Safety: it’s up to us

More than 90% of accidents at work are caused by behaviour and the activities underline the message that everybody has a responsibility to take action if they see anyone acting in an unsafe way.

Our Group CEO Jean-Claude Carlin said: “Safety at work is our first priority at Knauf Insulation and we have a lot of safety rules and a lot of procedures and processes.

“However, safety is ultimately our responsibility. The primary cause of accidents is behaviour, so it is vital that we intervene if we witness something unsafe — even if that involves a more senior or experienced colleague. Nobody is exempt.”

Today is important but our focus on safety must be 24/7

To highlight this message ‘Stop’ cards were issued to everyone in the company empowering them to take action in the event of a potential accident and a special safety behaviour video featuring Mr Carlin was screened at every site.

In addition, individual safety activities were held at our plants and non-manufacturing bases from Russia, Germany, Slovakia, Slovenia and Turkey to Croatia, North America, France, the UK and Australia. These included workshops, behaviour brain-storm sessions, first-aid courses, safety drills, competitions and quizzes and presentations.

Mr Carlin said: “World Day for Safety and Health at Work gives us a 24-hour opportunity to really focus on making sure we all go home safely every other day of the year.”

The ILO has been protecting workers since 1919

2019 marks the centenary of the International Labour Organization one of the United Nations oldest specialised agencies. Commemorative highlights include a 24-hour global tour, the launch of a report into the Future of Work and a Centenary International Labour Conference in June expected to adopt new standards to fight violence and harassment at work.

• The ILO was set up in 1919 to “serve the needs of working women and men by bringing together governments, employers and workers”. Click here to learn more.