www.nebosh.org.uk/qualifications 7 It has several high profile and demanding customers, from Formula One, automotive and aerospace sectors to a wide range of specialist subcontract manufacturers. In many ways, these are the kind of customers that have inspired Matsuura to strengthen its SHE management approach. As Matsuura Machinery’s SHE Manager, Keith Mattock, explained: “When you have the right approach, people love you to bits! To complete any kind of work for our high-profile customers, you have to present your risk assessment and method statement before you can even get a job number on site. It’s never taken for granted, they look at it properly.” In 2012, Matsuura Machinery Ltd’s Managing Director, Roger Howkins, set out to rapidly improve health, safety and environmental knowledge and understanding across the organisation. He wanted to quickly change the culture and raise the level of importance placed on such issues, whilst recognising that the job still needs to get done. To achieve this, he decided managers there should at least hold the NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Safety and Health. Improving awareness, assessing risks and keeping it real ensures that the business can continue to operate efficiently whilst maintaining a safe and managed work environment. Now more than a third of the entire workforce has passed the qualification. “It’s made a big difference,” said Keith Mattock. “Of course it’s important to keep people safe while they are working, but also our customers really appreciate it when we have the right systems and processes in place. We’re fortunate now to have so many who are NEBOSH qualified. It certainly makes my job easier! People have an awareness of health and safety and understand their responsibilities.” Raising SHE knowledge and skills has also helped Keith and the team at Matsuura Machinery Ltd gain accreditation to relevant international standards, including ISO 9001 (Quality) and ISO 14001 (Environmental). Matsuura’s Managing Director Roger Howkins recognises the business benefits achieving such standards can bring. The company’s clients demand quality and excellence, not only in terms of the machinery and operational service standards they receive, but also in their management approach. We’re delighted to support companies like Matsuura, who recognise the value of high standards in all areas of business. “ More than a third of the entire workforce has passed the NEBOSH National General Certificate.”