Aberdeen Airport has successfully completed a best practice Five Star Occupational Health and Safety Audit conducted by the British Safety Council, demonstrating its commitment towards the continual improvement of health and safety management systems and associated arrangements.
The airport underwent a comprehensive, quantified and robust evaluation of its occupational health and safety policies, processes and practices. The audit process included documentation review, interviews with senior management, employees and other key stakeholders, together with sampling of operational activities.
The audit measured performance against key health and safety management best practice indicators and a detailed review of over 60 component elements. Aberdeen Airport was awarded a five-star rating following the audit which is reflective of a best practice organisation.
Aldrich Blignaut, HSE manager at Aberdeen International Airport, said: “The Safety Management System at Aberdeen International Airport is an important aspect of the day to day running of our operation. An external assessment of our system provides assurance that the processes we have in place function as intended. Achieving the five-star grading is testament to that and I am extremely pleased with this result as it acknowledges the airport team’s commitment to safety.”
David Parr, policy and technical services director at the British Safety Council, said: “The award of a five-star grading following our occupational best practice Health and Safety Audit is an outstanding achievement and is reflective of a proactive organisation which is committed to continual improvement in its health and safety arrangements and managing risks to workers’ health, safety and welfare.
“Aberdeen International Airport should be very proud of this achievement.”
Aberdeen International Airport is the North-east of Scotland’s major transport hub and is a vital economic driver for the region, contributing more than £110m a year to the local economy. It is the gateway to Europe’s energy capital and Europe’s busiest commercial heliport.
Approximately 300 people are directly employed by Aberdeen International Airport. However, it supports 3,400 jobs across the North-east. It is currently home to 20 airlines serving up to 50 destinations worldwide. In addition to one passenger terminal, the airport comprises four helicopter terminals.
Aberdeen International Airport is currently investing in a comprehensive transformation of the passenger facilities. This three year project will deliver a 50% increase in the size of the terminal. Phase 1 of the project was completed in 2017 and included new domestic and international arrival areas and passenger lounges. The second phase opened in June 2018 with new security search area and retail facilities. The third and final phase of the project which involves expanding our airside area and increasing the number of shops and restaurants is expected to be complete by summer 2019.