Arla Foods has a global target to reduce the incidence of accidents and absences. The Moulded/Cream Cheese group in the Consumer International division has been working on improving the working environment at the group’s five dairies.

In 2009, the rate of accidents at the five dairy plants was reduced by more than half compared to the previous year. These efforts have also helped reduce the amount of heavy lifting, repetitive motions and noise, which can result in work-related medical problems and absences.

ALECTIA acted as the coordinator and sounding board for strategy development and planning these efforts. In the process, we have delivered consultancy on:

• Safety culture and behaviour
• Tasks, responsibilities and organisation in terms of safety work
• Communication and clarification of roles
• Safety rules and their enforcement
• Policy on absence due to illness and dealing with absences
• Systematic work on the working environment – training, supervision, safety reviews, etc.
• Survey of noise, heavy lifting, repetitive motions
• Equipment safety
• Acoustic regulations, noise reduction, ergonomic improvements, chemical working environment

A high degree of involvement by the management, local managers and safety organisations has been crucial for success, and the positive results have provided the basis for new and even higher targets for 2010. Other areas within Arla Foods have been inspired to organise their safety work along similar lines.