INP is an innovative company:
Although Otto von Bismarck introduced accident insurance as early as 1884, it took a very long time before the idea of protecting health penetrated into the workforce. Sometimes, even today, it is not really on the minds of employers. But at INP it is.
The realization that not only accidents but also unhealthy work habits or the working environment can lead to illnesses or long and expensive downtimes, has long since led to the enactment or creation of laws and regulations on occupational safety. Since 2013, the Occupational Health and Safety Act has even called for the assessment and rating of mental stress in the workplace.
With the introduction of a SHEP management system, the management of INP committed itself in 2008 to ensuring the sustainability of occupational safety and health protection of their employees beyond legal requirements. Although the management system was initially introduced due to customer request, it has led to the conviction today that the promotion of healthconscious behavior leads to higher motivation and employee satisfaction in the long term. That's why INP has been supporting health-promoting behavior for some time now and even made 2017 the ”health year”.
This is noticeable, for example, through regular employee information about health protection, or through the free provision of fruit and mineral water and also in the design and installation of workplaces. Daylighting, air-conditioning or green design have an influence on the work atmosphere and thus on the health of the employees.
In terms of health promotion and preventive care, the INP company physician Dr. Kruschinski also plays a decisive role. Together with him, the external safety expert Mr. Petry, Mrs. Jester and me, the occupational safety management representative, we discuss health promotion topics and campaigns in addition to occupational safety. During the plant inspections, Dr. Kruschinski answers every employee's questions about health as needed. For example, he explains how to ”sit correctly” or the best way to set up and adjust the PC monitors to avoid eye and neck pain. Where necessary or prescribed, Dr. Kruschinski carries out occupational medical examinations. This includes visual and hearing screening, as well as more complex health tests, such as those required for offshore placement or working at high altitudes.
Even outside business hours, maintaining the health of employees is the focus of the company. Information is also available on topics such as vaccinations, vacation pharmacies or regional tick alerts.
The company offers real measures and campaigns for all, not just information. For example, participants remember an impressive eye training session. Because very few people know how to consciously close their eyes, look correctly into the distance or train the eye muscle. Another highlight is the “Tappa race”, a walking competition for companies in which INP has participated several times. Every single one of us diligently collects every step every day, and in the end all steps of all employees are added. Thanks to the joint commitment and strong performance, INP was even able to take third place in the company rankings in the first year. By the way, this is a playful way to contribute to your health. Other campaigns in the health year included the Qigong course as well as a free studio membership, and the family day should be mentioned, because even the family day 2017 was organized entirely under the motto: Exercise, fun and games!
In my opinion, INP's focus on health protection is 100 % on the right path to reduce downtime and employee turnover and to constantly improve the motivation and integration of our employees. The need for safety takes a high priority for all people. Recognizing that an employer cares about the health of each one creates trust and motivation. It pays to be more involved in the interests of the company.
Personally, I see the danger that the great commitment shown in our Health Year 2017 cannot be maintained at this level. An option to be discussed would therefore be the step towards a long-term and systematic health management. In doing so, some activities and measures can be standardized. The ability to certify and present an INP health management plan would further enhance the already good image of INP.
As an INP freelancer, Günter Sauer is responsible for quality and occupational safety management.
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