More safety at work makes the job more enjoyable

Speaking up:

• René Oliveira is Operations Manager and zero-harm facilitator at Unilin Flooring in Piên (Brazil).

• Kensey Soetens is a machine operator at Unilin Insulation in Desselgem (Belgium) and, for a few years now, has also been a zero-harm observer. This means that he regularly checks whether his colleagues are following the necessary safety guidelines while working. After his observations, he gives immediate feedback.

• Frederik D’Hondt performs quality checks on laminate at Unilin Flooring in Wielsbeke (Belgium) and is a super observer for zero-harm.

• Poomalai Murugapan is a safety assistant at Unilin Flooring in Sungai Petani (Malaysia).

Greater safety starts with small steps

“Everything is a risk on the work floor,” says Kensey. His years of experience with the same machine have taught him that routine can sometimes be dangerous. “Once, I got my finger caught under the machine because I was in a hurry at the end of a long shift.”

Frederik is all too familiar with this heightened awareness of safety risks. “After five years of zero-harm, safety has become second nature. I even take it home with me (laughs). For example, I find myself wondering whether I’m going up the stairs safely. That’s one of the benefits of zero-harm: you pick up tips and tricks that you can use in your personal life too.”

In Malaysia, Poomalai has experienced a similar shift. “When I started, we often started jobs without fully assessing the risks. Now, we take the time to evaluate the safety of each task. If something seems unsafe, we stop the work and get a supervisor involved.”

The same awareness exists at Unilin Flooring in Brazil. “We start every meeting, regardless of the topic, with safety,” says René. “By consistently addressing the risks, we create a culture where safety is second nature.”

Building a safe workplace together

A shared responsibility is the foundation of zero-harm’s success. In Belgium, Frederik not only looks after his own safety but also teaches colleagues how to spot unsafe situations. “More and more colleagues are taking safety seriously. For example, I point out that they should hold on to the handrail when using the stairs, and over time, they do it automatically.”

Kensey sees his role as a zero-harm observer not as policing but as an opportunity for dialogue. “During observations, I listen to my colleagues. They know their workstation best and often have ideas for improvement.”

Zero-harm: an ongoing challenge

The zero-harm strategy has not yet been fully implemented everywhere. But that’s the goal, which is why a zero-harm initiative was launched in Australia and New Zealand halfway through 2024. Using a “train the trainer” approach, Unilin is training local employees to roll out the programme.

At sites where zero-harm has already been fully implemented, a new challenge arises: maintaining high standards and keeping the momentum alive. Kensey is optimistic: “At the end of the day, everyone wants the same thing: to go home safely at the end of their shift. That’s why we remain vigilant, listen to one another, and keep striving for a zero-harm workplace.”

Zero-harm is important in all roles at Unilin. Curious?

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