UPM-Biofore-Magazine-1-2016-ENG

up for the programme canmake a real difference. The input of thirty companies is estimated to bring direct benefits to over two million people. As the number of participating companies increases, the direct and indirect benefits multiply. Raising awareness UPM joined theWASH programme this autumn. The company sent out a survey to all its production facilities enquiring about local water, sanitation and hygiene conditions. A total of 54 production facilities from around the world responded to the survey and evaluated whether conditions at their sites could be improved. There is always room for

wash your hands and watch what you put in your mouth, you’ll avoidmany problems.” Tap water is fit to drink in most European countries, but subcontractors working at a plantation in South America, for example, should always carry safe bottled water to quench their thirst. Bottled water is also a good choice on business trips. UPM’s instructions are very clear on this point: When you visit an exotic location, always drink bottled water and eat cooked food only. All employees who follow this rule generally avoid infection. Plastic bottles are also handy as you can use themmore than once – just remember to recycle themwhen you no longer need them. Sharing best practices UPM is working together with pioneering companies under the auspices of theWASH programme. “We share information about new best practices with other responsible companies. This offers us a broader view of how to operate responsibly,” says Päivi Rissanen , UPMPaper ENA Director, Environment and Responsibility. TheWASH programme was launched in autumn 2013 in Geneva, Switzerland. UPM launched its own project this year by sending a survey to its production facilities. In 2016, a survey will be sent to sales offices, followed by forest management and wood sourcing teams in 2017. After improvement needs have been identified, UPMwill take action. Good hygiene is after all a win-win: employees benefit from good health, and employers achieve savings in the formof reduced sickness absenteeism.

improvement, even at highly advanced pulp and paper mills that operate in compliance with strict regulations. Good sanitation facilities cannot be taken for granted at any location. UPM’s occupational

More than 1.8 billion people are without access to clean, safe drinking water. An estimated 4.1 billion lack proper sanitation.

healthcare physician Tero Kemppainen offers the example of a Finnish lumberjack who works in the middle of nowhere without a proper lavatory. As a hygiene precaution he always keeps wet wipes or clean water with him in order to wash his hands. “Hand hygiene is extremely important for your health,” Kemppainen says. “Diseases spread through touch, so if you remember to

1/2016  | 45