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Policy
Cookson has a Health, Safety and Environment (“HS&E”) Policy based on the principle of operating in a manner that preserves health, safety and a sound environment. For Cookson companies worldwide, the minimum acceptable standard is to meet their legal HS&E obligations, however, the aim is to improve continually. Cookson believes that good HS&E performance is an integral part of effective and profitable business management. The policy, which is reviewed regularly, is available in full on the Group’s website, www.cooksongroup.co.uk.
Management systems
The Board assumes ultimate responsibility for HS&E policy and for monitoring its implementation, while executives and line managers are directly responsible for HS&E matters in the operations under their control. A reporting system is in place to collect, collate and report on HS&E matters, including key performance indicators. Advice and support is available from the corporate HS&E function, led by the Group Head of HS&E who reports on these matters to the Board.
During 2008, the number of Cookson locations with certification to ISO 14001, the international standard for environmental management systems, and OHSAS 18001, the standard for health and safety management systems, increased, principally as a result of the Foseco acquisition. The Group now has 60 locations certified to ISO 14001 and 29 locations certified to OHSAS 18001.
Performance
Since 2004, Cookson has operated a programme aimed at reducing energy use and the associated emissions of carbon dioxide (“CO2”), the principal greenhouse gas. The programme trains employees to understand energy use and conservation principles and introduces energy audits to assist high-use sites in identifying and implementing conservation measures. During 2008, Cookson conducted energy audits and prepared energy use-reduction plans at 17 facilities. These efforts have yielded a 3.4% reduction in gas use and a 6.7% reduction in electricity use from 2007 to 2008, excluding the impact of the Foseco acquisition.
A number of Cookson companies in the US have been named as potentially responsible parties under the Superfund law for wastes disposed of at sites owned by third parties. Although likely Group costs depend on many factors, the few cases that remain active are expected to be settled within the amounts already provided.
Like many manufacturers, some Group companies have potential environmental liabilities because of past operations at their current or former sites. Where remediation is required, Cookson environmental managers and external specialists work with government authorities to ensure that remediation is conducted effectively and efficiently.
Compliance
A small number of enforcement notices were issued to Cookson companies in 2008, including several that assessed minor penalties. One civil court action for alleged non-compliance with waste management requirements associated with managing an inactive site was filed against a Cookson company in 2006. The company expects to settle the case in 2009.
REACH
Cookson companies began implementing the European regulation for the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (“REACH”) in 2008. Each chemical manufacturing business established a team to address REACH obligations. The businesses filed appropriate pre-registrations by the statutory deadline and contacted suppliers to ensure that the chemicals necessary for future operations would remain available.
Workplace
Cookson’s success depends on retaining the commitment of the people who work within it. The Group strives to ensure that employees have a safe environment in which to work and that employment practices are fair and equitable.
Safety
Cookson’s goal is zero work-related injuries and illness.To achieve this, a worldwide initiative was commenced in 2002 to improve safety performance, with a particular focus on applying sound risk assessments and ergonomic principles. The programme includes minimum standards of performance, targeted assistance to higher risk sites and a variety of training and awareness activities. To ensure continued progress, the Group set, in early 2007, a target of a further reduction in injury and illness rates of 30% by the end of 2009. In 2008, Cookson’s largest division initiated a “Safety Breakthrough” campaign in response to several serious accidents and to renew emphasis on safety performance with a heightened focus on ensuring satisfactory health and safety environments in customers’ locations where Cookson employees are required to work. By the end of 2008, Cookson’s overall recordable injury rate had improved by 27% percent over the 2007 rate, and the rate of injuries that caused days away from work improved by 12% compared to the 2007 rate.
During 2008, Cookson continued to focus on the elimination of work-related injuries through better application of ergonomic principles. The last five years have seen extensive ergonomic training throughout the Group and the establishment of ergonomic teams at a number of facilities, leading to a significant improvement in their performance. Additional information on HS&E matters can be found on the Group’s website – www.cooksongroup.co.uk. |
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Energy consumption
manufacturing operations |
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Facilities certified
to ISO 14001 |
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Rate of injuries & illness that resulted in absence from work
per 100 employees |
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Electricity use |
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Gas use |
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Excluding Foseco |
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