CAXIAS DO SUL, Brazil — Fras-le has just achieved the OHSAS 18001 Certification – Occupational Health and Safety Assessment System, awarded by DNV, an international organization with a network of 300 offices spread in more than 100 countries, with operations in Europe, the Americas, Asia and Australia.

The standard certifies the company's commitment to the physical integrity of its employees, service providers and visitors. An acronym for Occupational Health and Safety Assessment System, OHSAS 1800 is a tool to monitor and improve the performance indicators of health and safety at work established by it in conjunction with a team. The pursuit of this international certification is part of the strategic planning of Fras-le.

According to Industrial and Technology Director Gilberto Crosa, "This achievement strengthens our goal toward our employees: ensure their health and safety."

To meet this goal, the company has implemented an OSH management system (Occupational Safety and Health) aimed at integrating all existing practices and thereby aligning with the goals of OHSAS. Winner of the National Quality Award in 2007 and of the Diamond Trophy twice in the RS Quality Award (2005 and 2008), Fras-le was the first manufacturer of friction materials in Brazil to achieve the ISO 9001 certification in 1994.

Fras-le was also the pioneer in Latin America in its segment, in 1999, to achieve the international certification ISO 14001 related to environmental management. Fras-le was also certified, in 2004, to ISO TS 16949, confirming its constant concern for quality, technology and environment.

"Our commitment to efficiency and transparency of procedures, safety products and systems, environmental protection and welfare of employees is extended to all units, both in Brazil and elsewhere," said Crosa.

Crosa added that Fras-le Asia, located in Pinghu, China, was certified by ISO 9001:2008 – Quality Management System in less than a year after its operations began.