Health & Safety Committee

Our Health & Safety Forward scheme is a dynamic system for continuous improvement across our sector, aligned to the Health and Safety Executive ( ) Helping Great Britain work well strategy.

The scheme’s work is shaped by our members – via our Health and Safety Committee – to make sure it is relevant and appropriate. Any British Glass member can join Health and Safety Forward – email information@britglass.co.uk to find out more. Current work includes...

Refractory ceramic fibre – the search for substitutes

The ceramic fibre used to insulate furnaces in the glass industry has been found to be harmful to people’s health and alternatives are now being produced. Each of these materials has its own unique physical and chemical properties making it suitable for certain uses in glass manufacturing, but not all. That’s why we are proactively coordinating work with our members to explore the most suitable substitutes for RCF for different applications, and promoting best practice in safe handling of the material.

Can you help?
Does your company make or supply a material that could replace RCF for glass furnaces? Do you know about alternative materials performing a similar function in other industries? Email information@britglass.co.uk and tell us about it. 

Breathing easy in glass manufacturing 

Some of the materials used in glass making create dust, fibres or vapours which can be harmful if inhaled. To manage this risk, proper use of effective personal protective equipment is important. As part of Health and Safety Forward we have carried out a survey with our members to identify and share good practice around breathing apparatus (or respiratory PPE) used in the glass industry supply chain. This ties in with the HSE’s priority, under the manufacturing sector plan, for lung health.

Can you help?
Are you a respiratory PPE supplier? We need your help to identify products that are particularly suited to the conditions of glass production – including working at elevated temperatures. Email information@britglass.co.uk and tell us about what you can offer.

Health & Safety Forward medal of excellence winners

These case studies showcase good practice in health and safety across the glass industry.

Breaking the glass ceiling on employee well being at Ardagh

Keeping a safe space between people and traffic at Allied

Robots reducing risk at Encirc

Working top down and bottom up to improve safety all over the NSG Group

O-I’s all-embracing approach to preventing injury and ill health

Smooth operators promote safety at Guardian Glass

Hydration improving tactics – at both ends!

Turn up the heat: O-I Glass introduce fireproof underwear

Nippon Electric Glass introduces new near miss initiative

Wellpoint Kiosks providing health information for NSG employees 

Defibrillator installed three weeks prior, saves life

NSG utilise MS forms ro ensure key safety behaviours