Certificate VCA/VCU – certification for companies
Certyficate VCA/VCU is a standardization of safety, hygiene and environmental protection principles for companies that carry out high-risk work. Here we mean all technical works, including: construction, assembly, construction, insulation, petrochemical and many more.
VCA is an international certification that is practically applicable in most U.E. countries. The introduction of the system resulted from the need to systematise and harmonize occupational health and safety and the environment for the Dutch and Belgian industries. In practice, this means that companies have a clear and uniform system for managing safety, health and the environment, without the need for additional requirements.
What are the benefits for VCA certified companies?
At the moment, all major companies in the Benelux countries have implemented and apply VCA certification in practice. Having a certification company opens the door to many offers, contracts or tenders where the VCA is a prerequisite. Thus, a company that is in possession of VCA certification has a market advantage.
VCA certification is also a form of support for companies that carry out projects in the Netherlands or Belgium. The VCA system is associated with accepted standards and the practical application of safety rules. The goal is high quality work and reduced accident. Companies that have successfully passed the VCA certification have the knowledge they need to work safely and responsibly.
What does the VCA certification process look like in practice?
The counseling process for initiating a VCA in an organization involves many aspects. Support for the introduction of VCA in an enterprise involves the following activities:
Establishment of VCA / VCU structure and instruction manuals (VGM Safety, Health, Environment)
Explain and discuss the VGM book and instructions
Preparation for audit (including internal audit)
Preparation of RI & E (inventory and risk assessment), emergency plan, First Aid
In addition, the certification process includes, among other things: employee safety instructions and courses and practical support from a security specialist.
How to finally get a certificate VCA/VCU for your company?
Our company supports and advises on the implementation of the VCA safety, health and environmental principles. The whole process is completed by an external audit (control of the external institution). The inspection body also issues a VCA diploma to the company after a positive audit. To maintain VCA certification, the company is required to undergo a 1-day audit every year.
The type of certification depends on the type of job being performed and the place of the project. When choosing the type of certificate, one should answer the question: Will the company act as a recruitment agency or is it an independent contractor?
The best solution is to consult with the main customer (company asking to perform a job on their behalf) and determine which solution is the most advantageous.
Possible options:
VCU certification – required from an employment agency that sends employees to work abroad in Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, France and Luxembourg (Benelux countries).
VCA * certificate required from contractors and subcontractors in Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, France and Luxembourg (Benelux)
VCA ** certification – required from main contractors in Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, France and Luxembourg (Benelux)
What are the costs of certification?
Valuation of the introduction and advice on VCA certification is prepared individually for each company. The final valuation is influenced by the size of the business, type of activity, number of employees, number of branches and many others.
For timing and pricing of the company certification please contact our office.
