Health and Safety

Industry Goal:  An industry where people are safe and free of injury and disease

The plastics and chemicals industries are complex in their operation and use a broad range of manufacturing technologies. Activities like handling chemicals, processing materials, machinery operation and transport systems all present workplace hazards.

Companies must take a systematic approach to identifying and controlling workplace hazards. This includes developing a strong culture of safety within companies, implementing policies, developing and implementing safe working systems, workplace training and investing in modern and safe equipment.

Industry stewardship programs such as Responsible Care® and Plascare^TM programs play an important role in assisting companies create a safe working environment for the workforce. Companies using product stewardship approaches can also build on this work to partner with suppliers and customers to reduce injuries and disease. Increased OHS knowledge in the workplace will also transfer to communities, supporting safer practices at home, at schools and on the roads.

Australia has a national target (National OHS Strategy) of reducing the incidence of workplace injury by at least 40% from 2002 to 2012, with a reduction of 20% in five years (2002 to 2007).The plastics and chemicals industries have and continue to be committed to these goals.

Over the most recent 5 year reporting period (2002-2006) the chemicals industries have recorded a reduction of 24% in Total Recordable Injury Frequency Rate (TRIFR). In the same period the plastics industry has displayed improved performance in reducing injuries and achieved a 51% reduction in TRIFR.

Moving forward, the biggest challenge is to tackle workplace injuries and disease in an integrated, proactive way. Next generation products and processes will be developed and designed to eliminate factors relating to occupational diseases and will transform occupational health and safety. Leading companies will integrate OHS upfront in product design, process development, and create a culture that transforms OHS practice at the workplace and in communities.

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