Maintaining a culture of health and safety is a top priority at Bioiberica
The importance of safety in the workplace: An integrated approach
Health and safety at work is the cornerstone of any business. This concern has become a key part of our corporate culture, promoting a working environment where prevention and well-being are paramount.
As part of our commitment to health and safety, we spoke to Gonzalo Arza, our Safety Director, who explained the measures he considers crucial to ensuring a safe working environment and the vital role of accident prevention training.
Our risk prevention culture
Our company has been committed to health and safety from the outset. This commitment is more than just a set of policies, it is a culture that is embedded at all levels of the business. Health and safety are not static concepts; they have evolved and become part of the daily lives of all employees. Risk prevention is an integral part of Bioiberica's philosophy, given its commitment to human, animal and plant health," explains Gonzalo.
This risk prevention culture is a strategic priority that comes from within the organisation. Our mission to improve health in various areas is also reflected in our commitment to maintaining a safe and healthy working environment for our employees and customers worldwide.
Specific measures for a safe working environment
Historically, occupational risk prevention has been an integral part of all our operations, even before the enactment of the Occupational Risk Prevention Act in 1996. We have adopted a thoughtful and positive approach to safety, moving away from coercive and punitive methods that seek blame instead of finding solutions.
This approach gives us the transparency and effective communication needed to proactively identify and correct risks. Rather than focusing on sanctions, we seek to understand the root causes of incidents in order to prevent their recurrence. This approach not only improves internal safety, but also has a positive impact on everyone who interacts with the company, from employees of other companies to families and communities.
Managing occupational health and safety on a day-to-day basis
Managing occupational risk prevention is neither a linear nor a fully predictable process. It involves being prepared to deal with the unexpected and setting priorities effectively: "The key is to distinguish between what is urgent and what is important, and not to allow day-to-day emergencies to distract from long-term strategic plans," says Arza.
A common example is the pressure at the end of the week or before the holidays, when people try to rush through unfinished tasks. This behaviour can lead to hasty and careless decisions. In our case, we promote clear and effective communication to avoid haste and ensure that every action is taken at the right time and with the right level of consideration to ensure that health and safety remains a priority.
Education and training: the key to risk prevention
Ongoing education and training are essential components of our risk prevention strategy. As risks and technologies change, so does the need for appropriate training. Occupational risk prevention is considered a multidisciplinary field, encompassing occupational safety, industrial hygiene, ergonomics, psycho-sociology and health surveillance.
We invest in training our employees to ensure that everyone is able to identify and manage potential risks. This approach improves safety and empowers employees, making them more aware and responsible for their own well-being and that of their colleagues.
For us, health and safety is more than a legal requirement; it is a core value that defines our culture and operations. Through a thoughtful approach, effective risk management and strong investment in education and training, we ensure a safe working environment and promote holistic well-being beyond the workplace.
In our experience, a well-established culture of risk prevention and proactive safety management protects employees and strengthens the resilience and sustainability of the business as a whole.