To complement the existing SCC, a new “VCA-MAX” has now been launched. This is a combination of the ‘existing’ SCC scheme with the new behaviour module (SCC-MG) incorporated into it. VCA-MAX should allow thorough testing of culture, attitude and behaviour as well. The aim: to encourage safe working even more, because safety only really works if it is embedded in the corporate culture.
Addition to the existing SCC
The addition to the existing SCC system is a response to developments in the field and market of tenders and contracts to also explicitly and structurally embed attitude, safety awareness and behaviour. Particularly in the Netherlands, it is in many cases mandatory in construction to meet a certain rung on the Safety Culture Ladder in order to win tenders (mandatory from the measure Safety in Tendering - ViA). VCA-MAX aims to be the answer to this from the VCA system and is situated at the “calculated” level (step 3) of culture ladders.
Tested
In July this year, the new VCA-MAX was tested at a number of companies In the Netherlands in construction and engineering, among others. The results were positive. Certification bodies are expected to respond once they have auditors specifically trained for VCA-MAX.
Conscious behaviour
SCC lays the foundations: clear system and structure requirements, processes, workplace application, inspections and audits. But anyone who has ever been on an industrial site knows that safety is mainly about people. Real safety occurs when people consciously and proactively demonstrate safe behaviour. That is why the VCA Behaviour Module (VCA-MG) was developed as a practical way to make safe behaviour and safety culture visible and demonstrable.
The power of combination
Together, VCA and VCA-MG form the VCA-MAX safety culture combination:
- Rules, structures and systems in place.
- Behaviour and safety awareness strengthened.
- Demonstrated compliance with procurement requirements.
- Connect to safety culture ladders (level step 3).
VCA-MAX consists of VCA 2017/6.0 with the additional VCA Behaviour Module (VCA-MG) and explanatory notes on this module integrated into it.
How does VCA-MAX work?
The additional Behaviour Module is optional. Companies can get started with the module in two ways:
- Keep your current SCC certificate and add SCC-MG.
- Combine VCA and VCA-MG directly into one certification VCA-MAX.
With VCA-MAX, contractors can obtain the well-known VCA certificate at level *, ** orP and the additional VCA-MG certificate. The certification can be carried out at the same time, but it is not necessary. A company that already has a regular SCC certificate can therefore still be audited at a later date to obtain the supplementary SCC-MG certificate. The VCA-MG certificate allows contractors to demonstrate that their company's safety culture is at level 3 (the level “calculated” according to safety culture ladders).
VCA-MAX is optional
This means that for companies using the regular SCC 2017/6.0 scheme, it is not compulsory to integrate the SCC Behaviour Module and that companies and sectors can choose this themselves. Also note that the additional module is not covered by accreditation.
The VCA-MAX document
This document has the familiar structure of SCC 2017/6.0. Where applicable, the text of the supplementary SCC-MG is recognisably included each time after the element of SCC 2017/6.0 to which it relates. This is followed, where appropriate, by a boxed explanation of the additional requirements of SCC-MG. Additional tips are included at the end of this document. The purpose of the explanations and tips is to support users, both the certification body and the companies to be certified. Therefore, tips for companies to implement the additional requirements of the SCC-MG are also included.
Application in Belgium
As is the case in the Netherlands, certification bodies in Belgium need to be prepared to serve their clients who opt for VCA-MAX. That means appropriate training for SCC auditors and coordinators and agreements on the new audit requirements and their reporting. The VCA Executive Committee of Experts, which has substantive responsibility for SCC in Belgium, in consultation with the Central College of Experts in the Netherlands, is currently reviewing how the roll-out will proceed. We are also checking whether adjustments and/or specific clarification is needed from a Belgian perspective.
Getting started?
An SCC system cannot be built and implemented in one day and for SCC-MAX this is even more true. It will take quite some time and effort for companies to make the change to behaviour and culture. With this information and the VCA-MAX document, companies that wish to do so can start preparing now and prepare their organisation for a policy that integrates safety behaviour and culture of safety.
More information: contact@besacc-vca.be
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