The Board of DS Smith Packaging considers that one of their prime responsibilities is to ensure the health, safety and welfare at work of employees, contractors and all others who may be affected directly or indirectly by the Division’s activities.  In addition, the Board will ensure that all practical steps are taken to protect the environment from the Division’s operations.

The Division considers that health, safety and the protection of the working environment have equal status with other primary business objectives and when apparent conflicts arise with other values and priorities will always support employees in making a decision in favour of safety and health.

Safe working practices and due consideration of the working environment factors are vital to the overall efficiency and success of the business.

The importance of health, safety and the working environment is such that compliance with all relevant statutory requirements, regulations and codes of practice which apply in each country of operation, is sought as a minimum. Health, safety and the protection of the working environment are the direct responsibility of management, and consequently form an integral part of the duties of managers and supervisors.

All employees must take a personal responsibility for their and others health and safety, and for the protection of the working environment.  The Division will ensure that employees have the required skills and support to meet this commitment.

In addition, the Division promotes and seeks the active participation of all employees in the continuous improvement of their health, safety and working environment.

 This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure its continued effectiveness, having in mind the fact that environmental, health and safety developments will continue to expand the Division’s duty of care, and its statutory obligations.