Relevant to undertakings that carry out high-risk work in a risk prone environment (work in factories, installations, workshops and project sites), such as: metal construction, mechanical and electrical works, buildings, bridges and roads, industrial cleaning, industrial maintenance, etc.

What you need to know

What is VCA certification?

VCA is a procedure for the certification of a safety management system.
The company that applies for certification must prove that they comply with the VCA criteria that are presented in the form of a checklist (VCA checklist), during audits carried out by one or more of our auditors.
The VCA is part of the Central Committee of Experts VCA (CCVD-VCA), which manages the certification system and monitors its quality. Vinçotte is required to meet all the accreditation requirements and comply with the agreement between the certification bodies and the SSVV (Foundation Cooperation for Safety).

Principles of the standard

We make a distinction between three levels of certification:

  • VCA* : This level relates to the direct management of the HSE aspects at the workplace, without relying on sub-contractors.
  • VCA** : This level relates to the direct management of the HSE aspects in the workplace, as well as of the HSE structure (policy, HSE organisation, improvement), in which, wherever applicable, sub-contractors are engaged
  • VCA Petrochemicals: This level relates to the direct management of the HSE aspects in the workplace, as well as in the HSE structure (policy, HSE organisation, improvement), in which, wherever applicable, sub-contractors are engaged, as well as requirements specific to the petrochemical sector.

Certification procedures

There are several stages in the certification cycle:

  • Making contact and obtaining information
  • Offer/order
  • Possible pre-audit (analysis and evaluation of dossiers on request). This pre-audit is optional and offers the contractor the option to assess whether his system is ready to be certified.
  • Prior verification of the documentation (Phase 1 of the audit).
  • Audit and report. An audit consists of a verification of the documentation of the system and the implementation of the system in the company. The remarks are recorded in an audit report.
  • Decision and certificate (+ corrective measures). Based on this report, the coordinator of the certification body decides whether the contractor may be certified. If the recommendation is positive, a certificate is awarded. If not, an additional audit (post- audit) has to be carried out after implementing corrective measures, in order to take a decision on whether the system actually complies with the requirements of the reference system (checklist VCA).
  • Follow-up audits. A follow-up audit shall be carried out each year. This audit consists of an assessment of the evolution and the continuity of the application of the system.
    The certificates issued are valid for three years. A full audit must be carried out after three years (re-certification).