HEALTH & SAFETY
A NEW APPROACH TO
SAFETY IN THE WORKPLACE
mong the many pressures of
A
the workplace, there is no
requirement more important
than the safety of employees.
Safety at work has been a
statutory obligation on UK employers since
key legislation was introduced in 1974,
bolstered since by various laws at a
European level. With an eye to staying
ahead of the game, Sodexo joined forces
with Catalyst Healthcare in April to launch
a new safety programme for all its
employees within its healthcare division
entitled ‘I Care. Do You?’ (ICDY)
Why ICDY? Sodexo’s head of safety,
David Whittall, explains. “When we began
developing the programme, our biggest
challenge was to give our employees a
simple core message on safety, one which
they can relate to and take personal
ownership of. This is why we chose to
name the programme ‘I Care. Do You?’
The programme was developed over
a two-year period following close
collaboration between Sodexo and
Catalyst Healthcare. Both companies
reviewed their existing safety programmes,
whilst also taking into account industry
best practice. Following a thorough review,
it was clear that improvements could be
made. Hence the formation and
introduction of the ICDY programme.
What distinguishes ICDY from Healthcare, believes in a thoroughly identify hazards and implement changes
previous safety programmes is its modern approach: “Sodexo’s commitment to improve health and safety standards
emphasis on individual responsibility. is to provide support if any employee not only in the workplace but also at
People are urged to speak up immediately stops a task for a safety reason. We will home. The feedback has been extremely
if they come across or are asked to do address any safety concern promptly, it positive. To date, Sodexo has trained over
something that they feel is unsafe. They will be fully investigated and there is no 750 members of staff and are committed
are also encouraged to be prompt about blame culture.” to training the remaining 7,200 members
asking for help if they are unsure as to To launch the programme, employees of its healthcare division by August 2010.
how to carry out their work safely. This were invited to attend a one-hour This includes all the Nuffield Hospitals
might mean abandoning a task if it is presentation to highlight everyday risks. At which fall under Sodexo’s remit and the
identified as unsafe and not permitting a each session, the group were asked to staff at Sodexo’s prepared food
colleague to undertake it. At the heart of describe their most dangerous daily tasks production facility, Tillery Valley Foods.
the programme lies a commitment for and to consider how to perform those The key test of any training is its
Sodexo and Catalyst employees, mirroring more safely. Each participant was then effectiveness. One of the first sites to pilot
their managers’ commitment to safety. asked to identify which single thing they the programme was Queen Mary’s
The simple message of ICDY belies would do the next day to improve safety, Hospital in Roehampton, which has had a
the importance of its many key strands. either in the workplace or at home. full rollout since February 2009 (it will
The programme has seen Sodexo staff Apart from ensuring its training complete two review cycles in January
immersed in putting safety first for both content is relevant and has impact, the 2010). There the figures speak for
themselves and their colleagues. crucial challenge for any large themselves: between February and July
Individuals are encouraged to take organisation is ensuring that all 2009, there was a decrease from nine
responsibility for personal safety and employees receive it and Sodexo has not reportable accidents to three. Such success
examine how safe the workplace really is. rested on its laurels with regard to rolling justifies Sodexo’s ambitious target of a
They are also asked to look out for each this programme out efficiently. Staff at four 25% cut in their annual total of accidents.
other and to show that they do so. Simon of its healthcare sites have completed the The indications thus far are that they will
Scrivens, the managing director of Sodexo course, undertaking a commitment to achieve this goal. www.sodexo.com
SUSTAINABLE FM | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2009
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