BPF members show further accident rate improvement

The British Plastics Federation (BPF) has published the results of its Annual Accident Survey for 2015, which gathers information that will assist the BPF in supporting the plastic industry within the field of health and safety. The report shows a reduction on accident rates for BPF members for its fifth consecutive year, with cuts being the most common type of accident in 2015.

Injuries caused by knives and those due to generic cuts amounted to over 22% of accidents, making cuts the major cause of accident in the plastic industry for BPF members. Sharp edges, contact with machine blades, trimming tools and cardboard packaging were among the major causes of non-knife related cuts.

The survey, completed by a total of 125 firms, also indicates that “handling, lifting or carrying” appear to be another predominant cause of accidents within the industry, with a share of 16.7% of the total. Closely following are accidents caused by impacts against stationary object (16.4%) and slips/trips/falls (15.5%).

Alan Brown, Chairman of the BPF’s Industrial Health and Safety Committee says: ‘It is encouraging to see a steady downward trend in accidents. It is true that there are areas that need to be worked on to improve the results, and by doing so will improve the safety and health of our work force.’

He adds: ‘There is some very good work being carried out by members to improve the workplace, and by sharing this information and experience we can all benefit to reduce the problem areas – not just in safety, but also in health as well.’

Francisco Morcillo, BPF’s Head of Public & Industrial Affairs, says: ‘We are delighted to see that engagement in the SIMPL (Safety In Manufacturing PLastics) project has particularly enhanced the performance of BPF members. The results show, once more, that health and safety continues to be a top priority for the UK plastics industry.’  

In 2010, the BPF together with the HSE and other trade associations, trade unions and trade organisations, launched SIMPL (Safety (Safety in Manufacturing Plastics), a health and safety strategy for the plastics industry that aims to reduce accidents in the sector. So far, more than 90 company members have shown their commitment by signing the SIMPL pledge.

If you would like to sign up to SIMPL or require further information, please contact Sara Cammarano at [email protected]

ENDS

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Notes for editors:

British Plastics Federation (BPF) is the UK trade association for the plastics industry – representing the whole supply chain including polymer producers, distributors, additives suppliers, machinery manufacturers, processors and recyclers.