Lanes adds another accreditation at Slough

Hot on the heels of British Standards accreditations for quality, environment and business continuity, Lanes for Drains’ super depot at Slough, has done it again. The team at the Berkshire hub, which handles one of the largest wastewater network service operations in the UK, has achieved BSI OHSAS 18001:2007, after demonstrating its adherence to occupational health and safety standards. John Glover, Lanes Group’s Health, Safety, Environment and Quality Manager, said: “Safety has always been at the core of our operation. We already have award-winning health and safety systems and RoSPA gold awards, but gaining OHSAS 18001 is the icing on the cake. It shows that Lanes operates within an internationally recognised standard, and lets others compare and understand our H&S policies against this. “We are proud that we attained 18001 within just six months of setting up this major Lanes’ operating centre which provides a range of services, including emergency blockages clearance, internal and external flooding response, pollution control, remedial drainage repairs and network installations, delivered by more than 300 engineers and a fleet of 235 vehicles in four locations.” For the 18001 accreditation, Lanes was required to show that it: • Created the best possible working conditions across the organisation • Identified hazards and put in place controls to manage them • Reduced workplace accidents and illness to cut related costs and downtime • Engaged and motivated staff with better, safer working conditions • Demonstrated compliance to customers and suppliers “Gaining 18001 in that timescale was no mean feat,” John added. “As you would expect from this project every last aspect of health and safety comes under the microscope. It’s an all encompassing and rigorous process — and rightly so. “Lanes’ policy has always been to go above and beyond required health and safety standards. We have a good track record and a good reputation in the industry for that reason. The OHSAS 18001 certificate is official recognition of our dedication and commitment to the health and well-being of our team.”