Food and Drink Manufacture Forum (FDMF)

Recently Simon Brentnall (Head of Health & Safety) at BFFF attended the Food and Drink Manufacture Forum (FDMF), the group meets 3 times per year. In this meeting the HSE discussed their inspection plan which is multi-year and focusing on health reduction within the industry, this includes manual handling, noise, health surveillance and a duty to manage. We had a presentation from an HSE expert on noise, this outlined how research is now linking high level of workplace noise to other health conditions such dementia, heart disease and stress. Statistics show the second highest industry responsible for noise induced hearing loss is the food and drink industry. The HSE reminded everyone of HSG232 – Sound solutions for the food and drink industry, this guidance gives 60 case studies on noise together with solutions.

The Food and Drink Manufacture Forum (FDMF) is a partnership between Trade Associations, Trade Unions and the HSE. This voluntary strategy demonstrates FDMF members’ clear intent to act together, build upon previous achievements (such as the Recipe for Safety initiative) and to improve the health and safety (H&S) performance of the food and drink manufacturing industry. This forward-looking strategy demonstrates commitment from the food and drink manufacturing industry to the wider national H&S system strategy Protecting People and Places.

In order to protect people and places, central to this strategy is sensible and proportionate risk management which supports and enables business productivity and innovation. The strategy has a particular focus on tackling work-related ill-health. Actions on sharing success and supporting small employers are set out in the strategy.

Delivery of the strategy will only be effective through industry leadership (from directors and all other levels within organisations, and by representative organisations) coupled with effective worker engagement.

The BFFF Health & Safety Pledge

The BFFF Health & Safety Pledge aligns itself to this strategy and our members can play their part by requesting a certificate which indicates the company are committed to these values.