Employee Safety, Health & Well-being

Prioritising employee safety, health and well-being is fundamental to building a sustainable organisation. At F&N, we have embedded a culture of behaviour change that promotes a proactive “safety first” mindset, where employees are encouraged to take responsibility not only for their own safety but also for that of their colleagues. We believe that teamwork is critical in our collective pursuit of zero Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate (LTIFR). To reinforce accountability at the highest level, “zero lost time injury” was incorporated in FY2024 as a shared sustainability KPI for all executives.

Workplace safety and health are fully integrated into our daily operations and decision-making processes. We conduct comprehensive Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) risk and hazard assessments to systematically identify the potential harm at the workplace. The identified risks are prioritised and addressed through integrated action plans with quantified targets, aligned with our Group-wide target of zero LTIFR. Progress in reducing and preventing health and safety risks is regularly evaluated against these targets, supported by internal inspections and performance monitoring.

In line with our preventive approach, Environmental Impact Assessments and OHS considerations are undertaken prior to the implementation of any project. Stringent procedures are implemented to safeguard the physical well-being of on-site employees, alongside initiatives that support mental health, resilience and overall well-being. To ensure effective implementation, employees and contractors receive role-specific safety training aligned with F&N’s safety protocols. In FY2024, more than 1,600 participants attended over 8,500 hours of safety training across Malaysia and Thailand. Ongoing awareness is reinforced through monthly safety briefings and newsletters highlighting potential hazards, unsafe conditions and risky behaviours.

F&NHB strictly adheres to International Labour Organisation (ILO) guidelines, Thailand’s Labour Protection Act and Malaysia’s Employment Act 1955. These requirements are embedded in our Environmental, Safety and Health (ESH) Policy, which forms the foundation of our ESH management system. The system applies to all personnel and activities, and is designed to drive continuous improvement through the setting of objectives, quantified targets and key performance indicators, ensuring access to appropriate training, personal protective equipment and occupational health resources.

Our primary facilities are certified to internationally recognised standards such as ISO 45001, demonstrating that our occupational health and safety practices extend beyond local regulatory requirements. Each plant is supported by a dedicated Safety Committee comprising management and worker representatives, complemented by Safety and Health Committees at the corporate office and regional sales offices. Oversight is provided by the Board of Directors, with the Board Sustainability and Risk Management Committee (SRMC) conducting regular reviews of health and safety strategies, policies, and performance. Quarterly health and safety updates are tabled to the Board.

To further safeguard employees and contractors, F&N has established procedures to investigate all work-related injuries, ill health, occupational diseases and incidents. These investigations ensure that appropriate corrective and preventive actions are identified and implemented to prevent recurrence. Our Health Risk Assessment Committee, made up of trained specialists, continuously monitors exposure risks such as air quality, lighting, temperature and noise. Routine noise monitoring is conducted to ensure compliance with recommended thresholds, and employees in high-noise environments are provided with hearing protection and regular audiometric testing. Where hearing impairment is detected, follow-up medical consultations are arranged.

Emergency preparedness remains a key focus. Trained Company Emergency Response Teams (CERT) are in place across our operations to respond swiftly and effectively to incidents. Employees are empowered to report hazards or unsafe conditions through supervisors, safety representatives or formal safety committees, with the option to do so anonymously.

Beyond physical safety, F&N is committed to supporting holistic employee well-being. Initiatives include:

• flexible working arrangements (up to two work-from-home days per week for eligible employees)
• part-time work options
• breastfeeding and lactation facilities, and
• extended maternity leave of an additional 30 days beyond statutory requirements in Malaysia and Thailand. New fathers are also granted two days of paternity leave, despite no legal obligation.

These are complemented by stress management programmes, health talks and sports activities. Our flexi-benefit scheme covers dental care, medical screening, traditional and complementary medicine, optical care, outpatient medical services, fitness subscriptions and healthy lifestyle programmes, with gym facilities available at selected sites.

Extended healthcare protection is provided through Group Hospitalisation and Surgical Insurance, which includes coverage for employees’ spouses and children with a 50% subsidy. All employees in Malaysia and Thailand are entitled to healthcare insurance coverage, reinforcing our commitment to long-term health and well-being.

Through strong governance, internationally recognised standards, systematic risk management and employee participation, F&N continues to strengthen its safety-first culture while investing in the health, resilience and sustainability of its workforce.