Mining equipment and technology solutions provider, Sandvik Mining & Construction (Sales Area West Africa), has achieved what managers say, is a significant milestone in its Safety, Health, Quality and Environment record.

The Company says it recognised that the only way to guarantee its business growth and customer satisfaction was to implement a robust Safety, Health Environment and Quality (SHEQ) Management Systems.

Sandvik’s attainment of ISO 9001:2015, 45001:2018, 14001:2015 certifications in 2018 and successful surveillance audit in 2019 is ample evidence of the Company’s “capability to consistently provide products and services that meet customer needs, whilst concurrently complying with applicable statutory and regulatory requirements to protect the environment and ensure an incident-free workplace.”

After its maiden certification to OHSAS 18001:2007 and ISO 14001:2004 in 2009 at a time it operated from customer sites and rented premises, Sandvik Mining has grown in leaps and bounds, moving to its own operational site at Pakyi No 1, near Kumasi.

In addition to the sites in Accra and Kumasi in Ghana, the Company’s operations in Bamako – Mali has also been certified to the revised version of all three standards listed following certification audits carried out by SGS-Ghana in December 2018, by which Sandvik became one of the first companies in the sub-region to be certified to the three (3) standards.

The certification to the revised ISO standards, the company says, is proof of its proficiency in exceeding customers’ expectation. 

The Sales Area Vice-President and Managing Director for Sandvik in West Africa, Nuhu Salifu, says the certification and subsequent surveillance audit cement the Company’s reputation as the reference point “within the current competitive environment in the mining support services industry; further consolidating our stakeholders’ confidence in our ability to deliver.”

According to Nuhu, the re-certification comes at a time “we are celebrating over 4.8 million man-hours without lost-time injury’’.

Mr. Salifu praised the company’s customers, regulators, staff and the communities where it operates for their contribution to the laurels chalked up.

Commenting on this achievement HR Manager for Sandvik, Samuel Brewu said: “We remain conscious of the fact that such feats don’t just occur; they are the result of positive Safety Health, Environment and Quality (SHEQ) actions, leadership support as well as individual commitment. This is what Sandvik commits to doing continually - progressively improving upon its business processes and adapting to changes as and when they occur” the HR Manager stated. SHEQ Manager Sahadatu Ibrahim was elated at the immense support she receives from Management and staff in driving the Sales Area’s SHEQ agenda.