Glasgow Airport is first five star UK airport

Glasgow Airport has become the first airport in the UK to achieve five stars in a rigorous audit by the British Safety Council.

The airport was assessed over four days, achieving the accreditation and the maximum five stars at the first attempt.

The outcome of the Combined OHSAS 18001 Occupational Health and Safety Audit was based on interviews with managers and staff, site tours, inspections and a review of the airport’s safety management. The final report highlighted a number of areas of good practice.

Alex Botha, chief executive of the British Safety Council, said: “We warmly congratulate the staff and management at Glasgow Airport for their success in gaining five stars in their first audit undertaken through the British Safety Council. Managing one of the UK’s major airports, and all the risks that entails, is immensely challenging.

“Everyone concerned should derive tremendous satisfaction from their achievement. The auditors identified many strengths in Glasgow Airport’s management of risk in its operation, including the role played by senior management in providing leadership and direction, and the role of the wider workforce in ensuring the airport is kept safe and secure.”

Gillies Crichton, Glasgow Airport’s head of assurance, said: “The safety of our passengers and staff is our number one priority at all times and to be the first UK airport to achieve five stars in this audit is a fantastic achievement, particularly at the first attempt. It reflects the hard work which has taken place across the campus to reach this level.”

This is the latest in a long line of initiatives undertaken by the airport, which has received a host of awards for its excellent health & safety performance. In 2012, it received a Healthy Working Lives Gold Award, an International Safety Award, and a Gold award from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA).