Health and Safety News (March 23)

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News March 2023

Safety Review and Awards

During February we held our annual health and safety review where Directors and Managers from across the businesses look at our health and safety performance, improvements and plans for the future years.

Attending the meeting the annual management review report was discussed in depth, how different issues occurred and what lessons can be shared across our businesses. You can read the annual health and safety report by scanning or clicking the QR code. The main conclusion of the review was that The health and safety management system is not entirely effective and adequate. There are several targets that have not been met, and the actual results show a significant gap compared to the targets.

Congratulations to Telford, Oldham and Daryl McGhee of Lancaster on winning health and safety awards for performance, commitment and integrity during 2022. Look out for the trophies now on display at the winning sites.

Health and Safety across the business continues to improve our sites and management of risk, it is critical that we recognize this amazing work that goes into exceptional performance where is exists.

Continuous Improvement in Health and Safety Award

Awarding Health and Safety

Awarded for improvements in health and safety during 2022

Health and Safety Integrity and Respect Award

Awarded showing integrity and respect in all aspects of health and safety during 2022

We look forward to seeing where these awards to in future.

Entrepreneurialism and Teamwork in Health and Safety Award

Awarded for implementing and sharing best practice across Northwood to drive overall improvement during 2022.

Commitment to Health and Safety Performance Award

Awarded for an outstanding 2022 Health and Safety Audit Score

Oldham Daryl McGhee, Lancaster Telford Oldham To the right - Paul Fecher, Chainman and Paul King CEO awarding Daryl McGhee, Trainee Health and Safety Advisor. Paul Fecher, Chainman and Paul King CEO awarding Steve Roche, Site Manager and Sara Mather QHS Officer on behalf of Oldham Above - Paul Fecher, Chainman and Paul King CEO awarding Matt Davies, Health and Safety Manager on behalf of Telford

Northwood Goes Green

Northwood Businesses were the first in the Paper Sector to complete all of the tasks and provide evidence to PABIAC for the 2019 to 2023 industry strategy.

UK Paper and Board Industry Strategy 2019 – 2023

The Paper and Board Industry Advisory Committee (PABIAC) is the tripartite strategic health and safety delivery partnership for the UK’s Paper-based Industries.

The partnership comprises the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), employers, and Trade Unions.

This forward-looking strategy demonstrates commitment from the UK’s Paper-based Industries to the wider health and safety strategy Helping Great Britain work well PABIAC’s mission statement is:

“To help the prevention of death, injury and ill health to those at work within the UK’s Paper-based Industries.”

It will achieve this by coordinating activities that will support and take forward the strategic objectives outlined in this document.

Leadership, Engagement and Collaboration

Delivery of the strategy will only be effective through strong leadership, commitment, and accountability, from top management and all other levels within the organisations, coupled with effective workforce involvement and engagement.

Work-related Stress, Physical and Mental Health, and Wellbeing

PABIAC acknowledges the changing landscape, and the consequences for work-related stress, physical and mental health, and wellbeing is vital for informing future preventive measures. This objective aims to build upon the occupational health achievements in the previous strategies and identify the key components and activities to protect employees from physical and psychological work-related health and wellbeing issues.

Vehicle, Material Movement and Storage Stability

In line with HSE’s Manufacturing and Waste/Recycling Sector Plan, PABIAC is committed to reducing the number of incidents involving contact with moving vehicles, material movement, and storage stability.

Updated Safety Policy Statement

During the safety management review a updated health and safety policy statement was agreed making changes to a number of commitments, setting a clear objective for implementation and embedding of Golden Rules

The new policy statement was signed by both Paul Fecher Chairman and Paul King CEO of the Northwood Companies

A detailed briefing will be issued out later this month, so watch for this briefing.

Copies of the updated policy statement will be on display in the coming days at every site, can be accessed via the Group Health and Safety SharePoint site and copies provided to interested parties on request such as customers, suppliers and others.

Our Safety Strategy for 2023/24

We have now deployed out health and safety strategy for 2023 and 2024 covering 8 key topics.

With plan and tasks against each one for

the

next two years

We will track our progress on a monthly basis, with a formal review every 6 months to adjust as needed to ensure it is remains relevant, effective and suitable

Details of the specific tasks within the elements undertaken on both sites and at group are shared with site safety committees on a regular basis.

ISO 45001

Richard

Pickles

Group Health and Safety Manager

What is ISO 45001?

ISO 45001 is a globally recognised standard for occupational health and safety management systems. It provides a framework for organizations to manage and continuously improve their health and safety performance

As an employee, there are several things you should know about ISO 45001:

1. ISO 45001 is designed to help keep you safe at work The standard requires the company to identify and assess workplace hazards and implement controls to manage those hazards This means that Northwood should be taking steps to protect your health and safety while you are at work.

2. ISO 45001 is a collaborative effort between employers and employees The standard requires the company to involve employees in the development, implementation, and review of their health and safety management systems This means that you have a role to play in ensuring that your workplace is safe and healthy.

3. ISO 45001 requires ongoing improvement The standard requires companies to monitor and measure their health and safety performance and take action to continuously improve This means that Northwood should be regularly reviewing and updating their health and safety management system to ensure that it is effective and relevant

4. ISO 45001 is flexible. The standard is designed to be adaptable to the needs of different companies and industries This means that Northwood can tailor our health and safety management system to address the specific hazards and risks in our workplaces

ISO 45001 is internationally recognised

The standard is recognised and respected around the world. This means that if Northwood achieves certification to ISO 45001, we will have successfully demonstrates our commitment to health and safety and can give you confidence that they are taking the necessary steps to keep you safe at work

Look our for more information on audits both internal and external in the coming weeks.

Chesterfield go 3 years lost time free

Northwood Tissue (Chesterfield) has achieved a remarkable milestone, celebrating three years without a lost time accident This achievement is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and commitment of the entire team at the mill, who have consistently prioritised safety in all aspects of their operations.

The mill has been able to achieve this significant milestone by implementing a comprehensive health and safety program that covers all aspects of their operations. This program includes regular safety training, risk assessments, safety inspections, and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

The commitment to safety at Chesterfield extends beyond their own operations The mill has also implemented a safety program for contractors and visitors, ensuring that everyone who enters the mill is aware of the safety procedures and requirements

Looking ahead, Chesterfield will continue to prioritise safety in all aspects of their operations. They will build on their achievements to date and work towards even higher safety standards Implementing Group procedures to achieve ISO45001 certification in the coming months

Congratulations to Chesterfield on this achievement, and here's to many more years of safe and successful operations.

Linden Grist – Site Manager at Northwood Tissue Chesterfield said “Safety is an important part of the Chesterfield site culture. Employees having ownership of working safety is key. The achievement of 3 years lost time accident free is down to every individual on site showing a safety responsibility for themselves, colleagues, and visitors to site. We will continue to audit and improve all our safety standards daily. Site audits by external bodies and work with other Northwood sites enables continuous improvement.”

Documents Updated

Each month many health and safety documents are updated across the group, here are a selection of important documents updated with the changes.

Group Health and Safety Policy

Health and Safety Policy Statement (GSX-X-002) Version 2.0

Following the management review, the health and safety policy statement .

Group Health and Safety Procedures

Risk Management Procedure (GSP-X-012) Version 5.0

Risk categories and matrix for process/product risk assessments were changed.

Training and Competence Procedure (GSP-X-006) Version 3.0

Removal of the implmentation dates and addition of trainers signature requirement where candidates sign records of internal training (not just a typed name of trainer).

Management of chain of Custody Systems (GQP-X-001) Version 4.0

Updated to allow multi-site CoC systems for FSC® and PEFC across Northwood businesses.

Group Health and Safety Forms

Qualitative Face Fit Test Record (GSF-X-027) Version 1.0

A new form to record face fit testing when carried out in house using a qualified tester for respratitory protective equipment (RPE)

Colleague Risk Assessment (GSF-X-028) Version 1.0

A new form to allow a detailed risk assessment is being carried out as part of recommendations from occupational health or following other needs identified.

MHE Pre-Use Check Sheet (GSF-X-021) Version 2.0

The new group wide standard from for pre-use checks on FLT, REACH, CLAMP etc.

Group Health and Safety Procedures and Forms are designed to ensure that we consistently manage health and safety accros the businesses learn lessons and have the resources and records to demonstrate best practice in management of health and safety.

If there is a safety procedure or form you think shoul be amended or made a group document contact your safety team or email health@northwood.co.uk

Alert raised over dodgy

The British Safety Industry Federation is warning that a lot of personal protective equipment (PPE) on the market does not offer the advertised protection.

It has issued a warning to buyers of PPE and safety equipment to be vigilant about substandard products.

The British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) operates a register of suppliers where all members have their products tested to ensure they are up to the relevant standards. Registered Safety Supplier’s products are tested annually as part of the scheme’s audit process and if products fail to meet the test’s strict criteria any issues must be addressed and rectified immediately for members to remain part of the scheme.

Of 387 tests completed on Registered Safety Supplier’s products last year, 332 products (86%) passed immediately and with the 55 (14%) that initially did not meet the test criteria, all issues have now been resolved.

By contrast, the 127 non-member products tested by the BSIF only 18 (15%) were fully compliant with standards and performed as advertised. This means 108 products (85%) failed to meet the regulatory criteria, many of which are still on the market.

Examples of substandard products the BSIF came across for sale in 2022 include:

• An “indestructible safety trainer” that failed the midsole penetration test.

• “Cut-resistant gloves” that failed the relevant cut test.

• A “safety harness and lanyard” provided without any user instructions or documentation. Northwood businesses should only purchase PPE from our approved suppliers the primary PPE partner is SMI Group.

If you have questions, concerns or experience issues with the PPE we provide speak to your site safety team or email health@northwood.co.uk

PPE

Ensure that we have the required documents for health and safety compliance including RA, SOPs and Procedures are created and reviewed

% of training required (external/internal/briefings etc) showing as overdue

Ensure that investigation into incidents are carried out in a timley manner to ensure that corrective actions can be created to prevent recurrance Target 7 7 7 Results 27 32 27

Ensure that where employees have raised a health and safety issue we review and respond including creating actions where needed within a timley manner Target 7 7 7 Results 11 25 11

Average days to respond to ‘near misses’, reported by site but tracked by assigned to

Objective Measure Status J F To provide a safe workplace in which no RIDDOR reportable events occur during each month RIDDOR Events Target 0 0 0 Results 4 0 4 To reduce

number of

the

of injuries

Lost hours from injuries (12 mths) / worked hours Target 0.11 0.11 0.11 Results 0.10 0.11 0.10 Reduce the number of 'minor' incidents on site Number first aid incidents Target 20 10 10 Results 25 13 12 Ensure that events which

and

not

or loss are reported so action can be taken Near Misses Target 56 28 28 Results 32 23 9 Reduce the number of

on

Property damage events Target 10 5 5 Results 20 6 14 Improve the fire related incidents occuring on site. Number of fires / smouders occuring Target 23 11 11 Results 36 24 12 Increase the reporting of unsafe acts and unsafe conditions identified by employees Number of unsafe act or conditions reported Target 238 119 119 Results 356 216 140 Improve the employee

formally

safe behaviours

'negative' issues Number of positive behaviours logged Target 143 71 71 Results 170 96 74 Ensure

% of

inspections completed on time Target 90% 90% 90% Results 79% 89% 79% 181 91 91 152 80 72

the

hours lost from injuries, thus reducing

seriousness

occuring

occur

do

cause injury

property damage incidents

site

engagement by

recognising the

and not just raising

that the safety inspections we have committed to are carried out on time.

safety

Number of health and safety documentation updated

month Target 120 60 60 Results 53 10 43

each

Ensure that training is documented and completed within the timeframes set, including briefings, internal and external training courses Target 85% 90% 85% Results 23% 10% 23%

Average days to investigate incidents, reported by site but tracked by individual investigator

Each month we measure a number of key indicators across the businesses, below is the rolled up results for January, February and the year to date status.

Take

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