BPF Members reduce workplace accidents for fifth consecutive year

Member companies of the British Plastics Federation cut the number of accidents in the workplace for the fifth consecutive year in 2015.

The findings have been published as part of the Federation’s Annual Accident Survey, which it uses to gauge the areas in which members need support in the field of health and safety.

Problem areas

The results showed that the major cause of accidents within the 125 responding firms was injuries caused by knives, amounting to 22 percent of the total number.

Sharp edges, contact with machine blades, trimming tools and cardboard packaging were among the major causes of non-knife related cuts.

The survey also indicated that “handling, lifting or carrying” appears to be another predominant cause of accidents within the industry, with a share of 16.7 percent of the total.

Closely following were accidents caused by impacts against stationary object (16.4 percent) and slips/trips/falls (15.5 percent).

“It is encouraging to see a steady downward trend in accidents. It is true that there are areas that need to be worked on to improve the results, and by doing so will improve the safety and health of our work force,” commented Alan Brown, Chairman of the BPF’s Industrial Health and Safety Committee.

“There is some very good work being carried out by members to improve the workplace, and by sharing this information and experience we can all benefit to reduce the problem areas – not just in safety, but also in health as well,” he added.

SIMPL Steps

In 2010, the BPF together with the HSE and other trade associations, trade unions and trade organisations, launched SIMPL (Safety (Safety in Manufacturing Plastics), a health and safety strategy for the plastics industry that aims to reduce accidents in the sector. So far, more than 90 company members have shown their commitment by signing the SIMPL pledge.

Francisco Morcillo, BPF’s Head of Public & Industrial Affairs, commented: “We are delighted to see that engagement in the SIMPL (Safety In Manufacturing PLastics) project has particularly enhanced the performance of BPF members. The results show, once more, that health and safety continues to be a top priority for the UK plastics industry.”

If you would like to sign up to SIMPL or require further information, please contact Sara Cammarano at scammarano@bpf.co.uk