Safety first at Smurfit’s

Smurfit Kappa, an international company, stopped production throughout Europe so their employees could marked World Day for Safety and Health at Work.

“There was an excellent response to this with over 200 people attending the event,” according to the firm.

Everyone attending was entered into a raffle for a hamper of safety equipment such as a First Aid kit, fire extinguishers, driver emergency kit, carbon monoxide alarm, torch etc. and then all attendees were given a guided tour of the plant.

As part of the guided tour all visitors were introduced to the plant through a video presentation given by Tony Smurfit who reiterated the company’s commitment to providing a safe working environment and that everyone had a part to play in achieving this.

A number of events were also arranged as part of the guided tours and at these events attendees were encouraged to take part.

These events included driving hazard perception test, CPR and Automatic External Defibrillator demonstrations, Personal Protective Equipment types and uses, Forklift Truck Skills Competitions and using a fire extinguisher on a real fire in controlled conditions.

The Occupational Health Nurse was also made available for all attendees where free cholesterol, blood pressure and general life style advice was provided

At the end of the tour all attendees were invited to have refreshments and view the Safety Posters that had been entered as part of a Children’s Safety Poster Competition which was arranged as part of the Safety Day.

All attendees were given a small gift to thank them for their support.

“Feedback from the event was that all had an enjoyable day and that the company’s commitment to safety had been communicated in a fun and interesting way,” said a company spokesperson.

UN, ILO and other organizations, communities, individuals, and government bodies with an interest in workplace health and safety unite on or around April 28 to promote this even every year.