NatEx’s achieves highest safety mark

National Express’s coach division has achieved the highest ever mark given on a first audit by the British Safety Council (BSC). The operator was awarded 96% in the safety review. The company also gained five out of five stars and an ‘Excellent’ rating for its approach to safety management. Earlier this year the BSC carried out a comprehensive audit of the company’s Health and Safety management systems by interviewing senior management, staff and drivers and inspecting its workplaces. According to Auditor, Christopher McDermott, such high marks were awarded because of the leadership’s commitment to safety and the demonstration of continuous improvement. As a result of the audit National Express coach has gained the British Standard OHSAS18001 certificate for its safety management standards and is now eligible to apply for the Sword of Honour accolade when the application window opens for 2015.
National Express UK Coach Operations Director, Kevin Gale, said, ‘To be awarded the highest possible rating on our first attempt at gaining certification is fantastic, but to gain the highest ever rating of any company on a first audit is outstanding. I want to thank all the staff for their ongoing commitment to making this company a safe place to work. Despite the result, we will never be complacent and we will continue to refine and improve our safety procedures.’