The following is a summary of the Elementis Sustainable Development Programme. A publication containing further details of this programme can be obtained from the Elementis plc Corporate Communications department or by clicking here.

Our commitment
Elementis is committed to the highest standards of corporate governance. We strive to conduct our business with integrity and respect for others, as well as complying with the law in all the jurisdictions within which we operate. We see sustainable development as a natural and key element of the way in which we aim to develop our business.

We define sustainable development as the ability to meet the needs of the present, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Sustainable development encompasses a balance between three components - social, ecological and economic development.

The Elementis Health, Safety and Environmental Policy
Elementis conducts its business worldwide with the highest concern for the health and safety of its employees, contractors, customers, neighbours and the general public and for the environment in which it operates.

Elementis seeks to identify and eliminate occupational health hazards, is committed to providing a safe work place for all its employees and strives for zero injuries.

Elementis aspires to best in class performance in all aspects of environmental management. It views compliance with all applicable legal requirements and legal codes of practice as its minimum standard and works pro-actively to reduce emissions and waste from its products and processes.

Elementis supports the chemical industry's Responsible Care programme and applies these principles in its worldwide operations. Elementis recognises the importance of communications with all interested parties and is committed to informing its employees, contractors, customers, neighbours and the general public promptly of any significant hazards that arise from its operations.

The Board and senior management of Elementis are committed to this policy and continually monitor performance to ensure its implementation.

Sustainable Development Leadership

The Chief Executive of Elementis plc has Board level responsibility for sustainable development, including health, safety and environmental (HSE) issues.

The Elementis Governance Committee, which comprises the Chief Executive, Finance Director, Company Secretary and Director of Human Resources, oversees sustainable development policy, issues guidelines and sets overall direction.

A small corporate team comprising the Head of Global Manufacturing and corporate HSE managers supports the Governance Committee, providing advice and monitoring progress.

The Elementis Management Team, which includes the operating business unit heads, ensures the integration of sustainable development into the company's strategy and objectives.

The Managing Directors of the four businesses (Specialties, Pigments, Chromium and Specialty Rubber) are responsible for the HSE performance of their businesses. HSE policy is implemented at the operating sites through line manufacturing and HSE managers. The corporate HSE team provides an additional link between the Management Team and the businesses: setting corporate policies, giving professional advice, creating and delivering improvement initiatives, measuring performance and auditing.

Health and safety
The health and safety of our employees and of others affected by our activities is of the utmost importance to us.

A number of programmes have been initiated since 2001 to ensure we achieve continual improvement in our health and safety activities. These include:

• a comprehensive incident and 'near-miss' reporting and investigation system

• formal safety management systems

• adoption of corporate policies for life critical procedures such as working at heights, hot work and fork truck operation

• a focus on promoting safe behaviour through behavioural safety programmes

• safety audits and follow up to points arising from those audits.

As a result of these initiatives, the frequency of more serious injuries has reduced and our emphasis has moved to reducing the number of lesser incidents, including near misses.

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Full Sustainable Development Report >