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Reduction of accidents
The improvement objective set for all operating units
within the Group is presented in the chapter on Social
Responsibility, together with the performance achieved by
the Group at the end of 2012.
Efficient management of materials
The management of raw materials is deemed important
by the Group, considering both the high consumption of
valuable metals, such as copper and aluminium, as an
essential part of the production process, and the amount
of scrap generated.
The performance indicator selected by Prysmian in order
to monitor this aspect is the "efficiency of materials
usage", represented by the quantity of materials actually
consumed with respect to the standard quantity.
The Operations function sets the monthly efficiency
objective for each operating unit, in terms of tonnes of
materials saved each month, taking various factors into
account including performance in the prior year. Operations
checks performance each month using a dedicated
database (ODM), comparing actual efficiency with the
monthly objective and the average for the prior year.
The efficiency of materials usage improved in 2012 by
0.35% in the Energy Sector and, in the Telecom Sector,
by 0.23% in relation to optical fibre consumption and by
0.35% for other materials. In absolute terms at Group level,
4,500 tonnes of materials were saved compared with 2011.
The efficiency improvement objectives set for 2013 are
0.39% in the Energy, and 0,45% for the optical fiber and
0,67% for all other materials in the Telecom sector.
Skills, Training and awareness of HSE matters
Prysmian communicates information and delivers training
on environmental matters and on health and safety in
the workplace. The objective is to increase awareness,
knowledge and skills regarding the management of HSE
matters at all levels of the organisation, from the country
and regional HSE managers to the business functions
involved in the operational management of HSE matters,
as well as to all employees.
In 2012, the "Golden Safety Rules” were translated into
every official language used by the Group and distributed
to all employees. The purpose was to enhance awareness
about the operational management of HSE risks, while also
creating a common shared language.
The HSE function also prepared a number of "toolboxes"
and made them available on the intranet. These are usable
by local organisations to obtain information about specific
HSE matters and for training purposes.
The training of HSE managers at factory, country or regional
level is provided both directly and via the Webex School,
which organises a schedule of teleconferences on HSE-
specific matters of common interest.
In total, 24 Webex sessions were held in 2012, involving
more than 300 participants in about 565 hours of specific
training. The sessions covered the principles and operating
procedures applicable at Group level (analysis of accidents
and methods for reporting them, the Golden Safety
Rules, operational procedures for managing hazardous
substances), in-depth coverage of important matters, such
as the REACH regulation and its implementation, and the
sharing of selected best practices, such as the “knife-free
project” launched by colleagues in North America.
A meeting held at the Milan R&D laboratories was attended
by 45 colleagues from around the world: chief engineers,
technical supervisors and HSE managers from operating
units that perform medium and high-voltage electrical
tests.
Accumulated experience and the analysis carried out
clearly show the importance of personal behaviour as a
factor in the cause of accidents. Accordingly, the corporate
HSE function will intensify training on the related HSE
matters, involving all levels with established HSE roles
and responsibilities, including the managers of operating
units, HSE managers, safety managers and other in-charge
persons. The objectives are to strengthen the leadership
provided by these functions, promote a culture of safety
and modify the behaviour of all employees.
