The ‘Safety in Manufacturing Polymers’ or SIMPL Strategy aims to build on good practice within the industry. SIMPL is a cross-industry initiative that brings together trade associations, employers, trade unions, equipment manufacturers, training organisations and the Health & Safety Executive (HSE). Through this partnership, SIMPL supports continuous improvement in health and safety performance across the sector.
Building on the success of previous SIMPL strategies and aligned with commitments made with the HSE, the new strategy helps members translate industry-wide objectives into practical, achievable action plans focused on:
- Reducing accidents and work-related ill health
- Strengthening core health and safety practices
- Improving leadership and management
- Building workforce competence
Three Strategic Themes
The strategy is structured around three key themes:
- Competence – strengthening knowledge, skills, experience and attitudes to ensure work is carried out safely and effectively.
- Accident and Incident Investigation – improving investigation capability to better understand causes, prevent recurrence and strengthen overall risk management, in line with HSE guidance.
- Mental Health and Wellbeing – promoting proactive and reactive measures to manage stress and psychosocial risks, reduce sickness absence and support healthier, happier employees.
Supporting Members to Deliver Change
Strong leadership, workforce engagement and shared accountability are central to delivering the strategy’s objectives. SIMPL will support member companies through a coordinated programme of:
- Practical guidance and bulletins
- Industry events and knowledge-sharing forums
- Training tools and learning resources
These activities are designed to help sites embed good practice and build genuine management–workforce partnerships.
Commitment Across the Sector
By working together through the SIMPL initiative, member companies can drive meaningful improvements in workplace conditions, employee wellbeing and productivity across the polymer manufacturing sector.
Members of participating trade associations are invited to demonstrate their commitment by signing the new five-year pledge to improve health and safety performance.
To support delivery of the strategy, a free three-module online training course for member companies is currently in development and will be launched shortly.
Composites UK has developed a 5-year plan to support the SIMPL strategy with objectives and actions appropriate to our sector. Member companies can download the action plan in the member resources area and access the Full Composites UK H&S Industry report for 2024.
Sign up to SIMPL
If you would like to sign up to the pledge please download the SIMPL Pledge 2026-30 sign and return it to Composites UK.