Schlegel celebrates 15 years of UK safety success

Schlegel is celebrating a landmark safety achievement, with its two UK manufacturing sites having clocked up a combined 15 years without a single lost time accident (LTA).

The Quanex company’s European headquarters and main factory in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, has now surpassed nine years without an LTA, while its second UK site in Henlow, Bedfordshire, has reached six years without one.

Steve Digby, Vice President of Operations at Newton Aycliffe, said the milestone reflected the strength of the safety culture embedded across both sites.

He said: “Reaching a combined 15 years without a lost time accident across our UK operations doesn’t happen by chance.

“It’s the result of a relentless focus on safety rules, training and, above all, the engagement of our people.”

Both sites, which produce a range of sealing solutions including Q-LON, brush pile products and extruded seals for timber, aluminium and PVC-U windows and doors, hold regular toolbox talks and ‘see and sign’ briefings at least once a month, with teams responding promptly to any safety alerts issued across the wider group.

Staff also raise around 55 safety suggestions a month between the two factories, covering everything from housekeeping and blocked walkways to machinery issues, stacking and leaks, while ten trained colleagues carry out regular monthly safety conversations on the shop floor.

Joe Woodcock, who recently joined as Health and Safety Manager at Newton Aycliffe, is helping to build on these strong foundations as the team looks to extend its safety record further.

Steve added: “This achievement is something the whole team can be proud of, but we’re not resting on it.

“Eliminating lost time accidents altogether is a clear objective for Quanex, and safety will always come first at Schlegel.

“It’s also a great example of what it means to be ‘A Part of Something Bigger’; our approach to safety is shaped by, and contributes to, the standards and support of the wider Quanex group, and that shared commitment makes us stronger.”

For more information, visit www.schlegel.com