Environmental Policy

W. M. IRONWORK LTD, NEWTON TRACEY, BARNSTAPLE, DEVON, EX31 3PN
Tel: 01271 858444
Website: www.wmi.uk.com

Created and issued: November 2008
Reviewed: 05/11/25
To be reviewed and revised annually if required.

Introduction

The Company aspires to act responsibly in minimising the impact of its activities on the environment, both at the factory site and in its work on construction sites around the country. We have already made steps towards reducing our dependence on fossil fuels by installing solar panels on our factory and beginning to change our forklifts for electric versions.

Policy

The aim of this policy is to help the Company and its employees understand their impact on and responsibilities for the environment, both legally and ethically.

Company Responsibility

Key Responsibilities

• The person with overall responsibility for environmental issues is the Company Director: STUART WEST
• The person with day-to-day responsibility for environmental issues is the Compliance Manager: LUKE CANE
• Other people with environmental responsibilities include:
  • Factory Manager: SHANE RICE – control of manufacturing processes, products, and waste
  • Maintenance Dept: BRYAN SMITH – maintenance and upkeep of machinery, use of energy and gas
  • Site Supervisors – any SSSTS-trained supervisors or team leaders have responsibilities on site to ensure compliance regarding spills, noise, packaging, waste, etc.

The Company Will:

• Comply fully with all relevant legislation and regulations, and whenever practical meet or exceed industry best practice on environmental issues.
• Promote this policy throughout the Company, ensuring all staff receive environmental training appropriate to their role and responsibilities.
• Minimize waste and make efficient use of energy and materials on site and in offices.
• Segregate waste for recycling or reuse whenever conditions permit.
• Recognize the benefits of responsible purchasing, preferring alternative materials, products, and services with reduced environmental or social impacts where commercially justified.
• Recognize the impact of our activities on local communities and the environment, and manage activities to minimise noise, dust, litter, mud, transportation, and parking impacts.
• Maintain a modern, well-serviced, and efficient fleet of vehicles and promote good driving practices to minimise fuel use.
• Review, build upon, and commit to our Environmental Policy.

Employee Responsibility

• Consider the impact your activities have on the environment and work responsibly to minimise these impacts wherever possible.
• Office example: turn off lights/computers when not in use.
• Driving example: drive responsibly to reduce emissions.
• Report environmental issues immediately, such as spillages.

Training

The company will offer environmental training suitable for the work being undertaken. This includes external qualifications from accredited training providers and internal training such as toolbox talks on topics like spill prevention and littering.

Training needs and effectiveness will be assessed continuously by the Compliance Manager and Director, with consultation from the workforce.

WM Ironwork is a member of the Supply Chain Sustainability School and will regularly use their assessment tool to ensure relevant members of the organisation are appropriately qualified to ensure compliance with environmental law and best practice.

Supply Chain Compliance

The company ensures suppliers conform to relevant environmental legislation. All suppliers must complete the “Supply Chain Questionnaire”. Existing suppliers must renew this information regularly, and new suppliers must be assessed before purchases.

Suppliers contacted in this way must be recorded in the “Authorised Suppliers” spreadsheet. Suppliers that do not respond or do not meet requirements must be noted and subject to higher scrutiny.

Waste Products

Waste is an inevitable part of manufacturing. WM Ironwork is committed to reducing waste, finding ways to reuse or recycle materials, and ensuring environmentally conscious disposal.

• All card/paper packaging and office waste paper must be recycled using labelled yard bins.
• Waste metal must be separated by type (ferrous, non-ferrous, aluminium, etc.) and stored. Unusable materials are collected for recycling by SW Metals.
• Hazardous waste (e.g., powder shop overspray, used spray cans) will be collected by an approved specialist (currently Safetykleen UK).

Non-Compliance

All employees play a role in upholding this policy. Staff found violating this policy will receive additional training. Repeated violations may lead to disciplinary action in accordance with company policy.

Implementation of the Policy

Overall responsibility for implementation and review rests with senior management. All employees must adhere to and support policy implementation.

Existing employees will be informed about this policy and their responsibilities. New employees will be informed during induction.

Monitoring Policy

The policy will be monitored on an ongoing basis. Effectiveness will be judged by the number of environmental incidents reported and investigated.

In the event of a significant incident, a committee consisting of senior management, the Compliance Manager, the Director, and relevant personnel will investigate and review this policy and training provided.

Reviewing Policy

This policy will be reviewed and revised when required based on legislative or organisational changes. It will also be reviewed annually by the Compliance Manager and Director.

Policy Amendments

If amendments or updates are made, senior management will ensure all relevant employees are notified. Written notice or training may be provided.

Additional Information

For additional information or clarification, contact your manager. If dissatisfied with any decision, employees may use the Company’s formal Grievance Procedure.