Van Houtum Papier wins the ARBO Trofee 2009
Van Houtum Papier has won the paper industry ARBO Trofee 2009 (trophy for working conditions). That's the second time in three years. A unique performance! The safety and health commission accepted the award from the Dutch Association of Paper and Board Manufacturers (Koninklijke Vereniging van de Nederlandse Papier- en kartonfabrieken or VNP) on 11 January 2010.
The VNP's goal is to stimulate the creation of a paper and board industry that is profitable, environmentally friendly and innovative. With this in mind, the Association annually awards the ARBO Trofee to the company that scores best in four areas:
* a minimum of accidents that lead to sickness absenteeism,
* the inflow into the Dutch WIA scheme (for long-term work disability),
* the sickness absenteeism percentage in the company,
* the frequency of sickness absenteeism during the previous year.
Henk van Houtum explains: ‘Safety comes first in everything we do. Our employees are aware of all the possible hazards and risks and correct each other when unsafe working practices are used.’ A structured management system for working conditions has been set up and documented in accordance with the OHSAS 18001 norm. We also introduced vitality management at the beginning of last year. A preliminary action plan was drawn up in collaboration with TNO. Our Working Conditions Committee subsequently carried out a detailed survey among our staff. That has now led to concrete suggestions such as support when giving up smoking or ways of encouraging employees to take more exercise.’
Henk van Houtum is enthusiastic: ‘We can definitely look back on 2009 as a good year. Not just in terms of the financial results; we also won a number of highly regarded prizes. That generated a great deal of publicity in the press with mentions of our name in several daily newspapers and trade magazines and publicity on websites.’
‘For example, we were again voted one of the 50 Best Managed Companies in the Netherlands,’ says Henk. ‘In addition, the jury selected us as the winner in the Risk Management category because we are capable of turning significant threats into competitive advantages. Rob Didden, our Export Sales Manager won the Export Manager Award 2009 in October. And, as if that were not enough, we were the first company in the world to receive a Cradle to Cradle Certificate for the manufacture of biologically degradable hygienic paper.’
Henk van Houtum sees the results as a huge boost for everybody in the company and a just reward for all their hard work. ‘In combination with our excellent financial results, these prizes prove that doing business in accordance with the principles of Corporate Social Responsibility and Cradle to Cradle delivers tangible results.’