IMPROVING SAFETY AND LOST TIME DAYS AT CARLSBERG UK
Between 2005 and 2007, Carlsberg UK identified that the reduction in annual accident rates was stalling. This created considerable cause for concern not only on our part but also from our insurers and brokers. As a result, our HR department working together with Health and Safety and local management implemented a program to deliver a “step change” reduction in reportable accidents.
A SAFER WORKING ENVIRONMENT
The aim of the program was to deliver an improved safety performance which in turn would reduce reportable accidents, lost time days and compensation claims. This would lead to a better working environment with improved safety for our employees and a reduction in costs for temporary staff cover and insurance premiums.
IMPLEMENTING THE PROGRAM
To achieve the reduction, we introduced an awareness program on safety issues together with new targets. Our online accident reporting system ENABLE was upgraded to deliver more effective investigations and conclusions. We also upgraded our Occupational Health interface to support the initiative and detailed monthly data and commentary on performance was published to track events more accurately.
In 2007, before the program was put in place, 171 reportable accidents were recorded and lost time days totaled 5605.
CLEAR RESULTS
By 2008 a reduction of 50% in reportable accidents was recorded and lost time days had been reduced to 2427, a clear indication of the success of the project. These figures have led to the initiative continuing into 2009 with the hope that a “best in industry sector” can be achieved.
At Carlsberg UK, we have learnt a great deal from the project. A key lesson is to ensure that safe operating procedures are documented, trained and enforced. In this way we can continue to improve the health and safety record of our workplaces.