Significant Safety Success for Chemicals Site

23 November 2020 - DeLaval Manufacturing site in Hamilton, New Zealand have been recognised for meeting the highest industry safety standards in the world.

The DeLaval Manufacturing unit in Hamilton, New Zealand has achieved PRINCE Certification in recognition of its outstanding commitment to workplace health and safety. 

The Hamilton site is one of the leading suppliers of farm detergents, animal health products, and industrial chemicals to New Zealand dairy farmers, as well as exporting teat spray to Australia. 

The PRINCE Certification confirms the Hamilton manufacturing site exceeds industry best practice for workplace safety. The award puts it in the top 10% of local business performance. 

"This is a transformation story that has required significant investment along the way," said Barry Dyer from Responsible Care New Zealand, who conferred the award at a ceremony on-site.  He said Health and Safety at Work legislation continues to require improved performance. 

The certification is a rigorous audit process that comprehensively tests site performance against stated policies and compliance requirements to determine actual safety outcomes.

"Ensuring there is no harm to people or environment is a serious and difficult thing to do," he said. "Courts are increasingly making huge awards for those that get it wrong."

The site's focus on health and safety has been a two year journey. "We wanted to go beyond just compliance. We've taken every opportunity to look at how we handle waste, minimise our environmental footprint, and prioritise our people's health," said site manager Hamish Johnstone. 

The site has prioritised health and safety, with careful daily planning and strict adherance to site policies, to achieve 1,000 days without Lost Time Accidents. 

The unit has also made significant investments in new equipment and process tanks to minimise risk.