Wavin celebrates 5,000 days of no loss time incidents at South Yorkshire site

The significant milestone for the manufacturer is testament to its commitment to providing a safe, healthy working environment.

Drainage and plumbing manufacturer, Wavin, is celebrating 5,000 days – over 13 years – of no Loss Time Incidents at its production facility, Hazlehead, in South Yorkshire.

Hazlehead is Wavin’s clay piping production facility, where 150 employees work to produce its below-ground, Hepworth clay solutions. Once made, these products can be quite heavy and require firing in a high-temperature kiln, meaning stringent safety measures must be continually upheld and scrutinised.

Over 13 years without LTIs at Hazlehead is a huge milestone for the manufacturer, demonstrating its commitment to providing a safe and healthy working environment as outlined in its rigorous corporate social responsibility framework.

An LTI is any work-related injury or illness which results in a member of staff being unable to perform duties. With over a decade of no incidents, this demonstrates the manufacturer’s strict health and safety protocol in place at Hazlehead.

From the use of robotics and manufacturing tools to ongoing improvements in general structural health of the factory itself, Wavin’s investments in health and safety have enhanced safety at Hazlehead. To further support employees at the site, the manufacturer has also invested in health and safety education to foster a safety-first working culture.

Matt Smyth, Site Manager at Wavin’s Hazlehead site, said: “In the manufacturing sector, the average incident rate of nonfatal occupational injuries was 2.8 cases per 100 workers back in 2023. Many sites struggle to go even a year without a lost-time incident, yet we have achieved over 5,000 days – an accomplishment which sets Hazlehead apart.

“This is testament of the strong safety culture, teamwork, and vigilance exercised at Hazlehead which has delivered extraordinary results.”

The milestone was marked with a celebration ceremony held at the Hazlehead site on 10 March in which all employees were invited to join in on celebrations with Janet Sankey, Global Health & Safety Director at Wavin also present.