BRUSSELS, Belgium – Univar, a chemical sales and distribution company, recently announced that its Brussels site has attained full compliance with its stringent U+ standards. Launched in 2006, U+ is a goal-based combined management system that requires each site to continually improve its safety, health, environmental and quality management (SHEQ) performance. U+ sets a new benchmark for safety standards in the chemical distribution sector, going far beyond legal requirements. Employees also benefit from a better working environment, while customers and suppliers have assurance of Univar’s excellent product stewardship and in its consistent supply of quality products.

 

Univar Brussels is one of the company’s oldest sites and also one of Europe’s largest and most complex locations. U+ standards were implemented over a period of two years meeting the U+ goals required for certification, along with 14 other sites across Europe. Univar plans to ensure that all of its sites are compliant with U+ standards within three years, with 20 completed by the end of this year.

 

As a result of the focus U+ has put SHEQ management, Univar’s accident rate throughout Europe has decreased by more than 50 percent in the last two years. Univar’s 50+ sites in Europe have an accident frequency rate that is well below the industry average; Univar sites are seven times safer than the average of other chemical distribution companies.