La certification ISO et la SST : étude empirique et résultats terrain

Abstract

In the context of the recent large scale adoption of the ISO 9000 system of quality standards, the objectives of the present empirical study are twofold : 1) to evaluate whether the ISO 9000 certification process has an impact on health and safety (H&S) performance, and 2) to analyze the underlying OHS changes in internal dynamics related to the ISO 9000 certification process. The results of the statistical analysis of certified and uncertified firms (n = 317 for each) did not show a significant difference in OHS performance between both types of firms. Even if ISO/OHS integration was not done, qualitative data reveal that 64 % of the surveyed firms had revised their preventive maintenance procedures and 39 % had done the same for their preventive inspection procedures in the months following certification. Furthermore, the certification process had a positive impact on internal communications in two firms in three in which the respondents noted an increase in the frequency of meetings, a better follow-up on decisions, as well as an increased sense of responsibility of employees toward their tasks.

Keywords

• ISO certification
• industrial injuries
• occupational health and safety (OHS) management