Workplace
Health and Safety Management
Northern Rock is committed to fully complying with all UK and European Health and Safety Legislation to ensure all staff work in, and customers visit, a healthy, safe and secure environment applicable to all its business operations.
With an emphasis to maintain and encourage a healthy working environment, the Health and Safety department works closely with all line departments to ensure risks are properly managed. This is achieved by production and implementation of health and safety management system procedures for risks and monitoring of the effectiveness of these procedures.
Structures are in place to ensure that health and safety responsibilities are met and mechanisms exist to monitor and review the health and safety performance of the company. In particular, the Deputy Chief Executive is appointed as the Director with responsibility for health and safety. An internal group reviews health and safety performance quarterly and consultative meetings are held with representatives from AMICUS, our staff union, on health and safety matters.
The approach being taken by Northern Rock is consistent with the targets contained in the Health and Safety Commission Strategy 'Revitalising Health and Safety'. This strategy and the approach being taken by Northern Rock has the principal aim of improving health and safety together with increasing corporate responsibility and accountability.
As a company committed to best practice in health and safety management Northern Rock believe that a well run business is safe, healthy and profitable.
Health and Safety Section
The Health and Safety team comprises of a Health and Safety Manager and 4 Health and Safety Advisors. This structure provides the foundation for the future development of health and safety.
Health and Safety Policy and Structure
The Health and Safety Policy has been produced and endorsed by the Executive Board.
Health and Safety Policy Statement
The following is the Health and Safety Policy Statement for Northern Rock:
- Northern Rock is committed to best practice in health and safety management as we believe it is an integral part of a well-run business.
- The protection of the health and safety of our own and other people who may come into contact with Northern Rock is vital to the success of our business. Consequently, the responsibility for health and safety rests with management.
- Our aim is to eliminate all preventable illnesses, injuries and associated business losses. This will enhance the wellbeing of our staff and our business efficiency, both of which are important for our continued success.
- To achieve our aim and continued success, Northern Rock is committed to:
- Ensuring clear management responsibilities are defined for high standards of health and safety, integrated with business processes.
- Ensuring that an organisational structure exists that supports and monitors effective health and safety management.
- Complying with all relevant Health and Safety and associated legislation.
Applying best practice for systematically assessing and managing health and safety risks with legislation defining minimum standards.
- Continually improving health and safety by setting objectives, measuring, reviewing and publishing performance.
- Recognising the importance and effectiveness of a consultative approach with staff and UNIF/AMICUS, the recognised trade union, on how risks are controlled and to secure staff contribution to continuous improvement.
- Supporting the implementation of the policy by appointing an Executive Director to champion and take lead responsibility for health and safety.
- Providing competent advice on health and safety matters and adequate resources for implementation of best practice.
- Ensuring premises, work activities and environments are safe.
- Requiring business partners and contractors to operate to health and safety standards, which at least match our own.
- Reviewing the policy to ensure its continued relevance and benefit.
- Complying with all relevant Health and Safety and associated legislation.
A structure for management of health and safety has been established and responsibilities have been defined.
Health and Safety Management
A health and safety management system based upon the guidance contained in the British Standard Institution publication OHSAS18001; Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems specification has been developed. This incorporates procedures for management of specific occupational health and safety risks within Northern Rock.
A Health and Safety intranet site exists to provide readily accessible information and guidance.
Health and Safety Policies and Procedures
- Home working
A policy has been implemented and all staff working from home have been trained in the relevant procedures to ensure they have a safe working environment at home.
- Call Centre Operations
There has been substantial press comment on the problems associated with call centre workers.
The Company's call centre operations have been reviewed and were found to have very satisfactory working conditions overall.
Northern Rock reviewed its call centre operations against the Code of Conduct for Contact Contact Centres within the finance sector produced by the Alliance for Finance
- The Alliance for Finance was set up by the trade unions and staff associations in the UK financial services sector. Its principal purpose is to influence the FSA, HM Treasury and the DTI; such that they bear in mind the interests of staff in the decisions they take about the future of the industry. They also seek to engage in dialogue with trade associations and the consumer lobby in order to find areas of common interest.
Health and Safety during Construction
During 2005, significant activity has taken place on construction projects for development of Head Office facilities. As a client procuring construction projects, Northern Rock has established and implemented processes for managing health and safety risks from construction work. The approach taken by Northern Rock is consistent with best practice guidance such as the Respect for People - RfP Code of Good Working Health and Safety Practices and includes requirements for setting targets for elimination and reduction of risks during construction work. The process has been applied to current projects that have commenced during 2005 including demolition and reconstruction of Head Office buildings.
- Contractors
A system has been implemented to evaluate and score the health and safety management performance of contractors employed by Northern Rock. This will assist in ensuring contractors health and safety standards are at least equal to statutory and specific Northern Rock requirements.During 2005, 27 contractors were evaluated.
Evaluation of contractors health and safety management has continued resulting in an increase to 101 of the number of contractors whose Health and Safety management arrangements have been approved.
One contractor has been removed from the list due to an unacceptable rating.
To meet the target for 2005 to audit contractors health and safety performance, an audit checklist has been established and used to audit contractors. The findings from audits have been used to agree improvements in health and safety management where required.
Audit of contractors will continue during 2006.
- Workstation Assessment
A system has been developed to provide all computer workstation users with online training on best practice workstation ergonomics to avoid discomfort and injury. The system incorporates online assessment for evaluation and management of ergonomics issues associated with workstation use.
The system is supported by the training of workstation assessors to undertake follow-up assessments where computer workstation users require this as indicated during completion of assessments. During 2005, 76 workstation assessors have been provided with training and 1250 users have completed workstation assessment.
- Management of Occupational Road Risk
Statistics show that for "office based" employers more accidents occur involving employees whilst driving than in the office itself. With a substantial number of staff covering thousands of miles a year, this review is seen as a major project as a number of Northern Rock staff drive as an integral part of their job.
Guidance has been produced and issued to all staff who drive as an integral part of their jobs and actions required for control of risks associated with driving at work. This guidance includes a policy on use of mobile telephones whilst driving in line with legislative requirements.
A programme for training drivers who are considered to be at higher risk due to the extent of driving associated with their job, has been progressed during 2005, with 33 drivers provided with training. This resulted in 4 drivers beingidentified as requiring further training which has now been provided.
- Fire Safety
In conjunction with completion of Head Office development, fire evacuation procedures have been revised and communicated to staff. This has been achieved and communicated to staff. via production of a Guide to Fire Procedures Pocket Card issued to staff describing action to take in event of emergency.
Revised procedures have been implemented for management of emergencies and training has been provided to key personnel.
- Manual Handling
Procedures and training programmes have been implemented to manage risks associated with manual handing. These included:
Implementation of an online manual handling training facility for use by staff undertaking low risk manual handling activities.
Provision of specific manual handling training for staff involved in more complex, higher risk manual handling. During 2005, 57 staff have been provided with specific manual handling training.
- Awareness training for staff working with people who suffer from epilepsy.
- Deaf awareness training to provide those working with deaf people basic sign language skills.
- Disability Management and Awareness
- Fully Air Conditioned Gymnasium with the latest Fitness equipment.
- Regular and diverse class timetable.
- Saunas/Sunbeds and Beauty therapy.
- Friendly Atmosphere.
- Personal Training.
- Highly qualified motivated staff.
- Free fitness assessments - to work out strengths and weaknesses.
- Free fitness programmes - gauged to individual goals.
- Adidas goods and products at discounted prices.
- Spinning.
- Body Pump.
- Circuits.
- Body-sculpt.
- Step.
- Boxercise.
- Fitball.
- Aerobics.
Accident Reports
There were 84 accidents reported to the Health and Safety Section compared to 86 during 4. This represents a 2% decrease
In 2005 Northern Rock's accident incidence rate (AIR) was 137 which is better than the national average. This provides an indication of the rate of accidents that have occurred standardised per 100,000 employees. This rate is commonly used for comparison of an organisations accident performance. The latest data available for 2002/3 indicated the national average AIR being 100.5 for office based industries. Ref: National Statistics, Statistics of workplace fatalities and injuries, Office based industries
Table 1
REPORTED ACCIDENTS 2000/2001/2002/2003/2004
|
Accidents |
RIDDOR |
Slips/Trips/ | RIDDOR |
RIDDOR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2000 |
34 |
3 |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
2001 |
53 |
4 |
20 |
29 |
117 |
2002 |
53 |
5 |
19 |
29 |
128 |
2003 |
1551 |
10 |
15 |
75 |
240 |
2004 |
842 | 4 |
34 |
48 |
77.7 |
2005 |
862 | 8 |
37 |
47 |
137 |
Footnote
1 Audit of accident books and promotion of reporting resulted in increased value
2 Original 2004 reported as 84, howver 2 accident reports were received in 2005 that related to 2004 accidents
The increase in total accidents reported is attributable to audit of all Accident Books and promotion of reporting requirements during 2003. This has resulted in an accurate indication of every accident reported within Northern Rock. Whilst total number of accidents has increased, there has not been an increase in severity of reported accidents or any particular trend. The fall in 2004 figures can be attributed to a significant increase in targeted Health and Safety activities.
Work Related Sickness
This is defined as absences due to the following categories; backache/backpain, musculoskeletal conditions and stress. Table 2 shows the number of days lost due to each category during 2005.
The total work related days lost represents 19% of total sickness absence in 2005 - 29,301 days in 2005, compared with 23,592 days during 2004.
Sickness Type |
Days Lost 2003 |
Days Lost 2004 |
Days Lost 2005 |
|---|---|---|---|
Muscular Skeletal |
211.5 |
528 |
400 |
Backache/Back Pains |
942.5 |
1,115 |
2041 |
All Stress Absences (anxiety, depression and stress) |
678.5 |
900 |
4809 |
Accident Injuries |
720 |
356 |
13 |
Total |
2,552.5 |
2,899 |
7263 |
Illness/Incident Rate
|
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
|---|---|---|---|
Lost time illness rate: |
4.8 days pa per person |
4.6 days pa per person |
5.02 days pa per person |
Lost time incident rate: |
|
|
|
Headcount/Riddor reportables*100,000 |
236.7 |
77.1 |
137.0 |
Benchmark Office Based Industries 1 |
121.3 |
173.4 |
162.2 |
1 Rates of non fatal injury to employees in Business and Finance Industry Sectors, Source HSE Statistics
Corporate Health and Safety Performance (CHASPI)
Corporate Health and Safety Performance Index (CHASPI) is an online index that enables companies to examine their own health and safety management arrangements and enables stakeholders to view the information and compare with other companies.
CHASPI can be accessed via (need to insert web link http://www.chaspi.info-exchange.com/)
Employee Consultation on Health and Safety
Regular quarterly forums have taken place to consult trade union appointed health and safety representatives on progress.
Employee Health and Disability
Procedures were introduced to evaluate new employees health and assist new and existing employees with disabilities.
Medical details of 143 new employees are referred to Health and Safety for evaluation of health conditions identified at commencement of employment. Follow ups include referrals to a physiotherapist or the company doctor based on criteria established by the Health and Safety Section for detailed evaluation and identification support required. During 2005 94 employees have been referred to the Company doctor for further support.
Training initiatives included:
Employee Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy
The 2005 target to complete a trial of referral of employees to physiotherapy was successfully completed. The outcome was the implementation of on-site physiotherapy services provided by external physiotherapists.
The implementation of this service enables referral and rehabilitation of staff who have musculoskeletal conditions that affect their ability to work comfortably. This approach of providing rehabilitation to staff is consistent with the aims of Northern Rock Health and Safety Policy and national initiatives contained in the Revitalising Health and Safety Strategy
During 2005, 107 employees were referred to the physiotherapy service. The outcome of referral was that 90% of referred employees musculoskeletal conditions were fully resolved. The overall benefits to individuals are that ability to work comfortably is enhanced and from a corporate perspective this contributes to absence reduction.
In 2006, the on-site physiotherapy service will be introduced within Doxford Park. Since commencement of the service, physiotherapy rehabilitation has been available for staff located at remote sites.
Staff with disabilities have been provided with a wide range of assistance to support their ability to work. Examples have included provision of equipment and specialist software.
To enhance the accessibility of Northern Rock branches to disabled customers, care care packs have been produced that contain items such as magnifiers, large grip pens and templates to assist customers with disabilities.
To support the introduction of the customer care packs, a staff training course was developed and implemented to ensure staff awareness of the correct application and use of the equipment provided in the customer care pack.
Manager Health and Safety Training
As part of a corporate management development training programme, a health and safety training module has been produced and delivered. This covers the key points contained in procedures that managers need to know to effectively fulfil their health and safety responsibilities. To enable all managers to be provided with the training, an on-line version of the programme will be issued to all managers during 2006.
Health Awareness
Escape Fitness Suite
The Northern Rock Fitness Suite "Escape" opened during 2003. The fitness programme runs in conjunction with a Health Awareness Campaign being promoted by and within Northern Rock. The Fitness Suite is subsidised by Northern Rock with staff paying £15.50 per month the membership increases daily.
Gym Membership
Date |
Staff Number |
31 December 2003 |
652 |
31 December 2004 |
870 |
31 December 2005 |
938 |
The Suite has been resourced to ensure staff are encouraged and motivated to use the facilities, including:
Personal Assessments when Joining the Club
A lifestyle profile is offered, with health checks including height, weight, and body composition, blood pressure and lung function tests being undertaken.
The fitness test includes aerobic capacity, flexibility, endurance strength and explosive power. This test is optional and is used as a benchmark for designing an individual client programme.
Every 6 weeks clients are advised to have a reassessment to keep check of their progress. For additional cost cholesterol testing is undertaken as part of a healthy heart programme. This includes a full consultation of the main factors that contribute to coronary heart disease and from the test the biological age can be calculated and appropriate advice provided on healthy eating, weight management and lifestyle changes.
Personal Training
Staff may struggle to reach fitness goals but can be helped by using an Escape personal trainer. The personal training service is unique to the individual and their needs, providing support, guidance and expert knowledge to attain individual goals. The service includes an in depth consultation, a structured training plan and advice on diet & nutrition. Studio Classes are offered on a daily/weekly basis and include:
Social Events
Not only is joining Escape Fitness beneficial for Health and Fitness but there is also an emphasis on the importance of social events. Activities are arranged by Escape staff and members are encouraged to provide ideas for events.
Programme Events
The first, of a number of, Health Awareness Programme event that took place in 2004 was a Healthy Eating/Slimming programme in January. Healthy eating advice was the top topic selected in an intranet staff survey on health awareness.
The positive eating plan encouraged staff to form permanent healthy eating habits yet, at the same time, enabled them to enjoy all types of food, guilt-free.
As part of Northern Rock's commitment to maintain a healthy workforce, a donation of £5 was paid to the corporate charity for every person who reached his or her target weight over the 5 week programme.