At Essential Cuisine, the well-being of our team is paramount. That’s why we recently held a dedicated internal Health and Safety Day, aimed at refreshing and reinforcing our commitment to a safe, healthy workplace for everyone. Whether it's in the factory, at a workstation, or on the road, the safety of our team is always our top priority.
The day was filled with engaging sessions, hands-on activities, and plenty of opportunities to learn, connect, and reflect on how we can all contribute to maintaining a safe environment.
Here’s a snapshot of what was covered:
Health and Safety: A Core Value
We kicked off with an overview of everything Essential Cuisine does to promote health and safety. From ensuring compliance with industry regulations to implementing best practices. As a company, we have clear ambitions and targets for reducing risks and creating a safer workplace.
The Role of Our Health and Safety Committee
A crucial part of our safety culture is our internal Health and Safety Committee. This team, made up of employees from across the business, plays a key role in identifying and resolving potential safety issues. They meet regularly to discuss accidents, near misses, and findings from routine safety walks. Their insights help us continually improve our safety protocols and prevent future incidents.
Introducing the Experts
We were also pleased to introduce the Health & Safety representatives from Solina HQ. Valuable insights into global best practices were shared and we reinforced how safety is at the heart of our wider organisation. Their expertise adds an extra layer of support to our already strong safety framework.
Near Misses: Prevention is Key
A big part of preventing accidents is learning from near misses. That’s why we reminded everyone about our new reporting tool, SolinSafe, designed to easily record near misses and unsafe conditions. By using this tool, we can identify risks before they result in an accident, ensuring everyone feels empowered to contribute to a safer workplace.
Speaking Up for Safety
Another important topic was encouraging the team to challenge unsafe practices. We want everyone to feel confident in raising concerns when they see something that doesn’t look right. By fostering a culture where speaking up is encouraged, we ensure that safety is everyone’s responsibility.
Promoting Safe Working Practices
From risk assessments to proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), we reviewed everything we do to ensure safe working practices. Our off-site team was also included in the conversation, with a focus on their specific safety needs as they travel for sales.
Healthy Workplace, Healthy Minds
We dedicated a session to promoting the health and well-being of all our team members, with a briefing on two new wellbeing policies, ‘Global Health, Safety & Wellbeing’ and ‘Alcohol & Drugs Policy’. Both of these policies confirm our commitment to provide a safe, healthy and supportive environment for all employees.
Fire Safety Awareness
Fire prevention is another key focus area. Regular fire alarm tests, clear sign-in procedures for visitors, and a well-documented fire register are all part of our fire safety strategy. We also highlighted the importance of knowing who the on-site fire marshals are in case of an emergency.
First Aid Support
Our first aid resources were also reviewed, reminding everyone where they can find first aid kits and other emergency supplies. We introduced our trained first aiders on site, ensuring everyone knows who to turn to for help if needed.
Mental Health Matters
No safety conversation would be complete without a discussion on mental health. We are committed to supporting the emotional well-being of our team, offering access to mental health resources and encouraging open conversations about mental health. A healthy mind is just as important as a healthy body, and we want everyone at Essential Cuisine to feel supported.
Learning, Quizzes, and… Biscuits!
The sessions weren’t all about presentations; we also mixed in some fun. From quizzes to engaging videos, we kept things interactive and lively. And let’s not forget the delicious selection of biscuits, a perfect treat to keep everyone energised throughout the day.
Thank You to Our Health and Safety Team
A huge thank you to our dedicated Health and Safety team for organising such an informative and engaging day. Their hard work keeps us all safe at work, and we appreciate everything they do to ensure that Essential Cuisine remains a safe, healthy, and happy place to be.