SAFETY is on everyone s mind, all day every day. That is the philosophy of the Mondi factory in March. And with its rigorous safety policies for staff and visitors to the Hostmoor site, the company is happy to support the Cambs Times campaign Let s Make

SAFETY is on everyone's mind, all day every day. That is the philosophy of the Mondi factory in March.

And with its rigorous safety policies for staff and visitors to the Hostmoor site, the company is happy to support the Cambs Times campaign "Let's Make Fenland Safer."

At Mondi, safety is top priority, from the moment staff or visitors arrive on the premises, to the moment they leave.

Arriving in the car park, visitors are requested to reverse park into their space - a sign tells drivers: "The first move forward is a safe move." Then in reception, visitors are immediately given an identity badge, and told about fire safety, and what to do if an alarm sounds. On leaving the site, drivers are reminded about traffic approaching from the right. Managing director Mike Ramsay said: "We take safety very seriously, particularly vehicle movements. We have an ongoing policy to safeguard staff and visitors; safety is always a high priority." And to declare their safety ethos to the public, the company has a board outside the factory, which proclaims: "Safety is No 1 Priority." It shows that more than 500 days have passed since an accident on site led to anyone losing a day's work.

A "key-safe" police on site is one of the cornerstones of safety rules at Mondi. Any lorry driver arriving in the despatch area has to stop at a gate, get out of their vehicle, and walk along a designated walk-way to the despatch area. Lorries are then escorted inside, and drivers hand over their keys.

"We know that a lorry cannot move during that time, because we have the key. It stops any accident being caused by a lorry moving," said health and safety officer Barry Freeman. "This key-safe policy is not a legal requirement, but it is best practice. Vehicles and pedestrians do not mix."

Outside the despatch area, a variety of signage is used to ensure safety of lorry drivers and staff.

Drivers must report to the transport office, using the designated walkway. No unauthorised entry is allowed, and there are reminders for staff to beware of fork lift trucks, to wear safety footwear, to beware of pedestrians, to wear high visibility clothing, and keep speed down to 5mph.

Around 170 people work for Mondi at March, producing cardboard and packaging items.

"Staff safety training takes place every week," said Mr Freeman, "whether it is informal discussion with a line manager, or behavioural safety audits."

Mondi is a member of the Safe User Group of the Fork Lift Truck Association, which "strives to achieve the highest standards of safety in the maintenance, and operation of fork lift trucks and warehousing equipment."

All the company's fork lift truck drivers, along with all lorry drivers visiting the site are expected to abide by safety rules.

"There are site specific rules that apply to all drivers," said Barry. "We take safety extremely seriously."

Inside the factory there is lots of signage to remind staff of safety issues, including posters on the "Eight New Golden Rules" of safety, highlighting issues including mobile plant and equipment, working at height, and hazardous substances.

A safety pamphlet given to visitors displays safety rules for visitors and contractors, and declares: "We believe that all accidents can be prevented. This can only be achieved with your cooperation." The pamphlet also says: "Remember! No job is so urgent that it cannot be done safely.