50 I Jotun Group Report 2020 Employees and the workplace / HSEQ
Jotun’s HSEQ strategy is founded on a principle of continually
improving safety and quality performance across the company
value chain, with a zero-tolerance approach to
injuries, fires and spills.
An advanced and integrated HSEQ Management System
provides the structure to track and manage 15 elements
covering every aspect of health, safety, environment
and product quality. It mandates each company to
delegate responsibilities to key individuals, allowing local
representatives to work towards achieving uniform, corporate
goals. Regular audits, utilising resources from Group and local
teams, ensures verification of standards and information to
maintain optimal performance.
In 2020, all planned audits were completed despite COVID-19
restrictions. This was done through the use of localised
resources, together with digitally streaming audit activity to
head office for quality control and support. These ‘remote
audits’ are valid for a minimum duration of one year, instead
of the standard three years.
In 2021, a total of 12 HSEQ audits are scheduled for
completion.
COMBATING COVID-19
Jotun moved swiftly to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19
pandemic on operations and to protect its people worldwide.
Through a combination of clear communication from Group
and sharing best practices from local companies, Jotun
created a solid yet flexible approach, capable of adapting to
an ever-changing pandemic reality.
In March 2020, Jotun introduced a global ‘I Care’ campaign
as the central pillar of its COVID-19 activity. This centred on
10 easy-to-understand, and act upon, instructions creating
a series of ground rules for work and social situations. The
messages included directives on cleaning routines, social
distancing, and choosing digital technology over physical
meetings wherever possible.
Each company was encouraged to document and share their
approach online, enabling effective knowledge transfer and
helping to continually refine Jotun’s pandemic response.
Infection rates from the companies were updated on a daily
basis and shared across the network every month to monitor
developments.
The strategy of strong Group instruction allied to local
empowerment led to an effective handling of a crisis situation.
In 2020, Jotun employees protected one another while
maintaining ongoing operations.
TASK MANAGEMENT
2020 also saw the implementation of a new Task Management
tool to enable improved follow-up on planned activities.
Jotun Operations Assessments, safety walks, business reviews
and a range of audits, produce lists of tasks necessary to
facilitate onsite improvements. The Task Management tool,
rolled out in April, allows users to register cases, document
findings, assess root causes, and communicate progress for a
more effective, accountable follow-up process.
Dedicated training material was made available online.
Formal introductory sessions ensured a structured, uniform
implementation across Jotun in 2020.
Control in a crisis
Safeguarding people, the environment, and ensuring the best quality and service becomes more
challenging than ever during a global pandemic. However, Jotun’s commitment to Care ensured
high standards and ongoing operations throughout a difficult year.