Continued

An improving trend in lost time accidents
A key measure of safety performance is the number of lost time accidents (LTAs). LTAs are defined in the UK as 'injuries resulting in greater than three days lost (not including the day of injury)'.

Since 2000, our LTA rate has reduced by 51 per cent to 0.28 per 100,000 hours worked. This compares favourably with the UK CIA1 average of 0.31.

Desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii), Elementis Specialties, Newberry Springs, US.		The sustainable development pyramid.
Waste water treatment plant ground breaking, Elementis Specialties, Charleston, US.

An improvement in recordable incidents
Following our successful improvement in the number of LTAs, we have adopted on a global basis the US OSHA2 definition of recordable injuries and illnesses. This more detailed measure of underlying safety performance includes all incidents that require more than first aid treatment. Our recordable incident rate in 2003 has improved significantly to 2.45 per 200,000 hours worked, down from 3.35 in 2002.

Recordable incident rate (per 200,000 hours)

Planning for further improvement
We currently use three specific techniques to ensure we continue to improve our safety performance:

• the Elementis incident investigation reporting system, implemented in 2001, which gives an intensified focus on minor accidents and near misses

• particular programmes targeting behavioural safety

• management safety inspections.

Corporate health and safety compliance audits
We conduct regular health and safety audits. This includes a programme to ensure we meet the legal requirements and codes of practice in the countries in which we operate, as well as our own HSE policy commitments. Health and safety audits have been carried out within the last two years at all Elementis sites in the US, and at the five principal manufacturing sites in the UK, mainland Europe and Malaysia.

Safety goal
Elementis is committed to providing a safe work place. Our objective is zero injuries.

During 2003,we reduced recordable incidents by approximately 26 per cent, to 2.3 per 200,000 hours worked. Our target for 2004 is a reduction to 1.8 incidents. This would represent a further 26 per cent improvement towards our longer-term goal of being in the top quartile for comparable companies in both the US and the UK, by 2006.

Human value and employee benefits
Elementis aims to maximise human value through enhancing the expertise and knowledge of employees and extending their career choice.

The success of our business is highly dependent on the quality of the contribution our people make to the Company and society. We aim to demonstrate that working at Elementis can significantly enhance individuals' skills and employability, and that the organisation is truly committed to maximising the potential of employees.

Our approach to Human Value can be summarised in the following four policy statements. We shall:

• create an environment that allows people the opportunity to increase their knowledge and skills through personal development and learning so as to sustain the Company's competitive position regarding human capital

• enable individuals and teams to maximise their contribution and realise their potential for both their own development and the Company's goals through continuous performance and potential management

• be receptive to the opportunity to create and support equal opportunity and diversity in all our locations worldwide in all businesses

• ensure that our people are supported by a culture of Well-Being that focuses on both prevention and cure as part of a positive mental and physical health policy.

Equality of opportunity
We strive to ensure that no existing or potential Elementis employee receives less favourable treatment than another on the grounds of race, colour, nationality, ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, age, disability, social or economic class, trade-union membership or non-membership, religion or political beliefs. The Elementis fair employment policies also recognise that employees should be able to conduct their duties free from the threat of bullying or harassment.

1 Chemical Industries Association
2 Occupational Health & Safety Administration
3 American Chemistry Council

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