subject: How To Choose An Iso 14001 Training Company [print this page] Implementing the ISO 14000 standard to set up an environmental management system for your company is certainly a laudable goal, albeit a daunting one. Locating a source for excellent ISO 14001 training is just one of the challenges you must face -- being willing to change procedures to adhere to the standard is another.
Obtaining certification is something many companies have tried and failed to do. Often times this was due to a lack of support for the program, either from the top or the bottom of the ladder. Implementing the standards requires flexibility and the support of superiors, but even after certification has been obtained, it doesn't end there. To retain your company's certification requires vigilance, to maintain the standards and documentation necessary to show auditors you are, in fact, in compliance.
ISO 14000 certification offers many benefits including: more efficient use of energy and materials, possible reductions in insurance premiums, improved public perception, and less of an impact on the planet we all rely upon. The benefits don't stop there, however. There are many companies who will only award contracts to those who have received ISO 14000 certification, including many government organizations.
There are excellent training resources available online, and there are companies who offer both online and offline training. Proper training is necessary to understand how the new standards are going to impact your business, and how to implement them properly. Some companies have regularly scheduled classes located all over the country, and classes can cover a wide variety of topics pertaining to the certification.
One important consideration when looking for a company to train your workforce is whether they provide examples suited to your industry. A major downfall of many training companies is their lack of adequate examples as they pertain to specific industries. You must also consider whether the Instructors are certified themselves. A certified Instructor is far more likely to know what the auditors are going to ask, and what documentation they will require.
It cannot be overstated how important it is that everyone from the top Executives to the workers on the line supports the move to a "greener" operating discipline. Without the support of everyone involved, it is unlikely that your company's certification will pass a single audit. This has doomed countless companies seeking to earn or maintain their certification.
Obtaining ISO 14001 training is only the beginning. With a willingness to adapt to the new standards, and apply them thoughtfully, your organization can head into the future ahead of the competition. Your company will be able to bid in markets where others cannot, your employees will take pride working for such a responsible organization, and your competition will... Well, who cares about your competition???
