Ensuring occupational
health and safety
In line with our corporate vision of becoming the global partner for a safe, secure and sustainable world, we are especially committed to occupational health and safety. Our quantitative and qualitative targets in this area are aimed at preventing accidents at work, further improving occupational safety, and eliminating potential hazards. By 2025, we aim to reduce our accident rate by 30 percent relative to 2018. We require that the provision of safe and healthy working conditions is ensured and that the relevant national occupational safety standards are complied with as a minimum. Internal developments in the field of health and safety and the relevant performance indicators are monitored and assessed as the basis for deriving and implementing potential improvement measures.
In 2021, the COVID-19 situation and the protection of our employees were at the forefront of our health and safety activities. A global network of Environment, Health & Safety managers constantly monitored the coronavirus figures in their respective countries and were therefore able to take measures to stop the disease from spreading. In addition, hygiene plans were regularly adapted to the constantly changing regulations issued by governments. The large number of coronavirus vaccinations that were organized and administered – particularly in the region Germany – should not be forgotten.
Fewer business trips were taken in 2021 – this was also the case in 2020. There was an increase in remote working, which resulted in a further reduction in accidents at work worldwide. The Healthy@Work communication campaign also provided tips and ideas to encourage healthy working and social interaction, to provide support, and to motivate people to keep going during the coronavirus pandemic.
Site-specific corporate health promotion programs are being implemented. These include health courses and advice on preventive measures, training on stress management and healthy eating, back fitness training, and some company sports groups. DEKRA’s global internal EHS program was also launched in April 2022. Divided into the three levels of #safety4me, #safety4you, and #safety4us, this program is intended to increase all employees’ awareness of health and safety at the workplace and encourage them to think more about measures that could improve safety at the workplace and on journeys to and from work. The program is based on continuous communication, for example using video clips, best practice examples, and tips from internal safety experts. Global EHS meetings have also been introduced to boost communication within the DEKRA EHS community. As official partner for the Healthy Workplaces campaign organized by EU-OSHA (the European Union information agency for occupational safety and health), we have been showcasing our mission to create a healthy, safe, and sustainable (working) world since 2020, and we have been able to communicate our expertise in webinars.
Project Manager Environment, Health and Safety (EHS)
“We at DEKRA used World Heart Day on September 29, 2022, to create further momentum for the global internal EHS program and explore the importance of a healthy cardiovascular system. In this context, I was able to ask our CEO Stan Zurkiewicz what #safety4me, #safety4you, and #safety4us mean to him. A global exercise campaign is aimed at motivating all employees to incorporate exercise into their everyday routine. A healthy lifestyle does not just mean ensuring enough physical activity, but also a balanced diet rich in vitamins, regular breaks for relaxation, and good-quality sleep. That is why you should keep active and take care of both body and soul to provide enough positive energy to stay healthy.”
Healthy cuisine
By selecting the appropriate products and ingredients, you can set the course in your own kitchen for eating sustainably, improving your performance, and promoting your health. In the fall of 2021, DEKRA demonstrated the important aspects of this at four themed evenings. In addition to practical tips, tricks, and simple recipes, there was also a focus on aspects such as superfoods and food for the brain.
Mobility meets yoga
In the fall of 2021, to get the day started on an active path, DEKRA organised half-hour exercise sessions first thing in the morning in Germany. A colorful mix of yoga routines, fascia training, and stretching exercises was the order of the day. The participants did not have to worry about breaking out in a sweat. After all, it was not about top performance, but about personal well-being. And the consensus was that a morning session like this wakes you up more than any amount of coffee can. The beginners' and advanced courses offered by DEKRA on the topics of resilience, mindfulness, and relaxation were also a perfect fit to complement the exercise units.
