EMPLOYEES AND THE WORKPLACE
50
Combatting static electricity
Fires pose significant threats in industrial environments, particularly where solvents are located, and static
electricity is a key risk factor. Jotun worked to address the issue in 2019 through a mandatory, global
‘I Care’ campaign.
Static electricity, created when two objects that are poor
electrical conductors move against one another, is a major risk
in areas where solvents are stored and used in manufacturing
processes. Electrical charges have the potential to ignite the
chemical vapour, leading to serious property damage and the
potential loss of life.
Through Jotun’s systematic programme of Group HSEQ audits,
static electricity was identified as a suitable issue to target for
2019’s main ‘I Care’ campaign. The initiative aimed to build
awareness of the threat of static charges, improves training and
procedures, and establishes a strong safety culture.
Engaging change
Jotun runs one mandatory ‘I Care’ campaign, focused on
engaging employees, raising safety awareness and reducing
operational risk, every year. In addition, each company has
a requirement to conduct two further initiatives tailored to
address its own specific needs and risk environments.
Positive action
In 2019, ‘Control Static Electricity’ was introduced as the global
campaign, centring on enhancing control of ignition sources
in high risk zones, and therefore avoiding serious fires and
potential fatalities.
Companies were charged with creating their own crossfunctional
teams (e.g. with representatives from operations,
health & safety, and maintenance) to lead the initiative, with
training concentrating on understanding and reducing risk.
Jotun’s Operations Academy and e-learning tools were revised
and strengthened to address the issue. Technical installations,
maintenance routines, and operational procedures were
assessed to ensure they were adequate for the effective control
of static electricity.
As ever with the global ‘I Care’ activity, the companies
‘competed’ for the best implementation of the campaign, with
Jotun Oman winning the award for 2019.
Through such concerted, structured and company-wide
programmes, Jotun aims to reduce the number of potential and
actual fire incidents on an on-going basis.
HSEQ
0 1 2 3 4
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2.3
2.6
2.6
3.6
2.2
2019 1.5
0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0
2018
2017
2016
2015
1.4
1.7
1.4
1.7
Lost time injury rate
Number of injuries resulting in more than one day absence
per million working hours – (H-value) for Jotun Group
Absence due to sickness
Days of absence in per cent of number of days worked