For a Food Manufacture webinar that aired earlier this year, Kenton gave a presentation about the key health and safety risks facing food and drink firms.
During the webinar, Kenton argued that incidents are, on some level, inevitable and therefore, it is incumbent on manufacturers to be prepared. Proper preparation includes policies, risk assessments, training, response protocols and the use of technology.
Below, Kenton has responded to questions submitted by the audience that he did not have time to cover during the webinar.
Statistics demonstrate that there is an upward trend in cases of stress, anxiety and depression within the manufacturing sector
Elliott Kenton
How do you create a culture of health and safety?
Kenton: “Health and safety culture needs to be embedded from the top down. It’s not enough that there’s a health and safety officer or a few health and safety officers at middle management level.
“There needs to be someone that is senior and preferably at board level that understands and knows about health and safety and takes responsibility for it.”
What are some of the key things to consider when working with a new supplier?
Kenton: “Conducting thorough due diligence on a supplier is essential from a legal standpoint. It’s important to check whether the supplier’s health and safety systems, policies, practices and procedures are not only legally compliant but whether the operator goes above and beyond their legal requirements.
“For instance, look for suppliers who have obtained leading accreditation such as ISO 45001 or ISO 45003. Operationally, it’s crucial to assess whether the supplier’s values and culture in relation to compliance mirrors your own.”
What are some of the new health and safety threats that food manufacturers should be aware of but do not get as much coverage?
Kenton: “Psychosocial risk, which broadly relates to workplace activities that may pose a risk of harm or actual harm to a person’s psychological health and wellbeing, is a longstanding threat that is gaining prominence.
“Statistics demonstrate that there is an upward trend in cases of stress, anxiety and depression within the manufacturing sector, making this risk a strategic priority for the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). In other jurisdictions, health and safety regulators are prosecuting duty holders for failing to protect mental health, particularly in cases where workplace factors have been linked to suicide.”
How do you ensure your guidance is clear to all workers?
Kenton: “When drafting health and safety policies or guidance, it’s crucial to consider the diverse audience that will be reading them. The content should be easily understandable, avoiding technical jargon and legal language.
“Using visuals like graphics and flowcharts can greatly enhance accessibility, making the guidance more comprehensible and easier to follow for everyone.”
How should a business respond after an incident?
Kenton: “The materials gathered as part of a HSE investigation are likely to be legally privileged, which means that they can act as a shield from disclosure from third parties and gives an organisation time to conduct a thorough investigation as to what has happened
“A business can benefit from lessons learnt following an internal investigation and there are a number of recommendations when we’re assisting clients with internal investigations that companies and organisations adopt.
“An internal investigation will also cement an operator’s good faith response and will usually lead to positive change in health and safety culture. You’re showing your people, your workers, your employees and third parties that you are taking health and safety seriously, and that does promote a positive health and safety culture.”
