Azimut Benetti, prestigious Italian luxury yacht builder, has obtained the Occupational Health and Safety Management System certification (BS OHSAS 18001:2007). Azimut Benetti is the only firm in this field, not only in Italy, but also worldwide, to obtain this certification, representing a true milestone in promoting safety and responsibility.
Azimut shipyard in Viareggio - part of Azimut Benetti group
Azimut-Benetti S.p.A. is the first luxury yacht group to receive the Occupational Health and Safety Management System certification (BS OHSAS 18001:2007). Since adopting the Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSAS) is not mandatory by law, Azimut-Benetti’s choice is a testament to how highly the company regards its own health and safety and that of its staff. It is also an indication of the company&rsqo;s high degree of organizational development, now on par with the most modern and cutting edge manufacturers.
The certification process began at Azimut-Benetti back in 2009. Designed above all to focus the company culture on health and safety, it began with identifying reference parameters. Subsequently, it involved adopting behaviours to conform to these parameters. Fundamental components of this process have also included routine re-assessment of risk analysis, constant monitoring, and detailed analysis of all situations, including those which – while not accident causing per se – have posed safety problems for the company and its staff.
More specifically, operational training for technicians has been instituted (for example, in the use of wood working machinery, forklifts and cranes), as well as health monitoring management procedures and routine maintenance of systems, machinery, and equipment. Emergency management procedures and protocols (in case of fire, earthquake, and explosion) have been defined and distributed, and personal protective equipment has been provided. All processes are managed in the field via preventative and corrective measures with the aim of continuous improvement.
This has translated into 14,000 hours of training and involved more than 2,000 people over the course of two years. Each component has a specific program that takes into consideration all the risk variables inherent to the particular task and identifies emergency protocols. What&rsqo;s more, Azimut-Benetti has provided training for more than 800 boat building subcontractors, mainly focusing on those in the immediate vicinity of Benettis&rsqo; Viareggio boat yard. The intention has been to encourage these companies to adopt proper safety procedures, thereby turning the entire area into a hub of excellence. Workplace accidents in Italy cost the country approximately 45 billion Euros per year (source: INAIL) with management of occupational illnesses costing another 7 billion. On top of this, lost production means a direct cost to companies of 15.4 billion Euros.
Today, Azimut-Benetti’s OHSAS certification has led to a 45% reduction of workplace accidents; this has positively impacted the companys&rsqo; overall efficiency, improved industrial relationships, and boosted staff motivation and moral. It is also important to point out that the reduced costs associated with accidents, injuries, and illnesses has freed up resources which the company can now devote to additional training.
The certification awarded by RINA S.p.A – an international organisation and member of CISQ Federation – applies to the facilities in Avigliana (TO), those of Azimut Yachts in Savona, and those of Benetti Class in Viareggio; the intention is to expand coverage to include all Group production sites within the next 24 months. Paolo Vitelli, the president of the Group, is proud of this important and challenging initiative, saying: It is my firm belief that worker health and safety is an essential requirement for this company; any action geared towards worker protection is not viewed as a burden but rather as a valuable investment. The OHSAS 18001 system is a fundamental component in fostering increased safety, involvement, and responsibility; it represents for us an additional element that increases and enhances our distinctiveness.”
Azimut-Benetti is the leading and most prestigious builder of mega yachts in the world. Operating in 68 countries worldwide through a network of 138 sales offices, the Group includes the prestigious brands Azimut Yachts, Azimut Grande, Benetti, and Atlantis, with each one catering to a distinct segment of the yacht market. The Group also includes Yachtique, the service division exclusively dedicated to boat owners, also headed by brokerage and chartering specialists, Fraser Yachts.
