[ESRS S1-4; GRI 3-3d, 403-2, 403-8, 404-2]
A summary of the “Actions taken” can be found in the management approach at the beginning of this chapter.
Actions learning and development
The learning and development offer was expanded and refined in 2023. The Global Performance and Talent Management continued. For more details, please see the section “Learning and development” in this chapter.
Actions Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
Lenzing launched two Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), one focusing on women and one on different nationalities. The Women`s Empowerment Principles were signed by Lenzing’s CEO. For more details, please see the section “Equity, Diversity & Inclusion” in this chapter.
Social audits
In the reporting year, Lenzing continued to work on implementing the standardized Social Labor Convergence Program (SLCP). A comprehensive self-assessment and an on-site audit based on this help the company to identify potential opportunities for improvement. The results can be shared with partners along the value chain via the Higg FSLM assessment tool, for example. In addition, customer audits were conducted at various Lenzing sites, focusing on labor standards and fair labor practices. Customer questionnaires on relevant topics were also completed during the year.
Health and safety management
All manufacturing sites are certified to ISO 45001. This Occupational Health and Safety Management Certification, covering employees and contractors, provides the framework to identify, control and decrease risks associated with workplace health and safety. This system prioritizes health and safety and is based on the plan-do-check-act continuous improvement model. Furthermore, it helps to identify and assess hazards and risks in product development, manufacturing, distribution, and other operations. Lenzing then establishes goals and objectives to address significant hazards and risks, taking into account feedback from employees, contractors, communities, customers, suppliers, and other stakeholders.
Risk assessment at Lenzing’s production sites involves reviewing site specific activities in teams. This includes identifying potential harm, assessing the likelihood and severity of hazards, determining preventive measures, and seeking improvement opportunities. Regular reviews and monitoring ensure control effectiveness. Assessments are updated after workplace changes, e.g. changes to staff or a process, or after adverse events.
All employees and contractors must adhere to Lenzing’s Life Saving Rules and are empowered to stop work if they think it is unsafe. The relevant information is provided during induction processes in all group languages and in pictorial display.
Lenzing maintains a process for reporting and investigation adverse events. Employees, contractors, and visitors are required to report work-related symptoms, injuries, or illnesses to enable a timely response. The group-wide reporting database facilitates communication on adverse events, enhancing risk management. The Lenzing incident investigation (also called accident investigation) is structured and systematic, allowing for reporting, tracking, and root cause analysis to prevent the recurrence of incidents. This proactive, approach equips Lenzing to effectively manage and respond to future incidents.
To learn more about Lenzing’s actions for its own workforce regarding health and safety, more specific, about internal and external audits, health care, safety training and health promotion in 2023, please have a look at the “Health and safety in Lenzing” section of this chapter.