MASE certification validates the implementation and proper functioning of a system for the continuous improvement of Safety, Health and Environment performance. Most often, the first motivation of companies to engage in such an approach is to respond to the request of a principal, generally industrial. However, the survey carried out by the OPPBTP and Mase shows that companies derive a strong interest from MASE certification and report benefits for the performance of the company that go well beyond their initial expectations, expressing a very high level of satisfaction.
"In view of the results of this survey, MASE certification undeniably represents a tool at the service of performance, the collateral benefits of which are felt both in the image that the company sends back to its customers and partners, in its performance in risk prevention, on its economic health and the performance of its organization but also on the teams and the quality of their work. The difficulties expressed by some business leaders in getting all their staff to adhere to this approach also confirm the need, in terms of a culture of prevention, to encourage the participation and expression of employees at all levels of the company, from the start of the process, to promote everyone's support. » analysis Virginie Renard, Director of Prevention and Performance and Culture of Prevention within the OPPBTP.
A very high level of satisfaction from construction companies
The study highlights a very positive assessment on the part of MASE-certified managers, since 96% of the companies questioned declared that the efforts made to implement MASE certification were worth it. Indeed, MASE certification makes managers more confident in the future of their company (88% of companies questioned). This confidence is expressed by a feeling of mastery of professional risks (84% of respondents - almost one respondent in two gives this reason first) and everyday situations in general (69% of respondents).
In addition, while 80% of companies have undertaken a MASE certification process in order to work with certain principals (for 43% of companies questioned, this was their primary motivation), the benefits observed by companies are multiple and go far beyond this market aspect.
A tool for consolidating the company in its market
Firstly, it appears that MASE certification has a very positive impact on one of the major aspects of company performance: its consolidation in its markets.
61% of managers have seen their turnover increase or stay the same thanks to certification, particularly in companies with less than 20 employees.
In addition, almost all managers (97%) stress that certification clearly improves the company's image with its customers and partners. 81% believe that it contributes to improving their relations with their partners and service providers, and 80% believe that it allows them to increase customer loyalty. Finally, certification is also a source of business opportunities for more than 7 out of 10 managers.
A positive impact on work
A very large majority of managers say that certification improves the quality of work (83%), and allows innovation in the way of working on a daily basis (80%).
On the other hand, the assessment is more nuanced as regards the gain in productivity that certification can bring them: 4 managers out of 10 (42%) believe that certification has a positive impact on productivity.
Positive but more moderate perceptions of the impact of MASE certification within teams and management
The study also highlights satisfactory results concerning the impact of MASE certification within the teams.
66% of managers believe that certification has improved the performance of their employees, and 65% believe that it makes them more autonomous in the field. In addition, 62% believe that the certification had a positive impact on the general atmosphere within the company. Nevertheless, the results are less clear-cut than for the other indicators, with a lower proportion of “Yes, absolutely” responses.
Internal buy-in, the main challenge for business leaders
In addition, among the companies having considered that the implementation of MASE certification had been difficult (48%), 50% spontaneously answered that the most difficult was to make the staff adhere to the approach by making its usefulness understood, benefits for all and by sharing a vision. However, the adhesion of the teams is an important criterion of the satisfaction of companies vis-à-vis the MASE certification: the more the managers perceive benefits internally, the higher the satisfaction. This therefore raises the question of the presentation of the MASE approach within the company, then its “translation” into concrete elements, understood and accepted for daily application. Management systems indeed reveal their full effectiveness when the entire company is on board, and when the prevention culture evolves at all levels.
“MASE has more than 25 years of feedback on the reduction of workplace accidents thanks to the implementation of our system. To achieve these results and stay in step with the current and future needs of our members, we had to update our reference system on several occasions. Even if we were convinced of it, this survey made it possible to confirm factually that our system not only has a positive impact at the HSE level, but also on the overall performance of construction companies. And for those who think that security is expensive, think again: only 9% of business leaders surveyed point to the cost of the process as a difficulty. » comments Didier Méné, President of MASE.
“This survey demonstrates all the benefits of deploying a business organization based on a proven framework, through the voices of the people best placed to testify. We are convinced that these systems must be promoted and generalized because they represent opportunities for sustainable progress in prevention, by breaking the glass floor that everyone deplores today in the reduction of claims. Indeed, when these systems are implemented with conviction and sharing a mutual vision, then they are undeniably effective, both in prevention and for the overall performance of companies and society. » concludes Paul Duphil, General Secretary of the OPPBTP.
Find the main results of the survey and testimonials from business leaders on preventionbtp.fr.