Occupational health and safety management system

We are aware that work-related illnesses exist at Symrise, such as strains to the back or musculoskeletal system or psychological strain through stress. Both at the senior corporate level and through our local operational health teams, we are working intensively on minimizing the existing risks and introducing targeted measures. We monitor our absences through monthly reports on absenteeism. We use average sick leave for the company health insurance funds of the chemical industry as a benchmark for evaluating sick leave in the company. Sick leave at Symrise is at an average level for the chemical industry under corresponding working conditions, such as shift work. Therefore, we can say that we have a normal situation with sick leave.

In the F&F industry, the handling of hazardous substances is part of the daily routine. Symrise documents the resulting risks and, by means of globally recognized risk minimization plans, ensures safe and secure workplaces and safe and healthy work for all its employees. Furthermore, we take care that no one with a weather-related cold may work in food production areas.

Legally required risk assessments govern safe work in all workplaces. In Germany, a risk assessment is required by Sections 5 and 6 of the Work Safety Law. Risks must be identified, and the occupational safety measures taken to improve the safety and safeguard the health of employees must be defined. Local laws must be observed in all locations worldwide. For countries in which no corresponding laws exist or the requirements for safety and the protection of health are less stringent, Symrise complies with the relevant standards of F&F associations (IFRA, IOFI, FEMA). The risks must first be identified for production and mixing areas as well as laboratories. The potential risk posed by raw materials is obtained from publicly available sources or suppliers (MSDS, toxicology studies, etc.). Product safety experts (toxicologists) evaluate new perfume oils, flavors and cosmetic ingredients produced by Symrise employees and make the evaluations available to Symrise employees and customers in the form of an MSDS. Documented exposure measurements in the affected areas, including handling (stirring, heating, cleaning, etc.), are essential to risk minimization.

If hazardous materials cannot be replaced, technical measures (closed systems, extraction systems, the wearing of protective clothing) and personal measures (access control, personal protective equipment) must be taken in every case.

As a rule, regular targeted training sessions and legally required medical examinations are offered. The effectiveness of measures is reviewed through routinely conducted audits and during medical examinations.

The number of workplace accidents per 1 million working hours is measured using the MAQ indicator. Measures are being taken to reduce workplace accidents as part of the zero-accident culture.

Further information can be found in Management Approach.