Health and safety remain central to how we operate.
Over the past year, we’ve strengthened training, expanded our response teams, improved our equipment, and upgraded the tools and systems that support safe working across the site.
In this article, we look at each of these improvements and what they mean for our business.
In this post:
Building Knowledge and Capability Across the Team
NEBOSH Qualifications
NEBOSH (National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health) is a globally recognised awarding body that provides qualifications in health, safety, and environmental management.
We continue to offer our team the opportunity to complete NEBOSH courses. These qualifications give people a deeper understanding of risk management, legislation, and safe systems of work, helping us build long-term capability across all departments.
IOSH Training
IOSH (Institution of Occupational Safety and Health) is the world’s largest membership body for health and safety professionals. Its training courses focus on practical safety awareness and effective risk control.
Five members of the team recently completed IOSH’s introductory training, strengthening our general level of awareness and reinforcing good safety behaviour across production, warehousing, engineering, and office functions.
COSHH Training
COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) regulations require employers to identify, assess, and control exposure to hazardous substances.
This includes chemicals, fumes, dust, mists, vapours, and biological agents.
Ten of ReAgent’s team have completed COSHH training this year. The course covered risk assessments, safe handling, chemical compatibility, control measures, emergency procedures, and the importance of health surveillance. This helps ensure safe working across all chemical handling activities.
Maintaining and Strengthening International Standards
We continue to hold two key ISO standards related to health and safety:
ISO 45001 (held since March 2023) for occupational health and safety management. This demonstrates our commitment to preventing work-related injuries and promoting a strong safety culture.
ISO 14001 (held since 2010) for environmental management. This helps us manage environmental risks, control hazardous substances responsibly, and continuously improve our environmental and sustainability performance.
Both standards require ongoing review, monitoring, and evidence of continual improvement. The progress outlined in this article supports our continued certification.
Developing Stronger Response and Safety Teams
Spill Response Team
Our spill response team has grown to 11 trained members. Each person has completed training in:
- Safe handling of hazardous chemicals
- Containment and control of spills
- Spill clean-up procedures
- Proper use of PPE, including respirators
We have also increased the number and distribution of spill kits across the site to allow for quicker responses in all areas of the factory.
Fire Marshal Team
We now have 12 trained Fire Marshals, responsible for:
- Leading safe and orderly evacuation during a fire or emergency
- Coordinating with emergency services
- Using on-site fire extinguishing equipment safely and effectively
This expansion ensures we have full coverage across all shifts and work areas.
First Aiders
We now have seven trained First Aiders who can respond quickly to injuries or medical incidents. Their training includes:
- First aid kit management and treatment of common injuries
- Use of oxygen cylinders
- Operation of defibrillators
- Use of Diphoterine spray for chemical splashes
To strengthen our emergency response, we’ve also added large mobile deluge systems for rapid decontamination in the event of significant chemical exposure.
Diphoterine is a specialist emergency solution that removes and neutralises chemicals from the skin and eyes. It is amphoteric, chelating, and hypertonic, meaning it can counteract both acids and alkalis while drawing contaminants out of tissue to reduce the severity of chemical burns.
Upgrading Safety Equipment and Systems
Respiratory Protection
We have improved our respirator equipment with more comfortable, more effective units that can be adjusted easily and work well for people with long hair or facial hair.
These upgrades make it easier for the team to wear respirators correctly for longer periods, improving overall protection.
Safety Data Sheet and Label Software
We recently upgraded to LISAM, our new SDS (Safety Data Sheet) and label management software.
LISAM ensures all SDSs and labels remain compliant with current legislation and chemical classification requirements, including CLP (Classification, Labelling and Packaging) rules.
Electrical and Mechanical Safety Measures
To strengthen electrical safety, we’ve introduced regular earth continuity checks on the earthing cables used when packing flammable materials. These checks help prevent static buildup and ensure grounding is functioning correctly.
We have also installed new Lockout Tagout (LOTO) boards, which support safer maintenance.
A LOTO board isolates machinery from energy sources while they’re undergoing maintenance or being repaired. It works by storing the locks, tags, and devices needed to shut off and secure equipment so it cannot be accidentally switched back on.
This adds a clear, controlled process for anyone working on electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, or thermal systems.
A Safer, Better-Equipped Workplace
These improvements represent continuous investment in our people, equipment, and processes.
By strengthening training, expanding our safety teams, upgrading equipment, and improving our systems, we continue to build a safer and more resilient workplace.
