Safety and compliance as a strategic priority
A.S. Watson Health & Beauty Benelux, the organization behind the drugstore chains Kruidvat, Trekpleister, and Prijsmepper, supplies more than 1,100 stores in the Netherlands, Belgium, and France from its distribution center in Heteren. Large volumes of products are stored and distributed daily from the distribution center. Due to the amount of hazardous substances present, this location falls under the Major Accidents Risks Decree (BRZO).
Within this context, safety is paramount. Managing risks and demonstrably complying with laws and regulations are integral parts of business operations. That is why A.S. Watson has been working with Lexerta since 2015 for support with safety issues and the preparation and supervision of BRZO inspections.
BRZO Inspection and Safety Management System
BRZO inspections are extensive and can take several days. Inspection teams consist of representatives from the Netherlands Labour Inspectorate, the competent WABO authority, the Safety Region, and sometimes the water board. During these inspections, among other things, an assessment is made of how a company has set up, maintained, and applied its Safety Management System (VBS) in practice, with specific attention to the risks of hazardous substances, control measures, and compliance with procedures.
For A.S. Watson, it was important to prepare carefully for the inspection and to be able to explain the VBS in a clear and consistent manner. The emphasis was on substantive substantiation, alignment with the inspection agenda, and a clear division of roles during the inspection days.
Preparation, guidance and on-site support
Lexerta supported A.S. Watson from the preparation phase through to the execution of the BRZO inspection. This began with carrying out and guiding internal audits of the existing SMS, which provided insight into strengths and areas for improvement. This formed the basis for the management review, in which management records the effectiveness of the SMS. Particular attention was paid to the topics listed on the inspection agenda.
On the day of the inspection, the Lexerta consultant was present on behalf of A.S. Watson to answer the inspectors’ questions, provide clarification, and give a presentation on important themes such as Ageing. Everything took place in close cooperation with A.S. Watson’s HSE coordinator, ensuring that the SMS was presented both accurately and clearly.
After the inspection, A.S. Watson received the official Inspection Report, which included the findings of the regulators. Lexerta also remained available to provide suggestions for further improvement of the SMS, based on experience with BRZO inspections and safety management systems.
Strengthened SMS and Improved Compliance
Thanks to the support of Lexerta, A.S. Watson was well prepared for its BRZO inspection. The collaboration ensured that the internal audits, management review, and presentations during the inspection were carried out professionally and thoughtfully, which contributed to a constructive interaction with the regulators.
The presence of a Lexerta advisor during the inspection days provided extra assurance and speed in clarifying and answering questions. As a result, A.S. Watson was able to demonstrate that the Safety Management System was properly set up and confidence in the control of risks was strengthened.
After the inspection, A.S. Watson used the recommendations from the report to further improve the SMS. The collaboration with Lexerta encourages continuous development of the safety system, which contributes to the protection of employees, the environment, and nature, as well as solid long-term compliance performance.
