In 2002 GSK introduced a new EHS Audit process and validated an audit scoring system. The scoring system will be fully implemented in 2003. An EHS audit assesses implementation and conformance with the Global EHS standards and with key legislation and is a key element of the continuous improvement process.

Auditors have a broad range of EHS experience and knowledge and include Environment, Health and Safety and Occupational Health professionals. All auditors are certified as lead auditors against the International ISO 14001 Environmental Management standard. GSK aims to audit sites once every three years with more frequent visits for selected sites, depending on risks and issues raised.

In 2002 auditors assessed 21 GSK sites and performed seven audit follow-up reviews. In general, there was a good level of performance at most sites. In particular performance was good against many of our environmental standards but aspects related to employee health and handling of chemical agents were identified for improvement. As part of the continuous improvement process, auditors monitor progress on actions arising from audit findings. The implementation of a web-based tool is planned for 2003 to assist with this process.

A pilot certification programme began in 2002 with Global Manufacturing and Supply to determine the feasibility of obtaining company-wide certification to the international standards on environmental management systems (ISO 14001) and health and safety management systems (OHSAS 18001). In the pilot programme a third-party registrar reviews GSK's EHS Standards and auditing procedures and completes certification audits of up to five GSK sites. The aim is to validate a sampling method so that the company can consider a sector or company-wide approach to certification in the future. Currently 12 of our manufacturing sites are ISO certified; three of these also are OHSAS certified. The certified sites are in Belgium, Egypt, France, Germany, India, Italy, Spain and Turkey.