The plastics industry accident record is worse than the UK manufacturing industry average - the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) are concerned!

Within the industry the main causes of injury are:

• During manual handling (the largest cause of all injuries in the industry 34%)
• Slipping or tripping (25% of major injuries)
• Machinery related (17% of major injuries)
• Struck by something including knife-cuts (14% of all injuries)
  

 The HSE are concerned that companies aren’t meeting their legal obligations on health and safety in the workplace.

The HSE have called the industry to action to improve health and safety standards

The British Plastics Federation is the key driver for change throughout the industry from small and medium sized enterprises to multi-national organisations.

The mechanism for change is through the SIMPL ‘Safety in Manufacturing Plastics’ Strategy 2011—2014.

The HSE have set industry objectives for reductions in accidents and ill health in the Plastics Industry. All companies are expected to meet HSE strategic objectives for health and safety under SIMPL.

By signing up to the SIMPL strategy through the British Plastics Federation you will have access to easy to use guidance, information and support, including the BPF SIMPL Charter and H&S Action Plan, this will help your business meet these strategic objectives.

By reducing accidents and ill health there are added benefits in reduced business costs.

 BPF Members can get involved by signing the pledge today!