Tyne & Wear-based Express Engineering, a global leader in innovative manufacturing, assembly and testing solutions for the subsea oil and gas industry, has gained ISO 45001 approval.

The success, which has come in the face of Covid-19 and tough lockdown restrictions, demonstrates the company’s commitment to developing effective controls and procedures for a safe working environment at its Gateshead engineering and R&D facilities.

The new ISO 45001 accreditation, which replaces OHSAS 18001, is a global standard, covering occupational health and safety, providing a framework to improve employee safety, reduce workplace risks and create better working conditions, focusing on a proactive approach to improving safety performance.

The news comes as Express Engineering has continued to maintain a resilient performance in the face of uncertainties caused by the pandemic. It currently employs more than 200 people across its operations and predicts revenues in excess of £35 million for 2020.

Dave Fullen, Express Engineering facilities manager, said: “We have been working towards achieving this standard for more than 18 months. It is great news and this success reflects all the hard work, commitment and effort that has been made to ensure we meet stringent international standards.”