Auditing

Safety, security, health and environmental protection audits (SHE audits) are a key element in the Roche SHE management system. The Corporate Safety, Security, Health and Environmental Protection (CSE) function has been systematically carrying out SHE audits throughout the Group since 1980. Sites are audited in regular, risk-based intervals according to a rolling program that is backed by the Corporate Executive Committee. The audits focus primarily on verifying that employees are following safe, healthy and environmentally responsible work practices, on the technical safety of processes and plants and on the protection of personnel, information and assets from attacks, theft and damage.

To date, around 800 audits have been performed. In 2008 alone, a total of 25 production facilities, distribution centres, IT installations and office buildings were audited in eighteen countries. As in previous years, the results were good.

A Group SHE directive stipulates that risks must be analysed and assessed and counter-measures implemented where necessary to eliminate or reduce them to an acceptable level. At every site, a risk inventory must be prepared so that risks to people, the environment, facilities and the business can be managed and monitored. Particular attention is paid to operational management at different organisational levels. This is based on the experience that factors such as the leadership provided by supervisory staff, employee behaviour in the workplace, the condition of buildings and equipment, and the readiness and organisation of emergency response teams are crucial for guaranteeing safety, security, health and environmental protection.

It goes without saying that Roche besides meeting its corporate SHE objectives observes formal requirements (such as official laws, regulations and standards) and conducts audits for compliance.

Strategically important suppliers and service providers are evaluated and guided regarding SHE. The most critical ones (e.g. manufacturing of chemical intermediates, finished products or exclusive equipment parts) are systematically audited. In 2008 there were 18 such audits.