The Ceramic Sector

Health & Safety Pledge Scheme

The Pledge Scheme was set up 25 years ago to promote and support continual improvement in health and safety performance in the ceramics sector.

Pledge focuses on improving the health, safety and wellbeing performance of the ceramics sector.

As set out in the Pledge Phase 5 Strategy, this is achieved by:

  • Engaging with industry and other stakeholders

  • Identifying priority workstreams

  • Developing and implementing a clear work plan

  • The identification of KPIs and the measurement, monitoring and reporting of performance.

The Pledge Board oversees the development and delivery of the Pledge strategy and annual Pledge Conference and Awards. It is made up of representatives from the different ceramics sub sectors within Ceramics UK, the HSE and the GMB and Unite Trade Unions.  It is chaired by Ceramics UK.

Ceramics UK is a member of CHARGE. This is a high-level forum where the HSE, Trade Unions and the wider minerals industry (glass and glazing, ceramics, cement, concrete and stoneworkers), work together and share information and ideas to support improved standards of health and safety.

There are five priority workstreams for Pledge:

  • Leadership

  • Occupational health and wellbeing

  • Risk management

  • Environment and equipment

  • Monitoring and reporting

More information can be found on the Pledge roadmap here.

Pledge Awards and Conference

Every year, Ceramics UK hosts the Pledge Awards Ceremony and Conference to recognise and celebrate health and safety achievements in the UK ceramics sector while sharing best practices across the network.

Vision: To work together (Industry, Ceramics UK, HSE and Trade Unions) to drive continual improvement in health, safety and wellbeing performance in the UK ceramics industry.

For more details about the Pledge Awards and Conference, click here.

2024 Award Winners:

  • Pledge Award of Excellence: Forterra PLC

  • Highly Commended: Wienerberger UK

  • Company Health & Safety Awards: Denby Pottery Co Ltd, DSF Refractories & Minerals Ltd, Forterra PLC, Ibstock PLC, Michelmersh Brick Holdings PLC, Steelite International, Wienerberger UK and York Handmade Brick Company Ltd

  • Contractors Awards: E J Parkers, GE Services, Greenfields Countryside Ltd, Hannafin Contractors Limited, Refferty, Socotec UK, Sweeptech Environmental, Toureen, United Air Power Limited and Woodward Group Limited

  • Emerging Talent: Jamie Scott, Ibstock PLC

  • Individual Recognition Awards presented to staff from: DSF Refractories & Minerals LTD, Forterra PLC, Ibstock PLC, Michelmersh Brick Holdings PLC, Wienerberger UK

Ceramics UK Members are expected to follow the ethos of the Ceramic Sector Health and Safety Pledge Scheme.

Companies can demonstrate their commitment to health and safety and Pledge Phase 5 by formally signing up.

All signatories receive a certificate for display at their company.

For further information about the Health and Safety Pledge Scheme or to show your commitment by formally signing up to Pledge Phase 5, contact:

Sonia Mayer: Soniam@ceramics-uk.org or Lauren Darby: Laurend@ceramics-uk.org

Members