Today is World Day for Safety and Health at Work.
Across Sumitomo Heavy Industries businesses in Europe, safety is part of day‑to‑day work. It is reflected in workplaces, procedures and behaviours. It applies to everyone, in every role.
SHI Europe supports this approach by helping to share experience and learning across the region. Each business operates in its own environment. At the same time, there is a common focus on protecting people and reducing risk.
One practical example is Safety Observation and Support (SOS) visits. These visits encourage open discussion between teams. They help identify good practice, highlight potential risks and support continuous improvement. The emphasis is on learning and prevention.
Safety also includes health and wellbeing in everyday work. For many employees, this includes office based roles and screen work. Ergonomics, posture, movement and work patterns can all affect long term health.
Simple actions can make a difference. Adjusting workstations, taking regular breaks, moving during the day and looking after eye health all support safer working conditions. These habits help reduce strain and support sustained performance.
At SHI in Europe, safety is not treated as a standalone activity. It is part of how SHI businesses operate responsibly and support their people.
Joris Blommaerts, Deputy Managing Director and HR General Manager for SHI Europe, added: “A strong safety culture is built on trust, positive reinforcement, engagement and ownership at every level. When people feel listened to and supported, they are far more likely to speak up, challenge risks and take responsibility for one another. That is essential for any organisation that puts people first.”
World Day for Safety and Health at Work reinforces that approach and the importance of continuing to improve how we work safely across Europe.