The Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre (SCEC) has become the first convention venue in Australia to be certified for excellent performance in occupational health and safety (OH&S).

Known as Australia/New Zealand Standard 4801* accreditation, the certification acknowledges a high quality OH&S management systems in place across all operations.

“Effective OH&S management is a major priority for the Centre and to be recognised for our standards in this area is very rewarding,” said SCEC chief executive, Ton van Amerongen.

“Workplace safety is a crucial consideration for any organisation, but particularly for a venue like the Centre with a sizeable workforce of more than 800 employees to care for and support.

“The certification also covers our management of safety relating to more than 600 events held at the Centre each year.”

The standard is an extension of the SCEC’s existing safety and management systems, developed and implemented by a dedicated risk and safety manager appointed in 2004.