From industrial hygiene measurements to psychosocial support: chemical giant Sumitomo has relied on Mensura for many years

Challenge

• To provide employees with optimal, safe working conditions

• To comply with legal obligations in the chemical sector at all times

• To safeguard employees’ health and psychosocial wellbeing

Solution

• Consistent health monitoring

• Industrial hygiene measurements

• Psychosocial support

• Training and knowledge-sharing

Advantages

• Measures based on objective measurements

• Long-term relationship of trust

Sumitomo doesn’t manufacture finished products itself, but supplies various industries – from the food sector to the insulation industry. To give its employees optimal protection at every stage of the production process, the company combines an internal occupational health and safety department with support from Mensura. ‘This way, we err on the side of caution when it comes to the safety of our employees and always base our decisions on professional advice,’ says Ludo Vincken, HSEQ Manager at Sumitomo.

Consistent health monitoring

‘Thanks to our permanent Mensura occupational health physician, we can keep an eye on health risks in different categories, for example,’ Ludo continues. ‘As well as conducting the annual medical checks, he also consistently attends our committee meetings to explain the results. Moreover, he maintains close contact with our company and comes out quickly whenever necessary.’ At Sumitomo, the occupational health physician also conducts medical checks for new hires, when employees specifically request them or as a means of support for an employee returning to work after a long illness. Ludo Vincken: ‘Finally, the physician also periodically checks our first aid room. What could be better? What do we need to have in stock? Our employees can also contact him for a flu vaccination.’

Industrial hygiene: continuous monitoring

Sumitomo also turns to Mensura for objective measurements of industrial hygiene in the workplace. ‘Once a year, we measure the air quality in the work environment, specifically in relation to exposure to chemical agents,’ explains Davy Vanspauwen, risk prevention advisor for industrial hygiene and toxicology at Mensura. ‘We use dosimeters to check whether exposure to chemicals exceeds the standard.’

‘If the results lie outside the applicable standards, Mensura provides detailed recommendations and we take the necessary measures,’ adds Ludo Vincken. ‘For instance, we might optimise our fume extraction. Because we put our employees’ wellbeing first, we also choose to repeat the measurements frequently.’

Psychosocial risk prevention and support

As well as a number of internal officers, Sumitomo also has an external person of trust for psychosocial support. Employees can contact her in complete confidentiality. Ludo Vincken: ‘Do they have formal complaints? Have they experienced bullying, violence or sexual harassment? Or are there specific working relationships that are causing problems? Our external person of trust will come out quickly if necessary. She also conducts the risk assessment for psychosocial stress and formulates recommendations accordingly.’

Optimally informed

‘Depending on what our employees need, Mensura also runs training courses on subjects such as ergonomics or first aid,’ adds Ludo. ‘Usually, the same instructor – someone who knows our company well – visits us to provide training that’s specifically tailored to our sector and organisation. Even refreshing your existing knowledge can be useful.’

Mensura ensures that Sumitomo is fully informed about new legislative developments. ‘With specific measures, Mensura helps us meet all requirements and comply with the law,’ Ludo concludes.