sain t-gobain annu al report 2008 annual report

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Mobilizing resources to deploy the EHS policy
The EHS Department provides management and supervisory
resources to help sites develop their own EHS practices
consistent with Group policy.
Effective management methods
We recommend that our sites adopt certain management
practices designed to deliver the best results in terms
of environmental protection and industrial health and safety.
The WCM (World-Class Manufacturing) program is a
structured approach to manufacturing excellence currently
being deployed in all of our industrial Sectors. It comprises
two main pillars: EHS and risk prevention.
Following a series of pilot projects, notably within the Gypsum
Division and the Brazil Delegation, the Group-wide program
was launched in 2007. Fostering continuous improvement and
operating efficiency, WCM projects have significantly improved
safety and manufacturing performance while quickly
generating financial results. WCM projects are currently
underway at nearly 300 Saint-Gobain sites and the program is
being extended to all of the Group’s industrial operations.
Since 2004 we have been gradually deploying the “5 S”
management method as part of the WCM initiative.
Already in use for several years at a number of Group sites,
this method has proven effective in enhancing safety, quality
and productivity. It is based on five principles: seiri (sorting),
seiton (setting in order), seiso (cleaning), seiketsu
(standardization) and shitsuke (discipline).
Rigorous standards and recommendations
In addition to these general management practices,
we have developed a set of recommendations and mandatory
standards dealing with specific EHS issues. They are conveyed
through a variety of media, including implementation guides,
procedures, training kits and IT resources. The standards
require employees to implement a uniform risk assessment
method to quantify and control risks, ensuring that the same
preventive measures are used across the Group, regardless
of the country or local legislation concerned. These measures
are deployed simultaneously across the Group. Our EHS
standards and recommendations are described below under
the relevant headings. For example, the standards governing
toxic agents and noise are addressed in the section
on industrial health, while the accident analysis standard
is discussed in the section on safety. These resources constitute
a shared methodological foundation for EHS departments
within the various Sectors, Divisions and Delegations,
and can be enhanced with specific recommendations
for particular businesses or that reflect local regulations.
A coordinated network of expertise
The EHS system hinges on a network of correspondents
that mirrors Saint-Gobain’s matrix organization.
The correspondents’ activities are coordinated by a corporate
unit that reports directly to Group senior management.
Within each Sector, one or more employees are appointed
to propose an EHS policy tailored to the specific nature
of the Sector’s operations and to oversee its implementation.
Similarly, within each General Delegation, a representative
is selected to coordinate Group, Sector and divisional EHS
initiatives at the local level and to ensure compliance
with local regulations and Group standards.
These EHS representatives work in turn with correspondents
at the various companies and facilities. Working alongside
the Group’s EHS Department, these professionals form
a network responsible for supporting operations managers
in developing and implementing EHS policies.
This organizational structure enables the EHS function
to remain close to business operations, respond to specific
local circumstances and ensure overall consistency.
The International EHS Committee, composed of Sector
and Delegation heads, meets twice a year to take stock
of EHS policies, learn about resources available to the network
for deploying these policies and share best practices.
Similar meetings are increasingly being held within each
Sector and Delegation, so that EHS staff can exchange ideas
on issues specific to their business or local environment.
Within the EHS network, doctors and industrial hygienists also
meet to set objectives and develop preventive methods
and resources to promote workplace health and industrial
hygiene. The results of their collaboration are then presented
to the Group.
In addition, regular meetings are held on matters of general
interest relating to EHS. These meetings bring together
specialists in the field to discuss relevant topics, such as
the database of chemical substances used within the Group
– an essential resource for complying with the European
Union’s REACH legislation (see pages 80-82).
Forums such as these, enhanced by daily exchanges
and information disseminated via the various EHS
communication channels described earlier, ensure
that EHS staff form an effective network.
Close cooperation with Research and Development centers
Our Research and Development centers cooperate with
the EHS network to enhance the Group’s performance
with respect to environmental protection and industrial health
and safety. With that clear goal in mind, they work together
at three different levels, as follows:
Saint-Gobain - 2008 Annual Report