Workplaces that have improved occupational safety were recognised when Zero Accidents Forum awarded its annual safety level classifications to its member workplaces in Finland. In April, this collaborative forum of 450 workplaces granted HKScan with its safety level classification III, which is a good start on our way to the top of the world in this regards as well. This time, 87 network members representing different industries received the safety level classification.
The fulfilment of the classification criteria is a great indication of HKScan’s systematic work in recent years to promote occupational safety. It also shows that everyone, both employees and management, is strongly committed to the shared goal of zero accidents. HKScan participated in the safety level classification in Finland for the first time and was placed at the level III – Heading for the World’s Front. To obtain a safety level classification is not self-evident; reaching the level III required HKScan to meet the common criteria for all level classifications as well as separately the level III criteria.
The aim of the Zero Accidents Forum in Finland is the continuous development of occupational safety and wellbeing at work and the dissemination of good practices. The common criteria for the Zero Accidents safety level classification require, for example, that the workplace has a notification procedure for near misses and safety observations as well as a systematic investigation process for investigating personnel accidents. In addition, there must have been no fatal accidents in the workplace during the review period, and disability to work for at least one calendar day must be used as the statistical accuracy for accidents.
Rates of occupational accidents declining rapidly on an annual basis
“In 2020, our frequency of occupational accidents in Finland has improved by almost 33 per cent and the frequency of accident absences by as much as 64 per cent compared to 2019,” says Peter Haag, VP Safety, Quality & Sustainability at HKScan Corporation.
The good annual development is based on HKScan’s determined work to improve occupational safety since 2018 within its Group-wide Safety First programme.
“At the time, we set a goal of zero accidents and developed our Safety First programme. With its four sections, we strive for our goal – not in small steps but in huge leaps,” Haag explains.
The positive development of occupational safety depends not only on the supportive structures, systems and operating models, but above all on the willingness of employees to change and their personal commitment to safe working practices.
“I would like to thank all our employees and team leaders for their commitment and desire to integrate occupational safety more strongly into their day-to-day work, even though it’s not always easy,” says Haag.
For further information:
- Peter Haag, SVP, SQS, tel: +358 40 520 8334
- HKScan Media Service Desk email communications@hkscan.com or tel. +358 10 570 5700
At HKScan, we make life tastier – today and tomorrow. Our strategic target is to grow into a versatile food company. Our responsibly produced, delicious products are part of consumers’ varied food moments – both every day and on special occasions. We have some 7,000 HKScan professionals applying more than 100 years of experience to make locally produced food. For us at HKScan, responsibility means continuous improvements and concrete actions throughout the food chain. As part of our Zero Carbon programme, we are targeting a carbon-neutral food chain from farms to consumers by the end of 2040. Our home markets cover Finland, Sweden, the Baltics and Denmark. Our strong product brands include HK®, Kariniemen®, Via®, Scan®, Pärsons®, Rakvere®, Tallegg® and Rose™. Through our strategic partnerships, we are also known for Kivikylän®, Tamminen® and Boltsi brands. HKScan is a publicly listed company, and in 2020, our net sales totalled nearly EUR 1.8 billion.
