Health & Safety
Providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees is a primary concern for Novo Nordisk. Traditionally, the company’s occupational health and safety practices have been based on local standards related to local legislation. But the increasing globalisation of the company, particularly in the area of Product Supply, requires a more global approach.
In 2006 a global Occupational Health and Safety Management System came into effect as a Novo Nordisk quality assurance document. The new document spells out the roles and responsibilities for occupational health and safety work, including (but not limited to) safety training of personnel, efforts to identify and document risk factors, and actions to minimise these risks.
The system is mandatory for the entire Danish organisation as well as for the Novo Nordisk production facilities in France, the US, Brazil, China and Japan. Affiliate offices are not at present bound to the standards, but the system is designed to be implemented in affiliates at a later date, if this is agreed.
Internal audits will measure compliance with the system, which may also be certified according to OHSAS 18001 standards using external auditors.
A healthy workplace
Elements of a healthy workplace include the physical attributes of the workplace as well as the measures taken to prevent occupational injuries. Psychological factors such as job stress, job security and employability, management practices, non-discrimination, empowerment and the opportunity to use skills also contribute to the health of the working environment.
Novo Nordisk's Occupational Health and Safety Policy states that the company will ' continuously improve our occupational health and safety performance.’ More on our approach to occupational health & safety including Performance data can be found here.
Work/life balance
A healthy, well-functioning work environment is becoming a key factor in attracting and retaining highly qualified employees. Members of today’s workforce have high expectations regarding work/life balance. In our recent eVoice surveys on workplace climate, nearly one in six employees indicated at least some stress-related problems.
A stress toolbox is available on the IntraWeb for all employees. Through specific tips and guidelines, the toolbox focuses on stress detection, prevention and management. In addition to corporate initiatives, a range of local/departmental activities on dealing with stress have also been carried out. Going forward, the subject of work-related stress will continue to be a focus area for Novo Nordisk.
