015. Organisations currently registered to ISO 9001:2008 will have 3 years to make the transition to the 2015 version. In support of the transition process, we wanted to answer some of the more common questions that we have received.

 Why was ISO 9001 revised?

All ISO standards are revised every five years to keep them current and relevant to the marketplace.

When should my organisation start the transition process and how will ISOsafe assist me through the transition?

Immediately! The first step is to contact ISOsafe – we’ll work with you on the transition timeline. The next step is to sit back while our expert consultant prepares all the necessary documents and delivers the ISO training your staff require. We will run the ISO project, on your behalf, through to issue of certificates.

Can our organisation upgrade in 2016 during a re-certification or surveillance audit?

Yes, providing your quality management system meets the requirements of ISO 9001:2015. Organisations may transition during a surveillance, recertification or special audit.  Transition audits will take place in 2016, 2017 and 2018.

My organisation is thinking of getting certified to ISO 9001 in 2016, what version should we be using?

We suggest you consider ISO 9001:2015 but this is your decision and ISOsafe will support an initial certification to ISO 9001:2008.

If you are seeking ISO 9001 certification for the first time, you can expect the following benefits: operational efficiency, customer satisfaction, process improvement, product improvement, reduced wastage, enhanced risk management at all levels in your business and new business / contracts – as this globally recognised certification will give your business a competitive edge in the market.

How can I get a copy of the ISO 9001:2015 Standard?

ISOsafe recommend purchasing Standards from an Australian supplier, such as SAI Global.

What are notable changes when transitioning to ISO 9001:2015?

The new ISO 9001 standard aligns with high-level organizational structure, requiring all new ISO management system standards to be aligned on a high-level structure with a set of common requirements. Additionally, there is a greater emphasis on risk-based thinking as a basis for the management system, more focus on achieving value for the company and its customers, increased flexibility regarding use of documentation, and a more approachable structure for service businesses.

ISOsafe have helped many organisations seamlessly transition to the revised Standards. Don’t wait till its late call us today on 1300 789 132

Top food safety tips for your workplace

Cross contamination
• You must prepare and store raw and ready to eat food separately.
• Wash hands thoroughly before preparing food, after going to the toilet or after handling pets.
• Ready to eat foods need to be stored above raw meat/fish.
• Keep pets and pests away from food and food preparation surfaces.
• Cover food to prevent contamination by flies and insects.
• Use foods within the "use by" date on the label.
• Do not prepare or serve food for others if you have (or recently had) diarrhoea and or vomiting.

Chilling
• After purchase, ensure chilled and frozen food are quickly transferred to refrigerators or cool rooms.
• Make sure you have enough refrigerator space to store foods before and after cooking.
• Refrigerator temperatures should be at or below 5°C.
• Throw away ‘chilled’ food that has been stored at room temperature or which has been outside for more than four hours. Remember, in summer warmer temperatures help food poisoning bacteria grow quickly.

Cooking
• Defrost frozen meat and chicken thoroughly before cooking.
• Ensure food is piping hot and always follow instructions on food packaging.
• If intending to barbecue, pre-cook the meat in your cooker on the same day. The meat will then cook quicker on the barbecue and you'll be able to serve more people at once.
• Make sure the middle of the food, especially meat, burgers and sausages, is thoroughly cooked. Avoid the "burnt on the outside, raw in the middle" method of barbecuing.
• Do not serve food containing uncooked eggs such as homemade mayonnaise.

Cleaning
• Clean work surfaces and utensils with hot water and detergent between handling raw meat/fish and ready to eat food.
• Wash kitchen cloths and sponges regularly and leave them to dry before using them again. Dirty, damp cloths are the perfect place for bacteria to breed.
A lot of people smell the food to see if it is ‘off’. You need to be aware that food poisoning bacteria look, smell and taste normal.

Health and safety tips
• Always ensure there is clear access for the emergency services i.e. police, fire and ambulance.
• Make sure any electrical equipment is properly earthed and connected to an RCD or circuit breaker.
• Ensure a basic first aid box is available to deal with minor cuts and grazes.
• Keep young children away from any barbecue or hot cooking equipment.

If you would like to talk to someone regarding the safety at your event or workplace, please contact ISOsafe today to learn more about our services on 1300 789 132