Depending on the processing stage, the production facilities are faced with specific challenges with regard to occupational health and safety. However, appropriate marking of emergency exits, displaying of escape routes and correct behaviour of employees in emergencies are important issues for all companies.

One of the priorities of the auditor training are labour laws and working conditions, identification of possible noise or dust pollution and safe handling of required chemicals. These always have to take into account the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and the identification of work areas and production plants with suitable warning symbols.

Other topics included: prevention of heat stress, best possible workplace lighting, verification of safety measures for the prevention of work-related accidents as well as competent maintenance and suitability testing of plants and machines.

Another important component of the training was how to phrase questions precisely and how to handle possible answers from the management and in interviews with company employees during the audit.

The auditors can use the practical case studies discussed in the workshops as a basis for conducting their everyday facility audits. The preconditions for a professional qualification level of all STeP auditors are practical experience and the uniform application through all OEKO-TEX member institutes and Representative Offices. Those that do not yet have the required experience for the facility visits will be accompanied by a qualified expert.

Oeko-Tex