Prazdroj confirms its occupational safety and environmental certification

The recertification audit took place in January, 2011, at all breweries (Plzeň, Radegast and Velké Popovice) and at Plzeňský Prazdroj business and distribution centres across the Czech Republic.

„The best auditors from DNV participated in the two–day audit. Their expertise was in, for example, the auditing of occupational safety systems and environmental protection at nuclear power plants. To succeed and pass the audit when being compared to such companies, for us it was proof that in the Czech Republic we belong among the best,“ said Jiří Boháč, brewer from Plzeňský Prazdroj.

„The audit focused not only on the requirements set by the standards, which Plzeňský Prazdroj has always upheld, but it also focused on checking processes and activities that deal with customer relations and the upholding of standards and legislative requirements. As a fan of Czech beer, I appreciated the high level of responsibility with which management acts during beer production; specifically that it acts according to all requirements for safe production and for the protection of the environment. The current food market regards as key not only the safety of the actual product but the safety of production, stability and transparency as well, and it requires that companies act according to these requirements set by the audit. The audit of all three standards focused on all these key aspects,“ commented Tomáš Urban, Director of DET NORSKE VERITAS CZ.

Part of the audit also included verifying responsiveness and preparedness for natural disasters. During the audit, the water levels in the rivers around Plzeň were high, so the audit was not only a simulation but a true test of whether the people at Prazdroj are ready for rising water levels.

Plzeňský Prazdroj is a pioneer of the highest quality standards and of the protection of the environment in the Czech Republic. These high standards are represented by certification based on ISO standards. Investment in increased quality of production and the protection of the environment reaches tens of millions of Czech crowns yearly.

The OHSAS 18001 is a modern occupational health and safety management system. The goal is to evaluate an entire spectrum of conditions that affects the health of employees, suppliers and visitors of the brewery. The implementation of the system results in the effective elimination and prevention of injuries, and also in the creation of a healthy working environment above the scope set by legislative requirements.

The ISO 14001:2004 certification is proof that a company actively helps to protect the environment in its production and distribution centres, and also educates its employees about recycling and the efficient use of resources (water, electricity, etc.). In its business plan, Plzeňský Prazdroj set 10 basic priorities for sustainable development. These include such important environmental aspects as decreasing water and energy usage and emission levels, as well as promoting the use of recyclable and returnable packaging materials. Since there exists a  comparison between breweries in the Czech Republic, it can be said that Plzeňský Prazdroj belongs to the best in regards to its approach to the environment.

ISO 9001:2008 is an internationally accredited standard that effectively sets basic requirements, not only for quality, but also defines a company’s approach to its suppliers and its end consumers. An ISO 9001 certificate from a renowned auditing firm such as DNV is frequently requested by customers at home and abroad as proof of the quality of the products from Plzeňský Prazdroj.

Notes to editors:

• DNV (Det Norske Veritas) is an international company specialising in the certification of management systems (quality, environment, occupational safety, information security, etc.). Other areas of expertise of DNV include product certification, technical and management consultation on risk management, and also boat classification. It has a 140–year–old tradition and offers its services to a number of global companies from different industries, including the food industry. DNV is accredited by the Dutch Accreditation Council (RvA), one of the oldest in the world and one of the most respected.
• Plzeňský Prazdroj, a.s. is a pioneer of the highest quality standards and of the protection of the environment in the Czech Republic. These high standards are represented by certification based on ISO standards. Investment in the increase of production quality and in the protection of the environment reaches tens of millions of Czech crowns yearly.

Contact:
Jiří Mareček
Manager external communication
+420 724 617 219

Plzeň