Health & safety policy

Oxford Instruments is committed to ensuring the health and safety (H&S) of our employees, visitors, contractors and all stakeholders.

Our H&S policy is integral to our operational excellence. As an organisation we commit to:

• Providing a healthy, safe and productive working environment.
• Complying with all relevant legal and other requirements related to occupational health and safety.
• Continuously improving our H&S performance by setting and reviewing objectives and targets.
• Promoting a culture of proactive H&S management and risk control.
• Consultation and participation of workers and their representatives.

The responsibility for implementation of this policy rests with the members of the senior management team.

Every employee within Oxford Instruments has a responsibility for their own health and safety, as well as for that of others who may be affected by their actions.

Using our H&S strategic development pillars, the six C’s, we can further detail our approach:

Communication

• The senior management team will ensure the effective communication of this policy, associated procedures and responsibilities to all employees and stakeholders.
• Regular updates on H&S issues, improvement opportunities and incidents will be provided.
• Accessibility will be provided for all staff, visitors and contractors to our H&S reporting software, Shield.

Clarity

• Our policies and procedures will be clear, accessible and understandable to all employees and stakeholders.
• Roles and responsibilities regarding H&S will be clearly defined and communicated.
• The Managing Director or the Executive responsible for the safe running of the site, will report annually to the Management Board Director responsible for H&S that they have personally inspected their site and that they are satisfied that there are no risks that could lead to severe injury or loss of life.
• Key objectives and performance targets will be set that can be assessed and reported on, internally and externally.
• The H&S policy will be reviewed annually by the Board to ensure its relevance to the business and adherence to objectives.

Competence

• We will provide H&S training, professional development and task information to ensure that all employees have the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their role.
• Specialised training will be provided to those with specific H&S responsibilities.

Control

• We will assess the risks of all potentially hazardous tasks and take action to reduce or eliminate the identified risks, providing PPE where necessary.
• The executive management of each site will carry out regular reviews to ensure the requirements of this policy are met.
• We will investigate all serious accidents, incidents, dangerous occurrences and cases of work-related illness and take appropriate action to prevent recurrence.
• An audit programme will assess the effectiveness and readiness of our H&S management system.
  

Culture

• We will foster a positive H&S culture, where safety is considered a core business value.
• Leadership will visibly support H&S initiatives.
• Employee participation in H&S programmes will be actively encouraged.
• We will strive to improve H&S performance year-on-year.

Collaboration

• All employees must cooperate with management to ensure statutory duties are complied with.
• Best practices and lessons learned will be shared across the organisation.
  

"At Oxford Instruments, health and safety are integral to our business operations and success. We are committed to continual improvement in our H&S performance and expect the same commitment from all employees, contractors, and stakeholders. Together, we will create and maintain a safe, healthy and productive working environment."

Richard Tyson
CEO
September 2024