IMS Implementation at RICHSTONE
Quality in Every Project, Safety in Every Step, Care for Every Environment.
RICHSTONE Contracting & General Maintenance LLC, headquartered in Abu Dhabi, UAE, provides contracting, building maintenance, and facility management services across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and the Western Region. Established in 2020, the company quickly positioned itself as a trusted partner in the construction and facilities sector.
To strengthen its competitiveness, ensure compliance with UAE regulatory requirements, and meet growing client demands for sustainable and safe operations, RICHSTONE undertook the implementation of an Integrated Management System (IMS) based on:
- ISO 9001:2015 (Quality Management System)
- ISO 14001:2015 (Environmental Management System)
- ISO 45001:2018 (Occupational Health & Safety Management System)
Project Objectives
- Quality: Ensure consistent service delivery and improve customer satisfaction.
- Environment: Minimize environmental impact from contracting and maintenance activities.
- Health & Safety: Provide a safe and healthy workplace for employees and subcontractors.
- Integration: Streamline management processes by unifying three standards into one system.
- Certification: Achieve ISO certifications to enhance market reputation and eligibility for major contracts.
Implementation Approach
1. Gap Analysis & Planning
An initial assessment compared RICHSTONE’s existing practices with ISO standards. Key gaps included limited documentation, lack of structured risk assessments, and inconsistent environmental controls across sites. A roadmap was developed to address these gaps within 9 months.
2. Leadership & Policy Alignment
Top management issued a unified Quality, Environment, Health & Safety (QEHS) Policy. Leadership commitment was demonstrated by allocating resources, engaging employees, and ensuring clear accountability across departments.
3. Process Integration
- Mapped all critical processes (project execution, procurement, site maintenance, incident reporting).
- Developed integrated procedures covering quality inspections, environmental monitoring, and safety controls.
- Introduced a unified document control and reporting system to reduce duplication.
4. Training & Awareness
- Conducted IMS awareness training for all employees.
- Delivered specialized training for site supervisors on hazard identification, waste management, and quality inspections.
- Introduced weekly “toolbox talks” to reinforce health, safety, and environmental practices on project sites.
5. Operational Controls
- Quality: Standardized inspection checklists and client feedback loops.
- Environment: Implemented waste segregation, reduced water/electricity use at sites, and ensured compliant disposal of hazardous materials.
- Safety: Strengthened PPE compliance, safe work permits, and emergency preparedness drills.
6. Internal Audits & Certification
Internal audits were conducted across all functions, followed by corrective and preventive actions. After a successful external audit, RICHSTONE achieved certification in ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001 as an integrated system.
Results & Impact
- Improved Quality Performance:
- 30% reduction in customer complaints within the first year.
- On-time project delivery improved by 25%.
- Enhanced Health & Safety:
- Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate (LTIFR) reduced to zero for two consecutive years.
- Increased reporting of near-miss incidents, creating a stronger safety culture.
- Environmental Benefits:
- 20% reduction in non-recyclable waste through segregation and recycling initiatives.
- Reduced water and electricity consumption across maintenance sites by 15%.
- Business Growth:
- Enabled qualification for large-scale contracts requiring ISO certification.
- Strengthened reputation among government and private sector clients.
- Operational Efficiency:
- Single IMS reduced administrative burden by 40% compared to managing three separate systems.
- Clearer communication channels between management and operational staff.
The implementation of an Integrated Management System (ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001) at RICHSTONE has delivered measurable improvements in service quality, safety performance, and environmental responsibility. Beyond compliance, the IMS has positioned RICHSTONE as a forward-looking contractor in the UAE market, capable of delivering reliable, safe, and sustainable projects.