We are constantly reinforcing our efforts and investments in health and safety at work (HSW), guaranteeing the needed personal protective equipment and expanding systems that comprehensively assess workplace conditions, promoting the continuous improvement of our internal processes. Preventing workplace accidents and occupational diseases, particularly in operations, where there is a greater risk and potential impact on the well-being of employees and the business, is a constant concern.
From a prevention point of view, besides investing in work equipment, personal protection and self-protection measures, of note is our commitment to raising awareness about safety hazards and safe practices through training and communication for employees, as well as through programmes to promote their health.
Based on the responses of around 14,000 employees in Portugal to a questionnaire on footwear in the workplace, we have replaced almost 29,000 pairs of shoes. We addressed issues such as specific orthopaedic and anatomical needs with customised footwear.
Jerónimo Martins Agro-Alimentar renewed its fleet of safety and prevention equipment, including containment basins, emergency showers, fuel tank covers, safety belts, anti-slip covers and forklifts.
Hebe replaced its entire fleet of forklift and the cases used to transport the products handled in its stores and distribution centre, reducing their maximum weight capacity in order to increase the protection of employees’ physical integrity.
To increase the frequency of medical check-ups to ensure employees are fit to work and to treat and prevent work-related illnesses and injuries, we have had two mobile health units in Portugal since 2023. These units are vehicles converted into fully-equipped medical offices that complement the in-house consultation rooms in some workplaces and travel around the country.
Ara’s commitment to safety, particularly in its distribution centres, is reflected in preventive measures such as daily inspections of equipment and shelving, monthly safety observations, drills, warm-up exercises for each shift and training for new employees. The programme also includes the assessment of employees’ HSW skills and the preparation of training plans based on the results.
With a focus on the prevention of occupational diseases and musculoskeletal problems, physiotherapists provide training and advice. The prevention programme also includes educational campaigns on the most common causes of accidents at work and ways to reduce them.
With a view to the continuous improvement of the occupational health and safety management system, we ensure audits and drills, incidents/accidents investigation, consults and the involvement of employees.
Audits and drills – we identify and analyse the factors that can lead to incidents/accidents and verify the implementation of self-protection measures.
Investigation of incidents/accidents – we ensure analysis and investigations to determine the facts, circumstances and possible causes in order to identify the respective corrective measures.
Employee consultation and involvement – we promote an annual HSW survey, organise regional health and safety teams and establish Health and Safety Committees.
At Biedronka, HSW efforts are underpinned by an ISO 45001:2018 certified occupational health and safety system. This certification is valid for all workplaces (stores, distribution centres, the soup factory and offices).
In Portugal, the Terra Alegre dairy farm (Jerónimo Martins Agro-Alimentar) is certified by the ISO 45001:2019 standard.
