Workplace, Plant and Transport Safety

Workplace and plant safety is a key priority at WACKER. Our first concern is to protect our employees and neighbors, and prevent environmental damage and production downtimes. We analyze plant-related risks according to a two-stage system. In the first stage (danger-scope analysis), we simulate a potential damaging event, such as a fire or product spill. We then investigate possible causes and adopt preventive measures. In stage two, we examine particularly critical plant components for potential error sources and create a risk matrix. This matrix helps our experts assess and classify risks. Their risk classifications are then used to derive appropriate protective measures.

A cornerstone of WACKER’s workplace safety strategy is advanced training for our safety experts worldwide. We provide regular training sessions on plant safety and explosion protection. We also offer interactive learning programs on our intranet to facilitate the training of new employees.

Our “Fresh Impetus for Work Safety” initiative (established in 2007) was expanded to include non-German sites last year. For example, executives in China completed a workplace-safety seminar.

In 2009, there were 4.0 workplace accidents groupwide (2008: 3.7) per 1 million hours worked. WACKER’s performance is thus slightly above the global chemical-industry average here. The ICCA (the global chemical association) cites an average of 3.65 accidents per 1 million hours worked in 2008.

At WACKER, we also believe that it is our social responsibility to store products safely. We check hazardous-goods vehicles prior to loading and reject any that are non-compliant. To enhance transport safety, we agree on measures with our logistics providers and check on implementation systematically. Every two years, WACKER audits hazardous goods shippers. To evaluate them, we use internationally recognized systems, such as the Safety and Quality Assessment System (SQAS) operated by the European chemical association (CEFIC). Data is collected on, for example, driver training, vehicle equipment and accident response.

Fewer Transport Accidents in 2009

In 2009, we recorded five transport accidents. This number includes not only accidents involving the distribution of intermediates and products when we commissioned the transport, but also incidents that do not adversely impact people or the environment.