1. Policy statement
In 2003 the UK businesses have maintained an aspiration to operate on a best practice basis. The policy states that “Health & Safety is a line management responsibility” and the Managing Directors in each SBU have formally endorsed this. Our policy statement was reviewed on 17/2/04 to take account of organisational changes and the importance of business travel.
2. Health & Safety Strategic Management Group (H&SSMG)
Vyv Attwood, HR and Services Director, has continued to chair this group which covers all UK operations. It consists of Senior Managers from each Business Unit, employee representatives and Health & Safety professionals.
The group anticipates that strategic business units (SBUs) will establish implementation committees at major locations; and find appropriate ways of engaging with their people in the smaller offices as well as those working from home.
The H&SSMG's agenda for 2003 was set by a risk profiling exercise which identified the top five Health & Safety risks. An overview of progress is set out below:
2.1 Stress
In response to new guidance from the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) and their first ever enforcement action against an employer (an NHS Trust), the HR Directors are considering a new strategy. Pilot studies have shown the value of using focus groups to conduct risk assessments as well as testing of new training materials. The General Business Unit (GBU) and Life Business Unit (LBU) are conducting regular employee opinion surveys as well as exploring aspects of the work-life balance.
2.2 Driving
Updated guidance was issued on mobile phones so that drivers with hands-free kits can still receive calls but no one is allowed to make them whilst the engine is switched-on. Because of concerns about the growing number of our people who take the cash allowance instead of a company car, a new declaration has been produced for anyone who drives on Zurich business. This has been launched through the company intranet.
2.3 Reporting of work-related accidents and sickness absence
The H&S Officer has introduced a new accident database, and HR are considering an upgrade of SAP-HR to improve our monitoring of work-related sickness absence.
2.4 Criminal assaults on staff
Our guidelines and training were reviewed in collaboration with Security Risk Management. As a result of this, the Health & Safety Executive's has included Zurich in a booklet of best practices for use by other financial services companies.
2.5 Controlling off-site activities
Our guidance for team leaders has been simplified and promoted on the company intranet
With the completion of work on criminal assaults and controlling off-site activities, attention was given to two other risks:
2.6 Call centres
The HSE's new auditing tool was applied at our call centres in Newcastle, Swindon and Portsmouth. Steps have been taken to ensure uniform compliance with the HSE requirements for rest breaks, DSE risk assessments and dealing with verbal abuse from callers.
2.7 Home-based staff
Our rolling programme of audits in 5% of homes has continued. Steps are being taken to improve the furniture, training for display screen equipment and checks on portable electrical appliances.
In recognition of the vitally important role played by people managers, the H&S Officer has delivered training to 363 line managers in the Region and the ZIFA part of the LBU.
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3. Monitoring
Comprehensive audits were conducted throughout the year at over 30 buildings. There is evidence of higher standards of compliance in the GBU than in the LBU's branch offices. The H&SSMG are currently following-up certain actions arising from these audits with the Managing Directors in each SBU.
In addition, special audits have been conducted to ensure compliance with the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) as well as the new regulations for asbestos and legionnella. The DDA audits were completed at major locations and the remaining few locations are due to be completed by mid-2004. Individual action plans will be fully implemented before the legal deadline in October 2004. We have completed an asbestos management programme ahead of the legal deadline in May 2004. The programme has included surveys of all our buildings, individual action plans, local registers and instructions for contractors. We have reviewed our compliance with the HSE's approved code of practice for legionnella and further work is planned for 2004.
The Managing Directors have introduced quarterly reporting which ensures their senior managers have returned a checklist covering key arrangements at each UK location. In this way any exposures have been quickly identified and brought back under control. Reactive monitoring has included the reporting and investigation of accidents.
Accident statistics across our UK locations have been collected since 1988. There were 244 accidents (357 in 2002), although only 14 (26 in 2002) had to be notified to the HSE. The incidence rate, based on headcount, has fallen for the second consecutive year.
However, Zurich has continued to be involved with the HSE following two incidents - one at a customer's site in March 2002 and the other was during the refurbishment of a building occupied by tenants in October 2003.
In the early part of 2003 several UK Corporate Centre buildings had to be evacuated because of fire alarms, security alerts and other incidents. Our emergency procedures worked very smoothly. The cause of each alarm was thoroughly investigated and, where appropriate, action was taken to reduce the risk of recurrence.
4. External reporting
This year for the first time our annual H&S report is being disseminated within Zurich as well as through the Corporate Social Responsibility section of www.zurich.co.uk.
In the absence of any direction from the Corporate Centre, the annual reports for Ireland & South Africa may include a summary of their Health & Safety activity.
With the formation of the European Business Unit, our UK policy and management system will need to be reviewed in the early part of 2004.
Arthur Champion,
Health, Safety & Environmental Adviser
5th March 2004
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