QHSE Certification : Integration of Quality, Health, Safety and Environment standards

What is the QHSE certification ?

The QHSE certification validates a company’s alignment with international standards related to quality, hygiene, safety and respect for the environment. It certifies the implementation of an effective QHSE management system, adapted to the specificities and objectives of the company.

It is based on four key standards : ISO 9001 for quality management, ISO 14001 for environmental management, ISO 45001 for occupational health and safety, and ISO 26000 for social responsibility. These standards share a common core structure, the High-Level Structure, making their integration into a QHSE management system easier.

This certification of conformity is granted by independent and reputable certifying bodies, such as Bureau Veritas or AFNOR. The process includes an initial audit and regular monitoring audits, ensuring compliance with standards and continuous improvement of the company’s QHSE performance.

The benefits of QHSE certification are multiple for the company and its stakeholders. It helps to minimize risk, optimize resources, improve customer, employee and supplier satisfaction, strengthen brand image, stand out from the competition, and comply with legal, regulatory and contractual requirements.

Which organizations offer QHSE certification ?

QHSE certifications are issued by independent and accredited certifying bodies, themselves accredited by COFRAC (French Accreditation Committee) or other similar international accreditation bodies. These bodies carry out initial and follow-up audits to ensure that companies comply with QHSE standards.

The certifying bodies in France

In France, several certification bodies offer services related to ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001 and ISO 26000. These include :

• Bureau Veritas Certification : An international leader in certification in more than 140 countries, which helps companies of all sizes and sectors in their QHSE approach.
• AFNOR Certification : Leading certification body in France, offering customized QHSE certifications for companies, communities and associations.
• DEKRA Certification : An essential player in certification in Europe, known for its expertise in the fields of quality, safety, environment and social responsibility.
• DNV GL Business Assurance : A global certification body offering certification, training and evaluation services focused on quality, occupational health and safety, environment and sustainability.

Certification bodies abroad

Internationally, QHSE certification is also available through foreign certifying bodies accredited by local or international accreditation authorities. These organizations are often members of the IAF (International Accreditation Forum), thus facilitating the worldwide recognition of QHSE certifications. These organizations include :

• Fondonorma : Venezuelan organization offering QHSE certifications based on ISO standards, including sector-specific certificates.
• Ecocert Environnement : Specializing in the certification of eco-responsible products and services, this French organization also delivers QHSE certifications compliant with ISO standards.
• Control Union Inspections France : Dutch agency offering inspection, verification and certification services in various sectors such as agriculture, food, energy, textiles and wood.

What are the specific QHSE certification requirements for my industry ?

Obtaining a QHSE certification is not required by law, but may be a request from some customers, suppliers, partners, or even a way to stand out from the competition. The criteria for obtaining this certification vary greatly according to the field of activity, mainly because of the different risks and impacts associated with each sector.

Requirements common to all sectors

Regardless of the field of activity, obtaining QHSE certification means meeting universal criteria set by ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001 and ISO 26000, which include :

• The definition of the company’s QHSE policies and objectives, in accordance with the context, the needs of stakeholders, and also potential threats and opportunities.
• The establishment of an integrated QHSE management system, based on the PDCA method (Plan, Deploy, Control, Improve), ensuring the planning, execution, supervision, evaluation and optimization of QHSE processes.
• The identification and assessment of QHSE risks and opportunities, and the implementation of preventive and corrective measures for their management.
• The guarantee of compliance with legal, regulatory and contractual standards relating to the activity of the company, and their regular updating.
• Training and raising awareness of staff on QHSE issues, encouraging their participation and advice.
• Communication and documentation of information relevant to the QHSE management system, while ensuring their traceability.
• Monitoring and evaluation of the compqany’s QHSE performance, via specific indicators and dashboards.
• The execution of internal and external audits to check the effectiveness and compliance of the QHSE management system.
• Regular review of the QHSE management system to identify and implement continuous improvements.

Specific requirements according to sectors

In addition to these global criteria, the QHSE certification may also include requirements specific to each environment, established by sectoral standards or reference frameworks specific to each field. For example :

• In the food industry, standards such as ISO 22000 for food safety or FSSC 22000 for food safety management systems are used.
• For the automotive industry, the standards include ISO/TS 16949 for product and process quality, and ISO 26262 for the safety of electrical and electronic systems.
• In aeronautics, there is EN 9100 for the quality of products and services, or EN 9110 for aircraft maintenance.
• For healthcare, standards such as ISO 13485 for medical devices, or ISO 15189 for medical biology laboratories are applied.
• And in the energy sector, standards such as ISO 50001 for energy management or ISO 14064 for greenhouse gas emissions are taken into account.

What are the steps to obtain a QHSE certification?

Obtaining a QHSE certification is a structured path requiring careful preparation and tailor-made support. This process involves different steps, which may vary depending on the certification body chosen.

The key steps to obtain QHSE certification are :

Step 1 : Designing your QHSE management system

The first step is to clearly define your company’s QHSE policy and objectives, taking into account your specific context, stakeholders, risks and opportunities. It is necessary to develop an integrated QHSE management system, incorporating the requirements of ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, and ISO 26000 standards.

It is also crucial to document your QHSE management system, and ensure your staff is trained and sensitized on QHSE issues.

Step 2 : Implementing your QHSE management system

This step involves the concrete application of your QHSE management system within your company, performing the necessary actions to achieve your QHSE objectives. You must ensure that your business complies with legal, regulatory, and contractual requirements related to your industry.

QHSE performance monitoring and measurement is essential, using indicators and dashboards. In addition, internal audits are required to ensure the effectiveness and compliance of your QHSE management system.

Step 3 : Certification of your QHSE management system

For this final step, it is necessary to request an independent and recognized certifying body, which will conduct an initial audit of your QHSE management system. This audit is divided into two phases: a first phase of checking your documentation and planning, and a second phase focused on evaluating the implementation and effectiveness of your system in the field. If your system passes this initial audit, you will receive a three-year QHSE certificate, subject to annual monitoring audits.

How much does a QHSE certification cost ?

The price of obtaining a QHSE certification varies according to various elements, such as the size and field of activity of the company, the number of sites to be controlled, the choice of the certification entity, as well as the degree of development of the QHSE management system. It is therefore difficult to establish a fixed rate, but it is estimated that the average cost for a QHSE certification ranges from 10,000 to 30,000 euros.

Expenses related to QHSE certification are divided into two main categories: preparation costs and audit costs. The preparation phase includes the costs associated with the development, implementation, and optimization of the QHSE management system, including training, consulting, documentation, communication, and necessary materials.

On the other hand, the audit costs include the expenses charged by the certification body for carrying out the initial audit as well as follow-up audits, based on the number of days required for the audit, the auditor’s daily rate, and travel expenses.

It is possible to reduce the costs of a QHSE certification by adopting some effective practices, namely :

• Consolidate QHSE standards within a single management system, facilitating the efficiency and cost reduction of audits, with the possibility of conducting a combined audit.
• Select a certification entity specialized in your field of activity, offering proven expertise at advantageous rates.
• Explore available financial support options, such as grants, tax credits, or zero-rate loans, that may finance a portion of the cost of QHSE certification.
• Collaborate with a partner such as ConseilQHSE, which provides customized approaches to assist companies in their QHSE certification process and enjoys privileged relationships with recognized certification bodies such as AFNOR or Bureau Veritas.

How long does it take to get a QHSE certification ?

Obtaining a QHSE certification varies according to various parameters, such as the size and field of activity of your company, the choice of the certification entity, and the progress of your QHSE management system. Although it is complex to set an exact deadline, the full procedure usually takes 6 to 18 months.

This process is divided into two main stages: preparation and audit. The preparation phase is where you will design, deploy and optimize your QHSE management system. This step can take more or less time depending on the commitment of management, the active participation of employees, the complexity of the processes to be managed and the resources available.

As for the duration of the audit, it includes the initial audit as well as the necessary follow-up audits. This period is influenced by the number of audit days planned, the planning of the certifying body and the correction of any non-conformities.

Here are some tips to speed up the QHSE certification process :

• Unify QHSE standards within an integrated management system to simplify design, implementation and improvement.
• Select an experienced certifying body well adapted to your sector of activity.
• Be accompanied by an expert such as ConseilQHSE, which offers customized solutions for effective preparation for certification and enjoys a privileged relationship with reputable certification bodies such as AFNOR or Bureau Veritas.

Is there a renewal to be done regarding the QHSE certification ?

The QHSE certification represents a continuous commitment to improving the quality, hygiene, safety and environmental management system (QHSE). Thus, its maintenance requires a regular renewal following these steps :

• The validity of the QHSE certification extends over three years from the date of issuance of the certificate by the certification entity.
• During this period, the company is required to undergo annual monitoring audits. These audits, conducted by the certifying body, are used to assess whether the company maintains and improves its QHSE management system. Impromptu audits can also be carried out if necessary.
• When the three years are coming to an end, a renewal audit is required to attest to the compliance and efficiency of the company’s QHSE management system. This audit, similar to the initial one, takes place in two phases: a first phase dedicated to the review of documentation and planning, and a second phase oriented towards the verification of the effective application and performance of the system in the field.
• A successful renewal audit results in the award of a new QHSE certificate, validated for a new three-year period, with the obligation to comply with annual monitoring audits.

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Updating its QHSE certification is a valuable assessment opportunity for the company. This allows them to assess their achievements, measure their progress, identify areas for improvement, and strengthen their commitment to quality, hygiene, safety and the environment.