MiTek’s mezzanine operation in the UK is proud to have achieved ISO 14001 (Environmental Management) and ISO 45001 (Health & Safety Management) certifications, in addition to re-certification for ISO 9001 (Quality).
“This is a fantastic achievement,” comments Matt Loveday, Managing Director, “and demonstrates our commitment to operating at the highest standards in all aspects of the mezzanine solutions we provide for customers. This is not merely a box-ticking exercise – our team has worked tirelessly to fully embrace the culture embedded in these standards.”
The ISO 14001 certificate reflects MiTek’s implementation of an environmental management system (EMS), which aims to reduce waste, pollution and energy consumption. Meanwhile, the ISO 45001 standard is the result of implementing an effective occupational health and safety management system (OHSMS).
“Our ISO success is the result of a lot of hard work across our whole team over the past three years,” says Fran Barnard, Business Improvement Manager. “Of course, we want to ensure the best possible health and safety environment for our employees and partners, so achieving ISO 45001 brings peace of mind. As for ISO 14001, we are committed to improving the sustainability of our solutions and how we deliver them. We’re also finding that customers are increasingly interested in our environmental credentials, so it’s great to have achieved this recognition.”
Technology drives progress
A number of improvements to MiTek’s systems and processes in the areas of Safety, Health, Environment & Quality (SHEQ) in recent years have contributed to the ISO awards success. Many of these harness the power of technology, such as MiTek’s e-connect system for subcontractor pre-qualification. This software solution ensures that partner information is automatically monitored to keep all data and certification up-to-date, with subcontractor performance on each project also reviewed and awarded a star rating.
Another key step was the launch last year of an online portal designed to raise the bar in terms of SHEQ. This includes a bespoke, video-based induction programme that must be completed by anyone setting foot on a MiTek project site. The portal enables the induction process to be logged, with automatic reminders sent out for the mandatory refresher training every 12 months. The portal also includes MiTek’s newly published Mezzanine Installation Manual. “It standardises the way we build,” says Calum Cameron, SHEQ Manager, “and explains how to do things the MiTek way.”
Over the past three years, MiTek has also been capturing non-conformance reports (NCRs) from across the business and using this data to implement improvements to make the company better, safer and more competitive. “The NCR process has become the backbone of our business improvement,” says Fran Barnard. “It drives so much of our development now.”
MiTek will also soon launch its Approved Installer Programme to support the pre-qualified subcontractors who install the company’s mezzanine structures. “Although we generally have a MiTek Project Manager and Site Manager on site with these installation teams,” explains Calum Cameron, “we want to support them with additional training and development tools. Our vision for the Approved Installer Programme is for our installers to consider themselves as part of the MiTek team and to secure benefits through maintaining excellent standards of workmanship and safety.”
Fit for the future
All these elements have worked together to change the culture within MiTek and ensure the company is fit for the growth trajectory it is already on. “We take pride in planning and implementing projects in a completely professional way,” says Calum, who is also a Chartered Health and Safety Practitioner.
Achieving ISO certification is not the only benefit of the team’s hard work. “With all documents and systems in place, we can concentrate on other parts of project management and have been able to complete some projects ahead of schedule,” says Fran. “We’ve also been receiving really positive feedback this year in our customer satisfaction surveys.”
MiTek is not resting on its laurels, however, and aims to implement more technology to assist the site teams, as well as standardising site set-up – including on-site offices, first-aid facilities and safety signage. There are also plans to implement Smartsheet software to enhance project collaboration and the Power BI tools to improve business insights. Looking ahead, MiTek has set its sights on achieving the ISO 50001 energy management standard. Watch this space!
