As a quality first service company, people are at the heart of everything we do. We support the health and safety of our employees, champion our environment and deliver the highest quality.
What does good HSEQ management (Health, Safety, Environment, Quality) look like? Which tools does Apleona Schweiz use for quality assurance and how does the company help protect the environment? We put these questions to Milan Asanin, Director of HSEQ and ESG since December 2017.
What do you like most about your job?
As Director of HSEQ and ESG (Environment, Social, Corporate Governance), my role is a fascinating mix of data privacy officer, inspector, lawyer and innovative entrepreneur. I particularly like drawing on my experience and knowledge to support and coach other employees. The CIP (Continuous Improvement Process) is especially good fun to be involved in, since it plays a big part in the company’s future development.
What does good HSEQ management look like?
We always want to keep improving. This sense of purpose, which is shared by all employees at Apleona Schweiz, is a key factor in effective HSEQ management. The HSEQ team supports all employees with tips, policies and training to make ‘continuous improvement’ more straightforward.
Effective HSEQ management is primarily based on the following four attributes:
- Strong commitment to HSEQ policies from managers and the executive board
- Quality management that is easily accessible and geared towards the audience at all levels
- Professional accident management, with a strong emphasis on prevention
- High level of transparency of the most important HSEQ metrics for the organisation
What are the key aspects of successful accident prevention?
You can never do too much to prevent accidents. The objective is always clear: zero accidents; zero incidents; zero damage. In my view, the following mechanisms are crucial to achieving this:
- Regular training
- Clear communication and intelligible reporting
- Strong levels of awareness and responsibility at management level
- Regular prevention work
Which safety-related services does Apleona Schweiz provide to support its customers?
We develop and conduct tailor-made training courses on occupational health and safety tailored to our customers’ requirements. We also offer disaster management training (including evacuation exercises and rescue operations), develop safety concepts, offer advice and coaching on safety issues, undertake audits and risk assessments, and establish and implement management systems in accordance with ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 50001 and/or ISO 45001.
Which tools does Apleona Schweiz use for quality assurance?
Quality assurance goes hand in hand with sustainable and continuous optimisation of our services. In other words: “Anyone who stops improving has stopped being good” (quote from Prof. Philip Rosenthal, industrialist and businessman). For us to succeed, in addition to motivated and qualified employees, we require modern tools. The following tools are especially critical for us:
- IQSoft, our digital filing system – locate up-to-date information without having to search
- LPC – senior managers monitor relevant processes
- Internal health and safety audits and self-monitoring system
- Safety inspections
- Inspection system for those working in isolation
What is Apleona Schweiz’ position in relation to sustainability, climate action and ESG?
Protecting the environment secures our future. Apleona Schweiz is mindful to ensure it handles resources in an environmentally friendly way, especially in customer-specific work processes, and is certified in accordance with ISO 50001:2018 and ISO 14001:2015. The environmental management system is part of a management system that includes the following: responsibilities, behaviours, processes and resources for setting out and implementing environmental policy.
Apleona Schweiz supports sustainability in real estate by offering the following services:
- Continuous development, continuation and implementation of management systems in accordance with ISO 14001
- Management of hazardous substances – in conformance with the applicable laws and regulations
- Cost-optimised, environmentally responsible waste management
- Environmentally friendly cleaning
What is Green Real Estate?
In the real estate industry, the three most important topics at present are sustainability, energy efficiency and ESG. ESG is no longer merely a compliance requirement; today, it directly influences the valuation of portfolios while also offering opportunities to add value.
Innovative energy management within and for buildings is becoming a key strategic area of expertise, making Apleona Switzerland’s integral facility management an ‘enabler’ for climate action.
Our internal ESG experts respond to customers’ specific requirements – we offer both comprehensive strategies and customised measures.
What do we understand by sustainability?
We can increase energy efficiency by systematically identifying weak points and putting in place optimisation measures. Our technical experts in the energy and sustainability sector actively advise our customers and continually develop solutions that guarantee a lasting supply of energy. We have already helped multiple customers achieve their energy goals this way.
Where will there be the greatest need for action in the HSEQ sector in the short term?
In the HSEQ sector, the greatest need for action over the next few years will be adapting to dynamic changes in the world of work, and the increasing importance of mental health.
Increasing digitalisation, changes in organisational structures and flexible working hours call for continuous adaptation and development of HSEQ standards to protect and support employees’ physical and mental health.
In addition, there needs to be greater integration of HSEQ into corporate strategies and leadership to achieve a holistic and sustainable improvement in working conditions.
Finally, which four adjectives best describe the HSEQ team at Apleona Schweiz?
- forward-looking
- helpful
- creative
- committed
