FDBusiness.com

The UK’s largest grower and supplier of fresh produce has been awarded an International Safety Award by the British Safety Council. Produce World’s Isleham site won the prestigious award for its performance in 2012, and it acknowledges the advances the site made with its health and safety programme throughout the year.

The win places Produce World Isleham in the same league as other awards winners including Greene King, Network Rail and Manchester Airport. Health and safety is a central focus for all of the Produce World sites, with rigorous education programmes in place to ensure that the staff adhere to and respect the legislation. The success of the programme is reflected by the fact that Isleham had no reportable accidents in 2012. 

All new members of staff receive clear inductions on health and safety upon joining the company, which are followed up with regular and formal one-to-one meetings. These occasions provide the opportunity to raise any concerns, which the senior team can then address.

Produce World Isleham also has an employee forum, which encourages staff participation and engagement on the environmental factors that affect them day-to-day. 

Combined with regular staff surveys, Produce World Isleham has implemented a clear and concise health and safety awareness campaign, and this award win demonstrates that it has not only resonated with staff but also with wider industry professionals.

Produce World Farming Director Jason Burgess says: “What a fantastic result for Produce World Isleham. This highlights just how important health and safety is to our business. Our people are our most important asset and we do all that we can to make sure they work in the best environment.”

British Safety Council Chief Executive Alex Botha says:  “The success criteria for our International Safety Awards are challenging and that rightly reflects the importance of ensuring the risk of injury and ill health in the workplace is properly controlled. Awards have an important part to play in driving improvements in health and safety management year on year. Produce World Isleham should be rightly proud of their achievement. We are proud of our association with Produce World and their commitment to keeping their employees and workplaces healthy and safe.”