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Health and Safety

Employees are encouraged to take responsibility for their own health and safety, as well as that of their peers. Our Corporate Health & Safety Policy, Global Safety and Health Plan Self Assessment and EHS Management System work together to help maintain the safety and health of 3M UK and Ireland employees and provide a safe and healthy workplace. In the UK four sites are accredited to the voluntary safety standard OHSAS18001: Atherstone, Aycliffe, Bangor and Bedford.

In 2004 all eight UK manufacturing sites were awarded RoSPA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) Gold Medals and 3M United Kingdom plc achieved a Gold Award.

Performance Management

We believe people should understand how their contribution adds value to the business. Therefore every individual has clear objectives, linked to team and business objectives. These are reviewed at least every year. In addition, the Employee Contribution and Development Process (EC&DP) is a process for measuring and shaping individual contribution and development. We also gather feedback through surveys from employees to ensure the EC&DP is working and that people have written personal objectives in place.

Two-way Communication

We actively promote two-way communication between employees and the company in a number of ways, including through employee forums. One issue that has been raised through this process is work/life balance and we are addressing this with positive action, for example through counselling and training in stress management.

Leadership Development

People who join 3M and demonstrate leadership capability are fast tracked, for example through our global, intensive three-week Accelerated Leadership Development programme. We also have specific functional programmes, such as the Marketing Leadership Development programme. In the UK and Ireland we run a programme specifically for high potential young managers in conjunction with the London Business School.

Career Opportunities

3M’s scale, diversity and reputation as an industry leader and innovator continues to help attract and retain quality employees around the globe. Many employees build a long service career with us – the average length of service in the UK is 17 years.

Community Support

In 2004, 3M continued to build the link between education and innovation with its sponsorship of the Welsh Primary Innovation Awards, while ongoing sponsorship of the Quantum Theatre is bringing science to pupils across the UK and Ireland in an entertaining and educational way. A major donation from 3M Health Care boosted the transformation of disused land in Loughborough, Leicestershire, into a prestigious park for the community.

During the year, 3M UK and Ireland carried out a review of its community programme to ensure it continues to be aligned to business priorities. The launch of a co-ordinated national programme focusing on child road safety is planned for 2005.