The Advantages and Benefits of Being a Responsible Care Member

The advantages and benefits of being a Responsible Care member

In 2007, 65% of Responsible Care signatories were operating community advisory committees, 94% had emergency response plans in place while 75% implemented waste management programmes. Outlined in the Responsible Care Performance Report 2009, these percentages are indicative of this global initiative’s role in prioritising thehealth and safety of employees and communitiesand cultivating a culture of heightened environmental awareness amongst chemical companies.

Under the custodianship of the Chemical and Allied Industries’ Association (CAIA), and the guidance of the International Council of Chemical Associations,Responsible Care is renowned worldwide as a credible initiative that promotes sustainable development amongst its member. This is achieved through a clear and sound call forcontinuous improvements in the health, safety and environmental performance. The direction is informed – and achieved - through the Responsible Care Management Practice Standards, a guideline that charts a company’s commitment to this initiative through measures such as the safe storage, handling and transportation of chemicals, preparedness for emergency response to an incident, and the prevention of pollution.Under theManagement Practice Standards, it is also a requirement that the public and employees be kept aware of structures and interventions so as to ensure their contribution towards a safer and healthier work environment. This high level standard is maintained through a third party audit that determines a member company’s Responsible Care performance.

In addition to providing the necessary infrastructure to promote Responsible Care, CAIA has established a good relationship with the national governmental departments and are therefore able to address the chemical industry’s needs. CAIA’s advocacy efforts are channelled through Business Unity South Africa and the National Economic Development and Labour Council.

Responsible Care communicatesregularly with its members for new changes in the industry or policy changes that will affect them. Such methods of communication involve monthly electronic newsletters to workshops where signatories are able to share best practice and their experiences. These include a Process Safety Workshop (on March 11-12, 2010) and a Transport Workshop, which coincides with the national Transport Month in October.

There is growing evidence that companies that have voluntarily agreed to implement Responsible Care, have won the trust of contractors, staff, customers and community. In turn, this level of social responsibility has been able to help chemical companies to develop their business, and, in many ways guarantee ROI (return on investments).

In summary, Responsible Care is able to:

Provide health and safety assurance for chemical employees through workplace programmes

Inform communities of the precautions they can take to protect their health and safety

Decrease a company’s statistics forincidents relating to safety, health and the environment

Provide an opportunity for employees to assist a company’s health, safety and environmental systems and performance

Ensure the safe use of chemicals throughout their product lifecycle to protect users and customers