SHE performance in a downturn

19th February 2010 - 2:24 pm - by Content manager

Question from Institute of Quarrying Question Time on 18 February.

Becky Slater: ‘Can SHE performance be expected to continue to improve when the industry is struggling with reduced manpower as a result of the downturn?’

Cedric Hollinsworth ‘It shouldn’t make any difference whether it was boom or bust as the focus must always be on improving the culture’ There is no reason it can’t be sustained, but it must be a total management buy-in and come from the top down. If cutbacks need to be made safety will be the last expenditure that is cut.’

Miles Watkins ‘Whilst it is more challenging in present circumstances hurting people is not acceptable and, if a job can’t be done safely, it shouldn’t be done at all.  Also, communication is important and as there are less people employed at the present time communication should be better, not worse’.

John McGough: ‘What happens if a strong SHE commitment creates a competitive disadvantage?’

Cedric Hollinsworth: ‘There is a reasonably level playing field in the UK, but standards and production costs with a product like cement vary enormously overseas so this can be a problem’

Miles Watkins: ‘Companies need to differentiate themselves and competition is good at driving up standards’

Chris Dobbs: ‘Competitive behaviour can work in a positive way when sustainability performance is measured because no company wants to be seen to be underperforming’

Replies: 0