FUCHS LUBRICANTS SOUTH AFRICA pursues Zero Harm as a key part of its HSE strategy

15 January 2024
For FUCHS LUBRICANTS SOUTH AFRICA, maintaining the highest standards of health, safety, and environ-mental (HSE) responsibility is not just a corporate obligation, it is a way of life. Technical Director Dr. Siphilis-iwe Ndlovu says the company has embedded these values into its operations and corporate culture.
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PreviewDr. Siphilisiwe Ndlovu, Technical Director at FUCHS LUBRICANTS SOUTH AFRICA5.82 MBDownload

“We take health and safety very seriously, with an ongoing commitment to monitoring and improvement,” says Dr. Ndlovu. FUCHS’ comprehensive approach is encapsulated in a robust SHEQ (Safety, Health, Environment, and Quality) policy that outlines its goals and objectives. The policy is the guiding document underpinning its health and safety drive.

FUCHS is committed to the overarching goal of Zero Harm to ensure no harm comes to employees, stakeholders, the environment, or the local communities where the company operates. Dr. Ndlovu stresses the importance of employees coming to work and returning home healthy and safe, a philosophy that underpins the entire operation.

“Our health and safety objectives are central to our business strategy, as they guide our operations and decision-making processes,” says Dr. Ndlovu. Health and safety are top of mind at various company meetings, including those with the Managing Director and Executive Committee. FUCHS’ open communication culture is underscored by Visible Felt Leadership (VFL) sessions whereby management engages directly with employees to understand their experiences and challenges.

FUCHS has introduced numerous channels for employee engagement and communication. “We have a Health and Safety Committee with employee representation, regular shopfloor safety meetings, management-level meetings, and monthly safety meetings as key platforms to exchange feedback and discuss safety-related topics,” highlights Dr. Ndlovu.

The VFL programme has proven particularly successful, with both management and executive teams engaging directly with employees, observing practices, and gathering feedback. Dr. Ndlovu points out that the transparency of these sessions demonstrates the effectiveness of the company's entire health and safety framework.

In addition to direct employee engagement, FUCHS uses various communication tools such as television campaigns, SMS messaging, and memos. The company is also subject to third-party audits and holds ISO certifications for health, safety, and environmental standards.

Reflecting on the company’s proactive response to the Covid-19 pandemic, Dr. Ndlovu explains it acted swiftly to implement necessary measures, including creating a shift system, adopting a work-from-home policy, and enhancing cleaning and sanitisation procedures. “Our highly effective approach allowed us to continue operating without compromising employee safety,” notes Dr. Ndlovu.

Furthermore, the company conducts regular drills and training to prepare for any major incidents. These drills simulate emergency scenarios and are designed to ensure that the company can respond effectively in real-world scenarios.

“Our commitment to health and safety extends beyond the workplace,” adds Dr. Ndlovu. FUCHS considers it a broader responsibility to look after its employees as people and ensure that no harm comes to anyone associated with the company. “Health, safety, and environmental responsibility are not simply corporate policies, but a way of life that begins at home and extends to the workplace,” she concludes.

Ends

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Notes to the Editor
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About FUCHS
FUCHS develops, produces, and markets high-grade lubricants and related specialties for virtually all industries Founded in 1931 as a family business in Mannheim, FUCHS is now the world's largest independent supplier of innovative lubricant solutions, covering almost every industry and application. Today, the company’s 6 000 employees in over 50 countries still share the same goal: To keep the world moving both sustainably and efficiently.

To live up to this claim, we think in terms of perfection, not merely standards. When developing individual solutions, we enter into an intensive customer dialogue – acting as an experienced consultant, innovative problem solver and reliable team partner. The results we provide meet not only the highest technological requirements, but also help customers save on operating costs and emissions. Because at FUCHS, sustainability is not simply an empty phrase, but a mindset – and thus the basis and aspiration of all our business activity.

FUCHS LUBRICANTS SOUTH AFRICA Contact

Kayla Van Vught

Marketing Specialist

Phone: (011) 565 9738

Email: kayla [dot] vanvught [at] fuchs [dot] com

Web: www.fuchs.com/za

Media Contact

Rachel Mekgwe

Senior Account Executive

NGAGE Public Relations

Phone: (011) 867 7763

Cell: 074 212 1422

Email: rachel [at] ngage [dot] co [dot] za

Web: www.ngage.co.za

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