HEALTH AND SAFETY COMMISSIONERS SEE PRACTICAL BENEFIT OF INSIDE UK ENTERPRISE SCHEME

HSC press release: C047:03 - 25 September 2003

Health and Safety Commissioners were in Derbyshire and Wales yesterday to see an innovative approach which offers other small businesses the opportunity to tackle health and safety problems.

Inside UK Enterprise (IUKE) is a unique programme, funded by Treasury's Invest to Save programme and developed in partnership with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Small Business Service (SBS).

Abdul Chowdry and Joyce Edmond-Smith were at MTM Products Limited, Dunston Trading Estate, Foxwood Road, Sheepbridge, Chesterfield, Regional winners in the European Week for Safety and Health at Work in 2000 and 2001. Commissioner Margaret Burns visited the Ford Motor Company at Bridgend Engine Plant, Waterton Industrial Estate, Bridgend

Mrs Edmond-Smith explained: "Last year the HSC decided that, given the vast changes in working practices, we wanted to do more to engage with new audiences beyond the conventional health and safety community.

"MTM Products is particularly focused on a good work, life balance for its staff and this has had a significant reduction in its employees stress levels. The fact that the company successfully operates over 20 different shift patterns has helped working mums and the business has continued to grow and increase its profitability."

Mr Chowdry added: "I am delighted to gain some first hand experience of how they have dealt with such a difficult occupational health issue which HSE's own research shows one in five people having time off work with stress. .

"MTM Products pragmatic management shows that investing in good health and safety practices is well rewarded and that they are willing to share their experiences which will help others."

Ford's Bridgend Engine plant, employing 1,440, has developed a pedestrian and vehicle safety programme. This programme includes pedestrian aisles running throughout the plant and introduction of newly designed concept fork lift trucks which carry their load at the rear of the truck, allowing the driver to have an unobstructed view when transporting the load.

Margaret Burns said: "The implementation of these systems was also accompanied by a need to change the safety culture of the workforce so that they would recognise the dangers associated with workplace transport and the need for them to observe pedestrian/vehicle safety rules. I enjoyed talking to the staff and seeing how these changes have impacted on their work."

Notes to editors

1.The programme of IUKE Commissioner visits is part of a wider initiative to engage with new audiences. The HSC, which sets the broad policy of the HSE, will be attending a number of visits to talk to companies, particularly small businesses. The Commission's aims for the visits are to listen to business concerns and gather ideas about new emerging business practices.

2. The IUKE Health and Safety programme started in February 2003. There are currently ten "host" firms and it is hoped that can be extended to 15 next year.

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