In March this year, Fårbo Manufacturing was audited for re-certification of ISO 9001 and 14001. This time they were also ready for re-certification for ISO 45001, work environment management. This is a natural next step in the work with sustainability for Fårbo.
– “I’m always a bit excited about how the audit will go, even though I know we’re on top,” says Mikael Vetterskog. “Now it went very well, which was good, not least when it comes to the important certification for work environment management, which is completely new to us.
The move to ISO 45001 certification is in line with one of Fårbo’s values, ‘Sustainability for Competitiveness’, which in concrete terms means striving for sustainability in all dimensions, inclusion and life balance for all employees, and a good working environment.
The certification verifies that Fårbo ensures the work with health and safety at work, i.e. procedures to prevent accidents, risks and ill health. Fårbo has clear documented processes in all relevant areas. Now, in other words, also for systematic work environment management, which contributes to sustainable development and prepares Fårbo for continued development and growth.
Reflections from production
– “I feel that our colleagues are even more involved in the business and that they think about environmental aspects in all our work,” says Stefan. “For example, a little extra thought is given to handling and sorting waste and any scrap. This is also visible in the environment outside our premises, which is clean and well maintained.
– I think we are all taking responsibility for the future, but now we also have a clear confirmation of this through certification.
It is important that our customers see our long-term approach and that we also take responsibility for future generations,” says Stefan.
– In our continuous work to reduce scrap, one effect is also that we contribute to a reduction in fossil fuels and emissions from heavy vehicles because we now have fewer transports of heavy scrap, says Jimmy. The scrap is also handled locally, which also contributes to the environment by minimizing long transports.
Pleasing comments in the context of the audit
The audit was carried out by an accredited ISO auditor, who carried out checks and reviewed documented information on the results to provide quality services. He also carried out spot checks on operators at various workstations.
– We received praise on a number of points, which gave us an extra boost,” says Mikael, pictured above. The auditor thought we were world class:
- Well-integrated AI support in the core process
- The fact that post-calculations are done every day after jobs are completed
- Robust daily management with high employee engagement
- That an ongoing employee survey is carried out annually, with confidentiality, by the occupational health service.
During the auditor’s individual interviews with employee representatives, it was also mentioned that Fårbo is characterized by good leadership.
– “I would like to say a few words about the auditor’s comment on AI,” says Mikael. When I came to Fårbo, some of the things I wanted to contribute to were better management and follow-up, and then with the help of digital technology and a little later with AI tools. Among other things, we have an advanced AI agent that handles customer orders, reads emails and extracts information that feeds our ERP system. Other AI agents handle supplier orders, optimize inventory, and assist production. All this contributes to our quality focus through fewer errors and higher efficiency.
– The ISO 9001, 14001 and 45001 certification is both a guarantee and a carrot for my and my colleagues’ continued work with quality, environment and work environment. This gives us confidence and competitiveness in the market,” Mikael concludes.