The Chief Executive has board responsibility for Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) and the Group Director of Environment, Health and Safety reports to the Chief Executive. The board reviews EHS performance annually, but it is the Chief Executive's Committee (CEC) and the CSR Compliance Committee (a sub-committee of the CEC) which identify and manage EHS risks. Through these reviews and committee meetings, EHS priorities and strategies are generated. Performance is monitored using monthly information on significant events, health and safety statistics and detailed site audit reports.

A written policy statement, formulated and agreed by the Chief Executive's Committee forms the basis of the group EHS management system. The board approves this policy statement which is signed by the Chief Executive. It is available at each site throughout the group and is published externally.

Read our Environment, Health and Safety Policy (Word, opens new window).

Compliance

The CSR Compliance Committee considers all risks associated with EHS. The committee is responsible for:

• EHS compliance and strategy
• Application of risk control measures and review of accidents and other incidents
• Ensuring EHS issues are resolved efficiently and corrective actions are completed.

Performance is also monitored through the group control self assessment process administered by Group Internal Audit which reviews controls at each site. EHS performance is dependent on leadership from the top, accountability at divisional level and the commitment of strong local line management. Individuals also have to take a responsible attitude to their own health and safety performance at work. Assessing and controlling the risks through professional management minimise the financial implications for the company, helping to protect shareholder interests. Certain risks are insured, but this is no substitute for sound management of the function.

Environmental, Health and Safety Management

Our EHS policies provide the guiding principles that ensure high standards are achieved at all sites around the world and afford a means of promoting continuous improvement based on careful risk assessment and a comprehensive EHS management system.

Group EHS Management System

The group EHS management system is reviewed regularly to ensure that it reflects international best practice and our growing understanding of the practical application of sustainable development. The corporate objectives, policies and group EHS management system define accountability and set the standards against which conformance audits are assessed. This system is available to all employees via the company intranet. All facilities have developed local policies to meet the requirements of these corporate policies.

Since 2003/04, 20 of our major manufacturing facilities' local EHS management systems have been audited against the OHSAS 18001 Health & Safety Management System standard. All comply with its requirements and have achieved registration to the standard.

EHS Compliance Audits

EHS compliance audits are an integral part of the corporate EHS management system and are vital for the achievement of continuous improvement in all aspects of EHS. All Johnson Matthey operated manufacturing and research and development facilities are included in the audit programme. The audit frequency for each facility is determined by the scale, inherent risk and past performance of the operation.

Audits review conformance with the group EHS management system and compliance with national legislation, as well as providing an opportunity to share best environmental, health and safety practices. Audit reports are rated as excellent, satisfactory, important or very important. The CSR Compliance Committee reviews all audit reports, including health management reviews, and appropriate follow up action is taken on any outstanding issues.

Health Management

The Group Occupational Physician undertakes business health management reviews to provide consulting advice to guide the prioritisation and planning of programmes to optimise workplace health protection and promote workforce sustainability. Reviews are undertaken every three to four years at all operational sites.

Driving Continuous EHS Improvement

Training is vital to ensure continuous improvement in EHS performance. This training includes seminars on high priority health and safety topics and regular meetings are held in Europe, North America and Asia to enable the group's EHS professionals to network, share current best practices and discuss the impact of future EHS based legislation. Accidents and incidents are investigated to gain shared learning and drive continuous improvement. We also monitor relevant events in our industry sectors to derive additional learning and assurance that we are working to the highest standards and best practices.