AVK CSR 2023-24 web - Flipbook - Page 38
CASE
FOCUS ON OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND
SAFETY
In January 2024, AVK Belgium moved into
their new location in Lokeren, Belgium. As
the previous facility became too small, a new
location was identified. Only, the new location
needed to be updated to meet the requirements
of AVK Belgium. When designing and upgrading
the new facility, AVK Belgium joined forces
with the AVK Group Project Department to
ensure the focus on improving employee safety,
comfort, and ergonomics. At AVK, we believe
that a well-designed workspace boosts wellbeing as well as productivity.
In the offices, we have installed heightadjustable desks, allowing employees to
alternate between sitting and standing, which
AVK is a family-owned Group with strong values
and traditions dating back to the founding of
the company. Based on our five core values;
quality, innovation, reliability, sustainability,
and customer service, we want to create the
best framework for employee development and
well-being. Many of our employees celebrate
25 or even 40 years with us, which we see as a
testament to being more than just a workplace.
Human rights
We adhere to the UN declaration of human
rights, including equal rights regardless
of gender, religion, or political views, as a
core aspect of our commitment to social
responsibility. This commitment is reflected
internally in our Code of Conduct for employees.
In 2023/24, in response to increasing
customer demands and the upcoming ESRS
requirements, we undertook a comprehensive
update of our internal Code of Conduct and
global policies. Several sections, including the
section on fundamental human rights, such as
the prohibition of child and forced labour and
the right to collective bargaining, have been
clarified and expanded with new and updated
policies.
The revised Code of Conduct will be
implemented globally in 2024/25.
Diversity
At AVK, the recruitment and appointment
of managers are based on the principle of
selecting the most qualified candidate for the
38 | AVK Sustainability report 2023/2024
helps alleviate the strain of prolonged sitting.
Additionally, the entire office block is heated
by underfloor heating powered by heat-pumps,
ensuring a comfortable indoor environment.
In the warehouse and assembly areas, we have
installed six overhead cranes, one for each
workstation, along with an ergonomic screw
system for flange connections. These upgrades
significantly reduce the need for manual lifting
and lower the risk of injuries.
Safety is a top priority. We have equipped our
forklifts and reach trucks with maintenancefree NexSys Pure batteries that pose no safety
risks to employees. In addition, all refrigerants
in the HBC controller are stored outside the
building, ensuring the safety of those inside
in case of a leak. These measures are all part
role. However, the technical and industrial
nature of our industry has historically been
male-dominated, resulting in a gender
imbalance both at the management level and
among employees overall. Recognising this, we
are committed to making our company more
appealing to women and promoting greater
gender diversity.
In the coming years, we will intensify our focus
on inclusion and diversity. The responsibility is
embedded into all senior management positions
and is anchored in the newly established People
of our commitment to enhancing workplace
safety.
To ensure a healthy indoor environment at
the facility, our climate control and ventilation
systems constantly monitor the air quality.
Additionally, to promote a healthy lifestyle
and support the sustainability goals, we have
installed 16 charging stations for electric
bikes in a dedicated bicycle shed. To further
encourage cycling to work, we offer a wide
range of lease bikes to our employees.
By focusing on ergonomics, safety, and
comfort, AVK Belgium aims to provide a safe,
healthy, and productive environment for all
employees.
& Leadership function. During the financial year
of 2023/24, we launched a succession planning
process to structure our approach to talent
management and leadership development.
At the same time, we will improve our diversity
data. Initially, our measurements will focus
primarily on the gender composition of the
management team. However, we will adopt a
broader understanding of diversity that include
age, seniority, nationality, and other relevant
parameters for which we will begin data
collection.
CASE
FOCUSED WORK WITH INCLUSION AND
DIVERSITY CREATES GREAT VALUE
Welcoming new colleagues from different
countries can indeed bring significant
benefits to a company. The AVK company
Furnes Jernstøperi in Norway has recognised
this, which is why they received the annual
Integration Award from Stange Kommune, the
local municipality. This award acknowledges
their efforts in promoting integration and
confirms the value of their long-term
commitment to creating an inclusive work
environment.
The value of investing in diversity,
communication and unity is evident. Through
internal Norwegian courses and training in
the foundry trade, the aim is to give all the
employees the opportunity to participate
actively in the company’s development.
The Integration Award is an annual award that
honours individuals, organisations or companies
that have made significant contributions to
promoting the inclusion and integration of
minority language and multicultural individuals
in the workforce and local community. This
award has been presented every year since
2007.
Today, Furnes Jernstøperi consists of 137
employees, of which 38% come from countries
outside Norway, and they have employees from
13 different countries.
The award inspires us to keep investing in
diversity and inclusion. We strongly believe that
by creating a workplace where everyone feels
seen and heard, we build a stronger and more
forward-thinking company.
