HSE Development is a visible to visitors and a soothing everyday experience to employees

Over the past few months, a comprehensive HSE development project has been carried out at FinnProfiles’ factories in Sastamala and Ii. The goal has been to ensure the company’s high quality, competitiveness, and employee safety—both now and in the future.

At FinnProfiles, the project has focused on improving production efficiency as well as enhancing orderliness and safety in the working environment.

“We wanted to create a clear HSE operating model that would become an integrated part of daily operations. Work becomes more efficient and safer when things are handled openly and consistently,” says Katriina Kiiski, HSEQ Manager at FinnProfiles.

During the project, new practices were introduced, such as daily management meetings, and employee engagement was enhanced—for instance, by recording safety observations and development suggestions. Also, floor markings in the production areas were expanded, and weekly cleaning routines were established as a regular part of operations. In addition, regular safety inspections are now conducted at both factories. Processes are also being measured more extensively than before.

Positive effects have already been observed

New cleaning routines

Positive feedback from visitors

 

 

Can you point out which measures have been the most significant in terms of quality and production efficiency?

“It’s difficult to single out one thing above the others. I would say it’s the overall positive impact that matters. Improvements in process transparency and clear, fast communication are especially beneficial for quality management. Improved production efficiency, on the other hand, is built on a clearly measurable and trackable production process.”

And what observations have you made regarding occupational safety?

“The fact that we’ve provided safety training and encouraged active safety observations has paid off. The number of safety observations has increased, while near-miss incidents have decreased. This clearly shows that our employees have genuinely embraced the project—and that we’re seeing tangible, positive results.”

How about sustainability?

“All of this development work has had a direct impact there as well. For example, more efficient production means less waste, which is significant in our industry. We’ve also improved our employees’ awareness of responsible waste sorting.”

What kind of feedback have you received about the project?

“Employees have said that clear communication and a clean and orderly work environment have significantly improved the convenience of their work. Visitors have also commented on the cleanliness and orderliness of our facilities. All of this indicates that we’re heading in the right direction!”