ŠAfrikImage
Gabon Flash
No2
January 2013
Olam Gabon Newsletter
EDITORIAL CORPORATE NEWS New offices Sites tour CSR Meeting
ON THE GROUND
3,000 ha cultivated in Awala FPIC obtained for Rubber The SEZ in pictures Difficulties in Olam Timber GFC: Start of dredging Fight against AIDS
ACROSS BUSINESSES
Focus on the QSHE Department
OUR PARTNERS IN ACTION
Setting up the SAGE HRM software with L&S
COMMITTING TO GABON
Socio-economic impacts of the Rubber project
WE ARE OLAM GABON! Employees of the month Portrait of Samy Bivegue
NEW TEAM MEMBERS PHOTOS OF THE MONTH
D
ear Colleagues and Partners,
At the start of this new year, I would like to extend my best wishes to you and wish you every success in all aspects of your life in the year ahead.
2
012 was an exceptional year for Olam Gabon, marked by great achievements and major milestones. Our company today numbers over 3,000 employees and continues to grow.
©AfrikImage
This considerable strengthening of the teams has made it possible to develop the tools necessary to initiate and move our projects forward. These activities include: - the opening of our rubber nursery near Bitam; - the starting up of our palm nursery near Mouila; - the 3,000 hectares of palm already planted in Kango; - the start of the construction of our clients’ plants in the Nkok Special Economic Zone and of the field preparation of our GFC plant.
EDITORIAL
I
particularly want to thank the teams for all the work carried out in Olam Gabon. They have helped to make the company what it is today. We are also very optimistic that this momentum will continue in 2013, when the biggest challenges will be: - accelerating the development of palm and rubber sectors based on budgeted costs; - completing phase 1 of the SEZ at Nkok; - defining and stabilising the company's processes and policies; - completing the recruitment process for our fast-growing company.
M
uch still needs to be done. I am convinced that we have the potential to complete a great deal of that work in 2013, thanks to the efforts not only of our colleagues but also of our partners! Gagan Gupta, Country Head
Agenda ahead in the first quarter of 2013
Key figures
at the end of January 2012
End of the APAVE mission
3,000
Five-year training plan
hectares of palm already planted in Kango;
24 March: Tuberculosis Day - WHO partnership 25 April: Malaria day
GABON FLASH - Olam Gabon Quarterly Newsletter Publication Director: Gaëlle Dupuis - 06 00 52 00 Editor: Lauriane Guillemin - 06 00 51 99 Electronic version available at: www.insuu.com
2
30
4,000 hectares ready for planting in Kango
hectares of rubber planted in Bitam
3,500,000 seedlings in nursery in Mouila
Corporate News The time for cardboard
boxes is at hand!
The new offices in Libreville for the extended Olam Gabon family will open soon. The first building will be completed in February, the second in April... meet European ergonomic standards. Numerous meeting rooms, including three with video conferencing, are envisaged as well as archive facilities and, of course, an efficient security and fire alarm system.
T
©Olam
lam Gabon is expanding very quickly: the projects are progressing well on our sites - often at an accelerated pace - so the headquarters need to adapt to handle this increased activity. With this in mind, a large office space was designed to meet the new needs of the company. Two six-storey buildings will be added to the Tsika Gallery offices.
he first building, which will open its doors in February, will house our IT, Finance, Palm, Rubber and GFC Departments, while the second building will contain the General Manager's offices, Human Resources, the Legal and Communication Departments as well as the Timber Division.
©Dellarovere
O
Projection of the future open spaces. The project as a whole is headed, for Gabon Advance, by Mohit Agrawal, in partnership with Dellarovere for the interior decoration and Remco for the construction works.
We are all looking forward to putting our first cardboard boxes in these new premises!
A
offices. The modern, designer furniture comes from Italy and was conceived to
©Dellarovere
s well as the extra space, the employees will also have a cafeteria, a gym, a kitchen on each floor, VRV (Variable Refrigerant Volume) air conditioning which can use fresh rather than recycled air, in addition to large bay windows letting natural light into the
©Olam
Interior view of the first building nearing completion.
WW News Olam fights AIDS around the world To mark World AIDS Day, the Olam group and its partners increased their awareness and healthcare campaigns and medical counselling activities for 234,000 people throughout Africa. These activities are an integral part of an approach developed by Olam over the last five years. This year in particular, USD 468,000 have been invested by Olam and its partners (such as GIZ, ENgenderHealth, Action Health Incorporated) with 26 events dealing with issues related to AIDS (prevention, treatment or screening) having taken place. 3
Corporate News Sites tour...
On 11 January, Olam Gabon organised a day of project visits on its sites in order to allow its key stakeholders to have a first-hand look at the progress made.
ŠAfrikImage-
The ambassadors of Japan, Germany and the United States of America, together with the representatives of WWF, ANPN, FAO, AFD, the World Bank, Bechtel and the Embassy of France criss-crossed the country to assess the progress of Olam projects. The conservation and environmental protection techniques employed made a big impression as did Olam’s ability to carry out such large projects. The teams on site were delighted to welcome these visitors and help them leave their mark on the site because each guest was able to plant a tree to mark the occasion.
The delegation with the Awala plantation team
CSR in action
On 13 December, the internal meeting on Corporate Social Responsibility gathering 18 people was an opportunity to take stock of our various social activities throughout the country and develop a plan of action for the coming year. embers of the social teams contributed to discussions with QESH and risk management teams. Their objectives are to communicate on project impacts, contribute to socio-economic studies (management plan, etc.), establish participatory mapping of areas used by the population, make villagers aware of the management and regulation of hunting and fishing as well as of Article 251 of the Forest Code, and to set up and ensure follow-up by the steering committees. Generally, the Olam Gabon social teams monitor social projects that the local populations and the company have embarked upon. ŠOlam
M
T
QESH, risk and social teams in a full working session, 13 December 2012 in
his meeting enabled us to make an initial assess- Libreville ment of the strengths of our actions and areas for improvement. As regards potential improvements, the prior consultation of the teams on the ground - who are the link between policymakers and the populations - was identified as a factor that may result in a disconnect between needs and proposed actions if not respected. Another point for improvement mentioned was that to date, social actions have not been deployed simultaneously on all sites, which gives the impression of an imbalance. Listening and coordination will therefore be the watchwords of the objectives this year in 2013. The positive aspects of our social actions that were mentioned included a calmer social climate, better public support for our projects through better knowledge and improvement observed in the living conditions in the villages. 4
On the ground PALM : an avalanche of numbers! 1,000 employees for Mouila!
Awala: 3,000 hectares planted! Activities at the Awala plantation began in September 2011. The plantation now employs 950 workers and plans mid-2013...
©AfrikImage
to cultivate 7,300 ha by
Just before Christmas, the Mouila site welcomed Francine Pendi Maroundou, its one thousandth employee! We should not forget that the Mouila nursery now covers 150 ha and that the 2013 target is to plant 10,000 hectares of oil palms.
About a hundred... That was the number of employees who attended the New Year’s Party in Kango, which was organised for the entire staff on Saturday, 12 January. The traditional New Year’s Wishes from the Director provided an opportunity to increase awareness of the AIDS virus and the importance of using a condom thanks to a piece of comic theatre comedy staged by Achil Chakoula and Marie-Paule Nguema. The evening ended with a dinner in an excellent atmosphere, with entertainment provided by the group MUMBEMBI from the village of Woubélé which showcased Gabonese traditions, especially those of one of the villages impacted by the project.
©Olam
©Olam
New Year’s celebration organised for employees at the Awala plantation
5
On the ground Great strides forward on rubber
side!
In the last quarter, the rubber teams received excellent news: the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment was validated, FPIC obtained and the first trees were planted... In Woleu-Ntem, the OLAM Rubber Gabon’s project is on course and on schedule.
months of consultation and negotiation between the parties, providing a guarantee for the communities with regard to practices and the willingness
The authorities had given the goahead to start the nursery last spring, but now, the Social and Environmental Impact Assessment, in its entirety, has been validated for the whole plantation. The certificate of compliance was signed and issued on 9 November 2012 by the Directorate General for the Environment.
The social contract to which OLAM Gabon and the populations agreed has three components: --> Construction of infrastructure : health centres, schools, access to potable water, solar lighting, etc. --> Implementation of a programme to support income-generating activities, carried out by the local populations
Meanwhile, in October 2012, a first social contract was signed for 4,300 hectares, i.e. for the block west of the River Nye involving the villages of Okok, Toulouse, Edoum, Nyazang, Woumou, Eong Milang and Ogongon Bilbe Eba.
The process of obtaining the Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) led to the signing of a social contract that aims to reach an agreement between the company and local communities impacted by the company's project. This contract is the result of several 6
©AfrikImage
--> Priority recruitment of applicants from the local population with skills equal to those of other candidates.
©AfrikImage
Another agreement was reached at the end of December with the rest of the villages impacted by our activities: Avelemang, Damako, Offos, Akok Mezala, Bikondom, Meyo Essambam I & II, Anama, Azombe, Bilbe Melen, Akokmeka, Zokloumou, Aida, Assok, Ngomane, Mevous 1 and Akoulzok.
including Boniface Founqgues, the Senior Divisional Officer of Ntem, Michel Barry Melkou, the Senior Divisional Officer of Haut-Ntem, as well as village and canton chiefs, were present.
of the company to participate in the economic development of the region. In Woleu-Ntem, the FPIC covers 25,864 hectares of land. A total of 58 people,
The construction of infrastructure, including drilling of wells, restoration of manual water pumps and installation of solar street lights, already started a few months ago, and the priority for recruiting the local population has been effective from the first on-site recruitments. Meanwhile, the plantation has begun: the first trees were planted in late November and cover 30 hectares so far.
On the ground Economic and technical difficulties at Timber
Today, our Timber activity is affected by various factors: - Low forest density on the concession granted, which, moreover, produces 40% Okan essence for which there is no market; - The delay in building the road enabling the forest to be exploited safely and according to the standards set by the Ministry of Water and Forests, due to incessant rain in recent months; - The delay in gathering modernising equipment, due to a delay in the delivery of equipment by suppliers.
T
©Olam
he entire staff, staff representatives as well as management are doing their utmost to ensure that these problems are temporary and that a positive outcome is found. So, for several months, team members are making intensive efforts in this direction and a new and modern production line was installed.
GFC : dredging starts
We were able to start phase 2 in December 2012. A dredging contract was concluded to raise the ground by 3.5 metres over 80 to 100 hectares of Zone F of the SEZ, which is needed to allow construction of the plant to start. Two large specialised companies were selected: Boskalis and Van Oord will perform the work on the site. The project is expected to take ten months and includes the mobilisation on the ground, dredging works, land improvement works, setting up of embankment protection devices and project completion. This operation is expected to create up to 50 indirect jobs.
©Olam
The validation of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment for the first 3 phases of construction of the fertiliser plant on the Mandji Island enabled the teams on site to prepare the ground before the next steps.
©Olam
©Olam
New line producion and team
7
On the ground Olam Timber mobilises against AIDS
©Olam
Local football tournament, sponsored as part of the event
©Olam
©Olam
Timber Team
AIDS Awareness and Information Stand
8
©Olam
This operation was carried out within the framework of our partnership with the Red Cross, whose central activity allows us to train and raise awareness. These efforts are very much needed because, according to the association that has been developing a national programme for the fight against HIV-AIDS since 2007, Gabon has an adult HIV prevalence of 8.2%. A total of 52,000 people or 4.5% of the population are currently living with the virus, with 3000 new cases being recorded every year. Therefore, with financial support from the French Development AIDS Awareness and Information Stand Agency, the Ministry of Health has given the French Red Cross the task of reinforcing and modelling the operation and provision of care for all outpatient treatment centres in the country, thereby contributing to the decentralisation of the management of HIV(Source: Website of the French Red Cross).
©Olam
On the first of December, the Makokou Team organised a full day of activities to contribute to the fight against the AIDS virus in partnership with the Provincial Coordination of the multi-sector fight against HIV/AIDS and the NGO, Renans JS. On the agenda for this sports day: a football match, a cross-country race and a race in which about hundred people participated. An information stand was set up and staffed by the Olam Timber QHSE (Quality, Health, Safety, Environment) Team accompanied by the nurses on the site. A total of 2,000 HIV tests were performed during the day, with 15,000 preservatives and 300 T-shirts being distributed. Rufin Moutéssayigoué, the Governor of the Ogooué-Ivindo Province, also attended the event.
The SEZ
of Nkok in pictures
©AfrikImage
©Olam
Entry of the SEZ, roundabout, water supply storage
©Olam
©AfrikImage
©Olam
Single window clearance from bird eye, Resurgent Gabon’s plant, roads and offices, SOFERGA’s plant: works in progress
©Olam
©AfrikImage
On the ground
9
Across businesses Health and safety first OLAM Gabon insists on the implementation of the Group's policy on Quality, Safety ,Health, Environment (QSHE) at work. This policy is based on international standards and Gabonese legislation on health and safety. We have established the rules onZero Tolerance , for example, to prevent incidents and accidents in the workplace. This programme includes a set of rules and safety measures to be observed in order to minimise the risk at source. All employees and subcontractors must comply with these rules and safety measures. To help them do so, company QSHE officers have increased the number of QSHE training sessions , which helps to improve methods and daily practices at work.
12 RULES 1 – Be in possession of authorisation to work on certain specific sites 2 – Use appropriate personal protective equipment designed for the task to be performed 3 – Scrupulously respect the highway code and the internal antiroad accident policy 4 – Check the insulation of the power supply before using equipment 5 – Be in possession of an authorisation to deactivate an important safety device before doing so 6 – Be in possession of an authorisation to enter confined spaces before doing so 7 – Protect yourself from falls during tasks performed at height 8 – Do not stand or park under suspended loads 9 – Do not bring flammable material to an area of operation without authorisation 10 – Be in possession of an authorisation to carry out excavation or to enter a pit/trench 11 – Report all accidents, incidents and near misses to your supervisor within one hour of their occurrence 12 – Take prompt and/or temporary corrective actions to prevent recurrence and report any QSHE information
The QSHE Team is led by Dr Pearl Comlan, who is a specialist in occupational medicine. The team consists of doctors, QSHE engineers, nurses and paramedics who have been posted to the various forestry or plantation sites. Dr. Joachim Bekale, an ICU doctor, is on hand for emergencies and medical procedures requiring resuscitation. These people are the backbone in combating and preventing hazards and risks in the workplace. Accidents, incidents and near misses are identified, recorded and analysed on site. They are the subject of regular monitoring and weekly reports. Illnesses and absences from work are also indicators that are recorded and assessed. The QSEH Team is also involved in interpersonal counselling, training, workplace visits and medical examinations. Vigilance units have been created to promote a participatory approach to risk prevention in the workplace and in transportation. Similarly, with the development of the sites and the growing number of workers, Health and Safety at Work Committees have been set up.
10
ROAD SAFETY:
ALL RESPONSIBLE!
Alcohol Speed
Telephone Fatigue
Across businesses
QSHE Focus
15 training sessions completed in the last 6 months ,
including zero tolerance, Ebola, Malaria, sexual harassment, cancer of the cervix, working time and injuries, personal hygiene and domestic cleanliness, AIDS, first aid, safe driving, QSHE training, etc.
Training time:
36,260
©Olam
hours
Number of participants:
Photos: Sessions in Kango and Libreville run by Dr Comlan and training officer Parabvir Singh
©Olam
©Olam
©Olam
518 employees
11
Our partners in action A reference on the African continent The new payroll and human resources management software being set up at Olam is the first of its kind in Africa,on such a scale, at least. Back to a visionary approach. Within a few years, the Olam headcount will rise from 3,000 to 20,000 employees. One of the key challenges of such a development is the quality of human resources management and of the payroll system. To meet this need, a Project Team was appointed headed by Olivier Aveyra. Supported by Jacky Riviere, Director of Industrial Relations, Vinod Jha, Director of Information Systems and Vikash Sinha, Director of Human Resources, Olivier and his team established a partnership with SAGE France and a local company, L&S, representing SAGE in Gabon, enabling us to benefit from the most modern system in Africa
on such a scale. "This first experience on the African continent makes it a model; this is a visionary project", says Olivier, proudly reflecting on this achievement. Especially given that instead of the six months required to develop a project of this magnitude, it took less than two months in this case, thanks to the involvement, efficiency, skills and professionalism of our local partner L&S and our dedicated teams. In fact, from this month (January), the SAGE HRM software will be operating for all of Olam Gabon from Libreville. Over the next three months, the HR
Team will be progressively decentralised on site so that the system operates at a local level. This project could even have indirect local repercussions since the need for a reliable banking system is already beginning to be felt in the cities and villages around our sites. This has all led to the opening of a UGB branch in Bitam to meet the demand of the growing number of Olam employees. Congratulations to the entire team and partners who made it possible to achieve this first for the continent of Africa!
Thanks to our IT Department, an ultramodern biometric clocking-in system has been set up - in Libreville and Kango so far - and the system will be gradually rolled out to the other sites as well.
ŠOlam
L&S is a Gabonese company comprising about thirty employees who have supported companies in the implementation of management software since 1997. Moussa Kone, the Director of LS, says he is "proud to have worked with such a locally managed great company". Though this type of software is the flagship product of L&S, it has taken all the expertise of the team, plus that of Olam as well, to tackle this project in only two months. But beyond the technical success of the project, Moussa Kone has also been impressed by the human experience gained from this adventure: "We spent two months together and worked in harmony, in a respectful and friendly atmosphere, both at the Project Team and General Management level ".
12
Our partners in action
From left to right, from the top: Olivier Aveyra, Alex Alekat, Dany (L&S), Léon (L&S), Aman (L&S) Diane Lanou, René Mengomé, Théodore Essoumba, Angelot Mouélé, Paul Francis, Amed (L&S), Nestor (l&S), Kensi (L&S), Nadège Bekale, Prescilia Inoungunany, Elisa Nsuré, Jewiti Rigondza In thumbnail view: Vikash Sinah and Vinodanand Jha, who also worked on the project
To ensure that all HR Teams can use the new software, training was provided over three sessions. This training took place in Libreville, where the database is centralised. HR staff from all the sites participated in the training. The first session took place over five days, from 10 to 15 December 2012, and focused on the training of Human Resources by SAGE France. This first session consisted of several steps: - one day of training for technicians who will establish equipment and assist the users on a daily basis; - two days of training for payroll officers and managers; - one day of training and presentation of the software to managers; - one day of configuration by SAGE France. The second session, held between 17 and 31 December, included validation of the implementation of the software by the process of "double pay", i.e. an assessment of the SAGE HRM configuration and the former payroll software in order to compare the new software with the calculations of the former program. Once this step was successfully validated, the "Go Live" to launch SAGE HRM as the single payroll software was approved. The "Go Live" signalled the time for the 3rd training session, from 23 to 26 January 2013. This session comprised the first exclusive use of SAGE HRM to process the salaries of OLAM Gabon workers.
13
Committing to Gabon Olam in Woleu-Ntem: Socio-economic impacts already visible In Bikondom and Okok, where the Olam rubber plantation is growing, heads of village communities recognise the positive effects on their populations, mainly due to increased business activities, boosted by the sharp increase in wages.
Men and business The arrival of Olam has positively changed the socio-economic order for the populations of Bitam and its sub-divisions. At present more than 1000 people work on the site, including subcontractors. "The wage bill created by the establishment of Olam in Bikondom has produced a great demand in the areas of real estate, catering, carpentry and other small businesses", says Pascal Mathieu, Olam Site Manager in Batouri.
Pom Ebane Mba Daniel, Chief of Bikondom
ŠPoint Images
This demand is high with regard to housing. The villagers do not hesitate to rent out a room or two depending on the size of their home. A case in point can be found in Okok, a village that has existed since 1952 and has a population of 450 people. Mbemki Zogo Abraham, the Okok village head, has this to say about the workers: "They live in our house, which gives us a little more money. Any villager who houses an Olam employee may receive an average of FCFA 10,000 per month. They come from the surrounding towns like Oyem, Minvoul, and OgoouĂŠ Ivindo. Some of them bring their wives and children." However, for the moment, local authorities say they are having difficulty managing this rapid population growth and community heads have requested the support of the highest decision-making bodies of their regions in managing the populations. Such is the case of Daniel Mba Ebane, Chief of Bikondom, a village with a population of a little more than 800 inhabitants.
ŠAfrikImage
OLAM is building about 3,000 homes near the plant for employees, including 300 in 2013. Opposite: state of construction in January 2013
14
Committing to Gabon Sharp increase in daily revenue Left of the Olam offices in Bitam: Mengue Elvine and her customers. Regardless of gender, age or colour, they are lining up to buy her doughnuts or "bedoume."
©Point Images ©Point Images
Mengue Elvine in action behind her cake stand
She feels she is privileged because of her strategic position across from the Olam office: "I used to earn a good living before Olam arrived in Bitam but I must confess that my sales have increased substantially since their arrival. Before I could earn between FCFA 15,000 and 20,000 per day but today my income can go up to FCFA 30,000 ".
Living conditions are improving
A manual water pump in Okok whose restoration was funded by OLAM Gabon.
©Point Images
Olam’s activities in Bitam also have a positive impact on the living conditions of local populations with the signing of social contracts between businesses, local authorities and the populations which are an illustration of "Olam's commitment to integrate and develop a process for responsible management of natural resources in the implementation of its industrial plantation in Woleu-Ntem", explained Site Manager Pascal Mathieu. Through these contracts, the population will be able to benefit from support from Olam in the development of basic infrastructure (roads, electrification, restoration of health centres and schools), the development of income-generating activities and through a guarantee of priority recruitment. Several villages have already been provided with solar street lights. Their hydraulic pumps have been restored. In Okok, the restoration of the health centre has started. It will be supplied with drugs upon completion. When asked about these contracts, the Chief of Bikondom said that he was delighted by the restoration of the hydraulic pumps by Olam, which will significantly reduce the time required to fetch water. "We very much welcome what Olam is doing for us. We want development of Bikondom", explains Ebiane Mba Daniel. For his part, Mbemki Zogo Abraham, Chief of Okok, is also happy with the agreements entered into with Olam and he looks forward to continuing restoration of the manual water pumps to meet the needs of the entire population.
15
They have distinguished themselves by the quality of their work and investment and were rewarded in January.
Employees of the month!
We are Olam Gabon! Michel Nguema, IT Department, Libreville Michel has a positive attitude and is very engaged in his work. He works diligently and meets the user’s expectations, effectively managing computer problems for Nkok and Libreville and doing everything possible to accomplish his tasks in a timely manner.
Hugues Arnaud Maguena, Human Resources, Palm Awala Hugues has been successfully managing the HR Department consisting of 900 employees. He maintains good relations with them and the local authorities at the Labour Inspectorate and shows great skill in conflict management.
Christophe Iton, Administration Department, Libreville Christophe has shown commitment and dedication since joining Olam. He is available at all times and quick to solve problems. He is very motivated and ready to take on new responsibilities. He ensures that the offices are open and ready before the employees arrive and vice versa. With a good command of English and French, his attitude is appreciated by everyone.
Mathew Iype, Plantation Manager, Rubber, Bitam Mathew is a very good manager with wide-ranging experience. Always willing to share his knowledge of rubber trees, he is very close to the workers and shows them a lot of respect. His strong determination to face new challenges also encourages them to excel.
Michel Ondo Zukue, Plantation Head, Mouila Palm Michel has planted 3.3 million plants and has assisted in the opening of roads and cleaning of the land. He is very hard working and can cope with a heavy work load. Always willing to share his ideas for the improvement of working conditions, Michel has a long-term vision and the ambition to become Plantation Manager in Olam.
To receive the electronic version of the Olam Gabon Newsletter, or for more information about the company, please write to us at the following address: gaboncoms@olamnet.com 16
We are Olam Gabon! Responsibility, compliance and respect ... Samy Biveghe’s strengths QSHE Engineer Serge Samy Biveghe has worked at Olam for seven months and is based in Bitam. He is responsible for quality, safety, hygiene and the environment for the rubber project. An encounter with an employee who does not take a single step without worrying about conformity and compliance with standards.
Complying with safety standards is the responsibility of all employees as it affects the company’s image.
©Point Images
What does a QSHE engineer do? This profession is not well known in Gabon, except in the oil industry. From a quality point of view at the Batouri site and with respect to the buildings that are springing up, we ensure that our contractors comply with Olam standards. For example, for those working on the nursery, our role is to ensure that they comply with the standards regarding the depth of the gauges, filling of bags, fertiliser blends, etc. We also train staff on quality-related topics. Training is an essential part of our work which concerns the day-to-day behaviour of employees.
What type of training do you organise for staff? We have already organised training for machine operators, but we are still going to organise other training sessions which will be certified by consulting firms and sanctioned by certificates of competency for machine operators. The risk in such trades is mainly the lack of vigilance. We are implementing security procedures to deal with these problems. We also organise training for employees who handle hazardous products such as chemicals. This category of staff needs to be informed about the toxicity of each product. We therefore have an obligation not only to educate and inform, but also to provide protective equipment. For example, when it comes to making mixtures, you need a breathing mask, gloves and a mixer so you do not do the job with your bare hands. Training on chemical products falls within the scope of occupational health and safety. Health and safety at work go hand in hand. We have a company doctor who comes to consult three times a week and we have already received some of the drugs that will be used in the infirmary. All employees underwent a check-up. What do you consider your greatest achievement? The organisation of the World AIDS Day in Okok. That was the first time the villagers saw people entering their kitchens to talk about AIDS. They realise that Olam is a company that cares about the health of its employees, their families and the villagers. And in relation to my work, there are many things I started that have already been implemented, such as the organisation of speed limits for transportation. In that regard, despite a few accidents, drivers try to follow our recommendations.
17
We are Olam Gabon!
ŠPoint Images
What are the major challenges you face in carrying out your work? Olam is a responsible company and as such we want to protect the environment as well as the health and safety of our staff. However, we are faced with external challenges such as the issue of waste management in the province of Woleu Ntem, whether it is industrial waste, organic waste, or biodegradable waste. Faced with such challenges, Olam tries to find solutions so that we remain compliant because non-compliance can have serious consequences. We must therefore ensure appropriate management of our hazardous products and ensure that waste is not disposed of in the wrong places. We have therefore put in place a pit for organic waste. As far as industrial waste is concerned, we have to remove it from the site (flexible, oil, etc.) for now, until the retention tank is built. We conduct internal audits to see where we are. Subsequently we will use an external auditor for certification purposes. Take the example of waste management. When the auditors arrive, they ask us about the traceability of waste. We must be able to submit monitoring sheets to them. If we have a subcontractor who collects our waste, we must not limit ourselves to giving them the waste. We track the final storage area reserved for the waste.
How do you ensure that communication is effective within the teams? Our work is that of awareness and prevention to put in place the necessary checks and balances. Before the start of field activities, I first select workers from among the different teams to convey certain messages regarding respect for the environment. Sometimes I also organise sessions on collective vigilance so that everyone ensures the safety of his own assigned colleague. How is your work as QSHE engineer perceived? I face some difficulties, especially given that enforcing safety means enforcing discipline. I play the part of a policeman. Having to tell an employee that walking in a given area is prohibited or advising people to change their habits is not always welcome. Some see me as a “killjoy� and do not realise that it is in the interests of their own health and safety. However, it is gratifying to see that things change and that progress is being made gradually as we continue in our activities.
18
New team members
Welcome!
During the months of December and January, ten colleagues joined the functional and operational teams. Nilatpal CHAKRABARTY
Mav BADINGA-MOUANDA
Finance Manager, GSEZ
Administrative Officer, GSEZ
ThĂŠodore ESSOUMBA
Venu GOPAL
Assistant IT Manager, Libreville
Civil Engineer, GSEZ
Daniel MANIHURUK
Cost and Budget Control Executive, Palm
Salvador CAMINS
Regional Manager of Plantations, Palm, Mouila
Fabrice EKOMIE
Administrative Officer, Palm, Mouila
Budi Heri WIBOWO
Financial Executive, Palm
Kumar MOHAN
Finance Manager, Palm, Mouila
Paul KOONA
RSPO/EI compliance Manager, Palm, Mouila
CONGRATULATIONS to Walyde NGUEMA EMANE and Olivier DESMET for their newly born babies!
19
Photos of the month
Our actions in pictures
©Point Images
©Point Images
©Point Images
©Point Images
Around Olam’s rubber plantation, social actions and new infrastructure are beginning to benefit the populations: solar street lights, water pumps, restoration of health centres, housing for employees, etc. as shown opposite.
20