The National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme (NHVAS) Standards place an onus on the Operator to be responsible for their business policies, procedures and records, which is characterised as their management system.
Regulatory frameworks involving third-party certification are widely used to provide assurance that regulated activities are being conducted in accordance with the Scheme’s requirements. An essential contributing factor to the success of the Scheme is the competence and integrity of Approved Auditors operating under the NHVAS.
Through an independent auditing process, the Operator must exhibit compliance with key elements relating to vehicle mass, maintenance and/or driver fatigue. Â The competence and integrity of Approved Auditors operating under the NHVAS is essential to the success of the Scheme.
Through a continuous improvement strategy, the Operator must demonstrate an appropriate level of compliance to achieve and maintain accreditation under the NHVAS.
Approved Auditors must act professionally and ethically at all times. Approved Auditors are subject to a Code of Conduct. This code of conduct provides a framework to support consistent, independent, and fair decision making by Approved Auditors.
Although it is reassuring for an Operator to have collaborated that all their systems conform to the Standards, it is however more critical to have any non-conformances identified.
This attribute must never be seen as criticism, but rather, an opportunity to identify areas for improvement and change.
On occasions, systems languish and corrective action is necessary. The benefits of an audit is to have an independent professional identify system weaknesses, and with suitable corrective actions, standards which require addressing are improved.
After an Operator receives objective candor, incremental improvements can be achieved by integrating management system enhancements that ultimately improves external factors such as road safety, and internally with quality, productivity and service.
Being flexible to constant change, shifting needs, and an ever-growing challenges from competitors, enables the Operator to stay agile and adaptable. Embracing Audit findings and instilling a quality mindset is a key ingredient to business success.
Lean Auditing Services management approach is all about people orientation and a commitment to ethics and service. We owe our success to the pride, professionalism, commitment and dedication of our valued clients.
“Identifying improvement opportunities today to ensure your business seizes the possibilities of tomorrowâ€