SULFO joined the Africa’s best few companies with certificates for the Environmental Management System (ISO 14001.2004) and Occupational Health &Safety Management system (OHSAS 18001.2007)
In a recent development, SULFO one of Rwanda’s oldest and biggest companies engaged into and completed a series of International Certification processes for the company’s Management Systems. Sulfo is a pioneer in the introduction of ISO Management systems in the country and is continuously striving to update its management systems in accordance with the best international practices.
Recently by completing the Certification process and receiving certificates for the Environmental Management System (ISO 14001 : 2004) and Occupational Health & Safety Management System (OHSAS 18001.2007) the Rwandan manufacturer joined Africa’s a few best companies with similar certifications. Following the latest accreditations, Sulfo now conforms to International standards namely;
ISO 9001 : 2008 Quality Management;
ISO 22000 : 2005 Food Safety Management;
ISO 14001 : 2004 Environmental Management System and
OHSAS 18001 : 2007 Occupational Health &Safety Management
The acquired standards describe the step-by-step requirements for Management Systems implemented by an organization.
They apply to the processes that an organization employs to realize its products or services. In other words, the way it accomplishes its work and meets the customers’ requirements. Uniformly, all management systems focus on stakeholders or interested parties as their defining element. Each certificate means better processes under which products are manufactured for customers. For instance, ISO 9001 : 2008 applies to the processes that influence product or service quality.
Customers are the primary focus of the Quality Management System (QMS), while employees and suppliers are an important secondary focus.
ISO 22000 : 2005 applies to the processes demonstrating company’s ability to control Food Safety hazards and ensure that the food products manufactured by the company are safe at the time of human consumption. Sulfo has got this certification in 2008 making it the first company manufacturing water to obtain this certification in the continent Africa!
For the case of ISO 14001 : 2004, the role is in enforcing the processes that influence SULFO’s environmental performance. In this Management system, greater emphasis is laid on the Society which plays as the main Environmental Management System focus. Sulfo has made comprehensive programs towards conservation of Materials, Electricity and Water. Also effective Waste Management system is in vogue. Employees are also being trained on awareness of significant environment aspects and impacts. On the other hand, OHSAS 18001 : 2007- lays an emphasizing note on the company’s employees, Occupational Health and Safety of the employees being the primary focus. Safety First, Safety Every time is the mantra of Sulfo Employees.
In light to the achievements, Sulfo Rwanda’s Director General Mr. H.Dharmarajan noted that, “the exercises to establish the new Management Systems has been a learning experience for all of us and what adds to the satisfaction is the fact that we went through this wholly with our team and without any outside consultants”.
However, he reiterated that attaining these certifications should not be reason for complacency but rather for harder work to safe guard what has been achieved. “Bear in mind the fact that this has to keep us more vigilant and on guard in order to live up to the higher expectations demanded from all of us and always remember our commitments: Quality, Safety, Health and Good Environment,” he exhorted Sulfo’s employees.Sulfo Rwanda Industries is the only company in Rwanda who offers variety of manufactured products as many as 150 SKUs under various brand names.
