In the field of steel structure fabrication and construction, each stage is simultaneously governed by three core factors: technical quality, occupational safety, and environmental impact. Therefore, ensuring operational consistency between the workshop and construction site not only determines output quality but also directly affects project progress and overall efficiency.

Recognizing this requirement, Cheng Ho Steel Industrial Co., Ltd has implemented a certification audit program based on three international standards: ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001, conducted by ARES Vietnam’s expert team. This marks an important step in the roadmap toward standardizing its management system in an integrated, consistent, and sustainable manner.

COMPANY INFORMATION

• Company Name: Cheng Ho Steel Industrial Co., Ltd
• Address: Viet Huong 2 Industrial Park, An Tay, Tay Nam, Ho Chi Minh City
• Business Scope: Pre-engineered building construction; manufacturing, processing, and installation of scaffolding; fabrication of steel structures and steel products
• Service Provided: Certification assessment for ISO 9001, ISO 14001 & ISO 45001

AUDIT IMPLEMENTATION CONTEXT

The operations of Cheng Ho Steel involve strong interconnection between two environments: workshop production and on-site construction. Activities such as cutting, welding, assembly, and transportation are not independent. Instead, they are closely linked and directly impact product quality and project timelines.

At the workshop, equipment accuracy and workforce capability play a decisive role. Meanwhile, the construction site environment constantly changes. As a result, it requires flexible safety control measures adapted to actual conditions. In parallel, factors such as dust, noise, and metal waste also require strict environmental control.

Without a unified management system, differences in operational practices across departments can easily lead to quality inconsistencies, increased safety risks, and ineffective environmental control. Therefore, the implementation of an integrated ISO management system establishes a clear operational framework. At the same time, it strengthens process linkage and enhances overall control capability.

KEY FOCUS AREAS IN THE ISO 9001 – 14001 – 45001 AUDIT PROGRAM

The audit program was conducted over two days (April 2–3), with a clear two-stage structure. This approach ensures a comprehensive assessment from documented systems to actual implementation.

Day 1 – Office Audit (System & Documentation)

At this stage, the expert team focused on analyzing the management system structure and its compliance with each standard:

• Defining scope, policies, and objectives related to quality, environment, and occupational safety
• Reviewing documentation systems, including procedures, work instructions, forms, and operational records
• Assessing methods for identifying and controlling factors affecting product quality, working conditions, and the environment
• Evaluating responsibility allocation, personnel competence, and internal communication systems

This stage serves as the foundation. It helps determine the completeness of the management framework and readiness for practical implementation.

Day 2 – On-site Audit (Workshop & Construction Site)

The audit was conducted directly at production and construction areas to verify system effectiveness:

• Observing actual fabrication processes such as cutting, welding, and steel structure assembly, as well as production line arrangements
• Recording the use of personal protective equipment, hazard identification, and risk control measures
• Inspecting material management, waste handling, and environmental impact factors
• Evaluating process compliance and consistency across working shifts

The data collected on-site provides a critical basis for comparing documented requirements with actual practices. As a result, it allows accurate identification of system effectiveness and compliance levels.

AUDIT RESULTS AND SIGNIFICANCE

The audit results indicate that Cheng Ho Steel has gradually established a structured management system covering key aspects of quality, environment, and occupational safety. Consequently, this creates a solid foundation for synchronized operations between the workshop and construction sites.

In addition, operational practices across departments are being standardized in a clearer direction. This reduces dependence on individual experience while improving consistency in execution. Therefore, it becomes a key factor in controlling risks and maintaining long-term effectiveness.

ARES Vietnam also recognizes the company’s thorough preparation and strong cooperation throughout the certification audit process. With this foundation, Cheng Ho Steel is well-positioned to further refine its system and proceed to the certification decision stage with a high level of readiness, ensuring effective operation in practice.