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Capital and Procurement
Teams representing engineering, procurement, EHS and other departments
developed a technical review process for major capital investment
proposals. The process ensures that GSK considers environment, health,
safety, security and loss prevention in the design of new facilities
and processes. By identifying EHS issues early in a project, GSK
can engineer facilities and processes that are efficient, safe for
workers and the environment while still being cost effective.
As GSK strives to standardise and streamline its procurement systems,
the purchasing department is building EHS considerations into their
processes so that all new equipment meets EHS specifications. This
is particularly critical in areas such as containment, noise control,
ergonomics, machine guarding and energy management.
New Product Supply
In 2002 a framework called the EHS Milestone Aligned Process (EHS
MAP) was drafted. EHS MAP is intended to be an integral part of
the GSK new product development process that will address EHS issues
during new product development and supply. The process will:
- Incorporate EHS sub-processes and activities aligned to New
Product Supply Milestones.
- Ensure EHS hazard and risk assessment information is provided
in sufficient time to allow early identification of issues during
product development and technology transfer.
- Facilitate product development by ensuring that EHS issues do
not impede new product introductions.
- As GSK translates its high potential R&D pipeline into new
products, EHS MAP should ensure that EHS issues are appropriately
resolved in a pro-active and timely manner.
Contract Manufacturers
and Key Suppliers
GSK uses contract manufacturers in a number of countries to supply
certain products for local markets and, in a few cases, for specialist
processes or technology. Initial agreements for new contract manufacturers
include GSK's EHS requirements based on the applicable GSK standards.
As existing contract manufacturers renew their agreements, GSK's
EHS requirements are included.
To ensure that these companies are managing EHS risks and impacts
responsibly, internal EHS audit teams conduct EHS audits to assess
conformance with GSK requirements and with legislation. In addition,
they conduct a programme of assessments of identified key suppliers.
Areas for improvement are highlighted to the contract manufacturer
or key supplier and progress is monitored.
In 2002 EHS performance was generally good; some exceptions were
identified and are being followed up. A greater number of assessments
and reviews are planned for 2003 and the EHS management process
will be further developed to include performance monitoring through
collecting and analysing EHS data.
Safe Transport of Materials
Research and manufacture of pharmaceuticals involves transporting
various chemical, biological and radioactive materials and products
around the world. To ensure compliance with national and international
transportation laws and conventions and to safeguard employees,
the public and the environment, GSK employs transport safety advisors
and specialists at sites throughout all GSK business units that
transport materials. This global network of over 150 advisors in
38 countries, shares technical and regulatory information, best
practices and lessons learned in order to continuously improve.
Emergency Response and Crisis Management
The discovery, development and manufacture of pharmaceutical and
consumer products involve the use of hazardous materials and processes.
GSK manages the risks associated with these materials and processes
using sound engineering principles and robust EHS programmes. All
sites also incorporate emergency response and crisis management
programmes into their management plans. These programmes ensure
that accidents would be effectively managed and that any impact
on the site, community, environment, or business would be minimised.
Acquisitions and Divestitures
As part of business due diligence, GSK employs an EHS due diligence
process to ensure EHS aspects are fully assessed and integrated
into decision making and resulting provisions. A number of assessments
were conducted during 2002.
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