As an example of these audit systems in business lines and divisions, VINCI Construction Grands Projets has a dedicated audit unit within its Quality, Safety, Environment and Information Systems Department (DQSE-I). Its management committee sets an audit schedule each year, based on operational priorities and risks. VINCI Construction Grands Projets’ head office audits each project every two years, to ensure that its management system fully complies with safety requirements. These requirements reflect applicable standards (such as ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001), guidelines applied by VINCI, VINCI Construction and VINCI Construction Grands Projets’ head office, as well as a project’s specific contractual requirements (as defined by the safety plan, environment plan, quality plan, process map, requirements of partners and other interested parties, laws and regulations in force, local standards, etc.). ISO 9001, which is a core standard for audits, also covers all aspects relating to the management, selection, monitoring and assessment of subcontractors. Upon completion of an audit, observations are shared with the heads of the relevant project and the audit report is sent to management at every level, including the general management of VINCI Construction Grands Projets. Once the audit report is received, the entity suggests actions to remedy any issues. Project managers and the audit unit share responsibility for monitoring the action plan: in general, the project’s QSE manager informs the auditor when a measure is implemented and provides evidence of its achievement. Periodic updates on progress, supporting documentation and trends are also provided.
As well as these internal audit systems, audit procedures relating to health and safety at Group entities may also involve obtaining certifications, creating a need for external audits. Three VINCI Autoroutes concession companies with operations activities are ISO 45001 certified. The audits required to maintain certification provide opportunities to periodically assess the quality and maturity of various aspects and to identify strengths, opportunities for improvement and any nonconformities. The aspects covered include company policy; leadership and management engagement; employee participation; training and awareness; work preparation and organisation; management of materials, equipment and products; risk prevention for external companies; regulatory compliance; and accident management. These audits are followed internally by operational reviews in regions and a central management review, at which times corrective actions are determined and new objectives set.
Including safety criteria in consultations with subcontractors is becoming systematic. Contractual clauses were shared throughout the Group to help introduce stricter safety requirements. The clauses create an obligation to report non-compliance with fundamental safety rules and take certain measures, not only in situations of joint activity but also in the subcontractor’s own operations. Failure to do so can give rise to contract termination.
VINCI’s business activities expose employees and other workers at its worksites and operating sites to risks with potentially serious consequences. All Group companies must have a system in place to report accidents and potentially serious incidents. Every accident must be recorded and analysed; appropriate action must be taken and monitored. If a serious accident occurs, an investigation into the root causes is carried out. Organisational factors, such as procedures and equipment, and human factors are examined using proven tools and methodologies. Health and safety specialists and managers alike regularly receive specific training on how to effectively investigate incidents. The results of the investigations are reported and discussed at every management level, from the company to the division or business line, in the presence of health and safety directors. Based on the results, changes may be made to work procedures, materials and equipment, which are then communicated to all employees and people working at the site, using dedicated online and on-site resources, as well as during in-person meetings so that staff can dialogue and interact.
