CEMEX scoops top UK health & safety awards for reducing workplace injuries by 65%
At a Health & Safety competition with more than 100 entries, global building solutions company CEMEX scooped two awards for reducing work place injuries among employees at the Quarry Products Association (QPA) Health and Safety Best Practice Awards 2006.
The QPA is the trade association for 90 per cent of the UK quarrying companies, including CEMEX, and the Health and Safety Best Practice Awards are presented every year as part of the QPA's commitment to promoting health and safety in the quarrying industry.
CEMEX was presented with a Special Award for outstanding performance in reducing reportable accidents. The company was also presented with the TUC Trophy for Innovation in Worker Involvement for its Stop & Think campaign which was rolled out across all of the company's more than 600 UK sites, and has helped reduce the number of employee Lost Time Injuries reported by 65 per cent.
As part of the campaign, employees now have the autonomy to challenge others with regard to unsafe conduct, and a dedicated Safety Essentials site is available on the employee intranet and CEMEX website (www.cemex.co.uk).
An employee health and safety policy has also been developed to ensure that all employees take responsibility for good health and safety practice. CEMEX was also joint runner up (Leyburn Quarry) and highly commended (Dove Holes and Goddards Quarries) for the QPA Health & Safety Innovations Trophy, and was presented with three certificates of merit in the same category (Chesterfield Macadam, Nottingham Coated Stone and Roan Edge Quarry).
It was also presented with certificates of merits in the Innovation in Working at Height category (Pendean and Manor Pit Quarries). Ninety percent of accidents are caused by unsafe behaviours at work. CEMEX believes that these can be eradicated by visible leadership and engagement from both management and employees, and has set a target of zero accidents.
CEMEX believes it is the right of every employee to go home safe at the end of each working day, and so while the company is delighted with the results of the Stop & Think campaign and the recognition that winning the QPA awards brings, the challenge to reduce accidents and injuries even further continues.
--Ends--
CEMEX is a growing global building solutions company that provides high quality products and reliable service to customers and communities in more than 50 countries throughout the world. Commemorating its 100th anniversary in 2006, the company has a rich history of improving the well-being of those it serves through its efforts to pursue innovative industry solutions and efficiency advancements and to promote a sustainable future.
For more information, visit www.cemex.co.uk and www.cemex.com.
Stop & Think Campiagn Details Face to face - Injury prevention tours were held across the UK with 7,000 staff and 99 per cent of employees signed up to the company's 12 Safety Essentials. Video - A video focusing on the Safety Essentials was produced for all company sites. Print - A number of Safety Essential items, including a calendar and pocket card, have been printed and distributed to all employees as a visible reminder. Electronic - 'Safety Alerts' are circulated to all employees across the company as soon as an incident/injury occurs to minimise recurrence.
Feedback - Employees are encouraged to complete 'Near Miss/Hazard Alert' cards to raise concerns with management for action. Senior managers also have a responsibility to visit sites twice a year to complete inspection reports. Publicity - The campaign was highlighted in weekly electronic employee newsletter and bi-monthly employee magazine that is posted to homes.