Client profile National food suppliers Kettle Produce
Shire Roadshows Information, dates and venues for anyone interested in CMMS
Crossword Solve our own EPM crossword and win a bottle of wine
the official newsletter of EPM solutions Ltd
assetlife SUMMER 2008
Saving the day NEW LEGISLATION PROTECTS EMPLOYEES, BUT HOW CAN EMPLOYERS PROTECT THEMSELVES?
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he Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007, which came into force in April 2008, is an important new piece of legislation which could potentially affect thousands of UK businesses. This new law makes it easier for businesses to be prosecuted in the event of an employee being killed at work – unless employers can show that hazard compliance and health and safety (H&S) precautions within the workplace are implemented and monitored. Launching the new act, Justice Minister Maria Eagle said: “The law ensures improved justice for victims of corporate failures. The Act provides that companies and organisations can be found guilty of corporate manslaughter on the basis of gross corporate failures in health and safety. We are sending out a very powerful deterrent message to those organisations which do not take their health and safety responsibilities seriously.” In 2006-07, 241 people were killed at work. More than 28,000 non-fatal major injuries were reported in the same period – a rate of 107 per 100,000 workers. Previous to the introduction of the Act, businesses could only be prosecuted if policies were controlled by one individual, which made it extremely difficult to bring about successful prosecutions. However, with the new Act now in force, for the first time companies and organisations can be found guilty of corporate manslaughter if
serious management failures result in a gross breach of a duty of care. The Act is of particular relevance to businesses working in process industries and hazardous environments – especially those which already have a responsibility to observe Control of Major Accident Hazards (COMAH) regulations and the ATEX Directives. With management often having to prioritise heavy workloads, regular updates on such acts of compliance are often pushed down the list of priorities, but the new Act means it is essential, now more than ever, to keep on top of these issues to ensure the safety of employees and avoid potentially disastrous legal action. In the event of an accident, if a company is unable to prove that proper H&S procedures or necessary hazard compliance requirements were observed, it could face massive fines – enough to put some companies out of business. As such, it is vital that all businesses ensure these precautions are correctly implemented. Companies have a legal as well as a moral responsibility to make sure that managers follow correct processes and that employees are given proper training. As specialists in hazard compliance and asset management, EPM Solutions already advise many of their clients on the ever changing regulations and legislation relating to health & safety. For more information, please contact 0141 848 6609 to discuss your requirements.
client profile: Kettle Produce
Planning for tomorrow today W E L O O K AT H O W O N E S C O T T I S H C O M PA N Y H A S I N C R E A S E D P R O D U C T I V I T Y
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ith a turnover in excess of £70 million, Fife-based Kettle Produce Ltd is one of the largest suppliers of prepared vegetable produce in Scotland. From its initial beginnings in 1975, the company has evolved its production systems in order to meet growing demand from customers and consumers for prepared vegetables. Supplying a range containing a variety of products from soup mixes to speciality vegetables, Kettle employs more than 800 people at two plants in Balmalcolm and Orkie Farm. Changes in consumer tastes and customer demands led Kettle to examine its marketing and production cycle process focusing on production management and productivity. Efficiency through Asset Management As with many businesses working in the production industry, Kettle’s priorities demanded that processes were streamlined to meet retail supply chain requirements and to respond quickly to business changes. The management team recognised that in
engineering management, Mark says that the development of a reliable system of management was an important factor in the company’s decision to streamline its processes: “My own background is in plant maintenance, from which I gained good experience in using tried and tested systems. With Kettle, the aim was to move from reactive management systems to preventative and proactive systems through planned maintenance. Planned maintenance reduces downtime, therefore increases productivity, and it was at this stage that EPM Solutions came on board to help us devise and implement a workable solution.” Integrating planned maintenance with current systems Having replaced manual stock management systems with an automated product management system, the next step for Kettle is to introduce an asset management system which could be worked alongside current stock control systems. Consultants from EPM worked with Kettle to develop a solution. EPM used their technical experience to create a programme which integrated with Kettle’s
“By using symbiotic management systems, everybody works from the same accurate information, allowing us to reduce the risk of unseen maintenance issues, rapidly react to any problems and be much more responsive to change.” order to increase efficiency and keep up with the increasing pressures of modern business, a solid, reliable asset management system was necessary in order to meet customer expectations. Mark Conway, Kettle’s Engineering Manager, explains that efficiency and customer satisfaction is the company’s key aim: “We supply products to the major multiples, so it is vital that our processes are as smooth and efficient as possible in order to respond to our customers’ requirements.” Mark continues, “there are a variety of requirements across the production cycle, from washing and trimming, to preparation and bagging processes for dispatch. When new systems are implemented, the onus is on reliability, efficiency and consistency to ensure that production is consolidated across all lines.” The company facilitates the production process from start to finish, involving a significant amount of plant machinery and process management structures. With almost 25 years’ experience in
existing system. This gave Kettle accurate asset information to enable planned maintenance to be built into the production cycle. As a result there has been a significant increase in productivity with unscheduled maintenance reduced. As Mark explains: “We can improve effectiveness by automating the whole process across all areas. EPM was able to take our requirements and translate those into a workable solution, which from our point of view has made us more efficient and reduced costs. By using symbiotic management systems, everybody works from the same accurate information, allowing us to reduce the risk of unseen maintenance issues, rapidly react to any problems and be much more responsive to change.” For more information on how EPM can help your business streamline asset maintenance programmes call 0141 848 6609.
asset management | engineering | project management
YOUR ASSET QUESTIONS ANSWERED Q. During a recent project a client asked for details of the ‘Construction Phase Health and Safety Plan’ framework and if EPM would produce this for them. A. Firstly the health and safety plan is a working document that is actively used during the construction phase of a project and yes it is produced by EPM. The plan is a management tool designed to ensure the health and safety of anyone directly involved in the construction. It is also used to verify full compliance with health and safety law. The health and safety plan is not a static report to be filed and forgotten about. On the contrary it should be continually reviewed and updated as the project inevitably develops. Updates will become necessary when further design work is completed, subcontractor start times are made available, variations to planned circumstances occur or when any changes affect health and safety. The plan begins with a complete description of the project including a general statement of health and safety principles and key objectives. Also, information on any restrictions affecting the construction site should be detailed. For example these could include neighbouring buildings, utility services, vehicle traffic flows, pedestrian movement and client limitations due to their own work activities. Of utmost importance, the plan should give clear details of the management structure showing where responsibility for health & safety begins and ends. Also, all statutory requirements or client standards should be documented along with procedures to ensure all contractors are aware of the projects health and safety risks. For more details on how EPM can assist with health & safety on your site call 0141 848 6609
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Razor sharp CMMS Y O U R I N V I TAT I O N T O P R E V I E W P I R A N A – S H I R E ’ S N E W B R O W S E R B A S E D C M M S
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he Shire Roadshow is coming around again and is destined to make a stop at a venue close to you from June 24th to July 23rd 2008. Each day will be split into two distinct halves. The morning sessions will be given up to Shire’s proprietary CMMS system, FrontLine. Whether you are new to FrontLine or are considering it for your organisation the roadshow will give you and your colleagues the chance to refresh, learn more and evaluate. During the afternoon sessions Shire will be demonstrating their latest CMMS solution known as Pirana. This is a browser based innovation that will be available for close up inspection for the first time in the UK. If you are responsible for looking after the assets within your business then this roadshow will be invaluable to you, so if you don’t already have plans then mark it in your diary today. Roadshow Dates and Venues 24th June
Heathrow
Premier Inn Touchbase, Heathrow Airport
8th July
Manchester
Holiday Inn, Manchester Airport
16th July
Swindon
Premier Inn Touchbase, J16 M4
23rd July
Glasgow
Holiday Inn Glasgow Airport
To reserve your free place email: christine@epmsolutions.co.uk or call 0141 848 6609.
www.epmsolutions.co.uk
AVOIDING DISASTER SEMINAR - IMECHE
NEBOSH TRAINING
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PM will be attending the Institution of Mechanical Engineers seminar, ‘Avoiding Disaster – Integrity Management of COMAH and High-Hazard Sites’ on 25 June 2008 at IMechE in London. The seminar will cover the application and interaction of Health and Safety legislation - including COMAH, Pressure Systems Safety Regulations (PSSR) and Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) - and HSE guidance such as Storage of Flammable Liquids in Tanks (HSG 176). Speakers will present lessons learned from disasters such as Buncefield. This event will enable operators and others managing installations at COMAH and highhazard sites to better meet their responsibilities and help limit the human and environmental consequences of any accidents that occur.
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tewart Smith has just completed a 20 week General Certificate for Construction training course with the National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health (NEBOSH). The course covers health & safety legislation and the management of health & safety in the workplace. Upon qualification Stewart will be able to become a member of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH), Europe’s leading body for health and safety professionals. This membership is a prerequisite to taking on the role of a Construction Design and Management (CDM) coordinator as required under the new CDM regulations 2007.
.............................................................................................. JOHN GETS INTO GEAR
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ohn Colquhoun has just passed the theory part of his driving test. Having been taking lessons for the last three months this means at the tender age of 35 John is just one step away from acquiring his first driving license.
John has had some time to think about his ideal car and has settled on the Austin Healy - so all we can say to the good folks of Paisley is keep your eyes peeled.
Wine to win! Complete the crossword and spell the hidden word from the shaded numbered boxes to win a bottle of wine. Simply email the winning word to crossword@epmsolutions.co.uk and we will send you a complimentary bottle of wine - just let us know if you would prefer white or red! Across 4 Determining the answer to a problem (8) 5 Conformity or accordance (10) 9 A flying lady leads the way for this high roller (5,5) 11 A place to transform oil or polishing off the rough edges! (8) 12 Basic underlying framework or features of a system or organisation (14) 13 The world’s second most precious black stuff (8) 14 The opposite of digital (8) Down 1 A point of origin – Keanu Reeves’ big hit? (6) 2 Rearranging Scotland’s First Minister will make you a nut (anagram)! (7) 3 Disposing of electronic equipment – or fun on a swing (acronym)! (4) 4 A deficiency or flaw (11) 6 A seat of learning or a place of madness? (11) 7 Reducing human intervention to a minimum (10) 8 Asserting a point – but it’s all Greek to me (acronym)? (3) 10 Flying Scotland’s flag can make some cross (7)
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EPM Solutions Ltd. Abbey Mill, 1010-1012 Mile End, Seedhill, Paisley, PA1 1TJ. T. 0141 848 6609 F. 0141 848 7749 E. info@epmsolutions.co.uk www.epmsolutions.co.uk © 2008 EPM Solutions Ltd. EPM Solutions endeavours to ensure that the information in assetlife is up to date and accurate. However, where concerned you are advised to consult with the appropriate bodies for further details. Designed & published by the marketing cafe T. 0141 644 1777