Mengibar - safety from work to home
Risk prevention awareness at work and at home
Health and Safety has always been an important focus for Smurfit Kappa, and the Spanish paper mill in Mengíbar, Andalusia has given it new meaning and depth. Their approach is translated as ‘At Home and at Smurfit Kappa’ and the philosophy is straightforward. Taking care of employees does not stop when they leave the company premises, but includes their home life as well.
It’s all about establishing a risk-prevention culture for all people connected to Smurfit Kappa. The recycled paper mill has been operational for 50 years and employs 120 people at the modern production facility which is surrounded by traditional olive tree plantations.
Growth in production meant that Health and Safety efforts needed to intensify. Smurfit Kappa is very proud that Mengibar has achieved eight consecutive years without any Lost Time Accidents.
Safety inclusiveness
Despite such a glowing record, the management in Mengíbar decided that they should make their H&S approach more accessible for people outside the factory. They introduced several initiatives to make their vision of safety inclusiveness a reality. During a Safety Week, families were invited to visit the paper mill to get to know the place where their loved ones’ work, to witness the safety measures, and participate in workshops to learn risk-prevention at home.
The Safety Week raises awareness, promotes responsible behaviour, stimulates discussions, and exchanges ideas. Smurfit Kappa approached the University of Jaén to set up a psychosocial risk prevention project. Taking good care of employees is a positive driver for them, their families and the surrounding community. Extending the scope of their activities from work to home has had a tremendous positive impact. They even received an Andalusian Flag Award* for their safety approach for and socio-economic development in Jaén.
* The Flag of Andalusia is a commemorative distinction of the Day of Andalusia (28th February) and recognizes any company, organization, entity or person that contributes to the development of the Andalusian Autonomous Community and Province. In Mengíbar’s case we know that our social involvement as well as our Health & Safety policy have been decisive.
Key figures
Smurfit Kappa Mengibar has been operational for 50 years
Employs 120 people from the local area
8 years without a Lost Time Accident (LTA)