Putting safety first: how Ibstock’s ‘Safe Start’ initiative is driving a safer, more sustainable workplace

31 Jan 2024

At Ibstock, we always begin the year with our Safe Start meetings involving every colleague across the business.

The sessions place safety ahead of any other agenda as we return for the new year and allow colleagues to return to their work environment in a safety-conscious way.

The focus in 2024 was on addressing the significant issue of hand injuries, which accounted for over 40% of reported injury incidents across the Group. During the Safe Start session, all operational colleagues were consulted on proposed new had protection equipment, improved working practices and isolation procedures to raise awareness of risk and drive a safer workplace.

Through colleague consultation and collaboration with supplier Guardsman, we developed a customised ‘Spider-Man’ glove featuring cut resistance and backhand protection. The project demonstrated strong management commitment, extensive worker consultation and effective communication strategies. The results were significant, with a 75% reduction in hand injuries in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the same period in 2022. The initiative was recognised as best practice with a Highly Commended from the Mineral Products Association’s Health and Safety Awards.

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