Employee Safety, Health & Well-being

Prioritising employee health is essential in building sustainable organisations. At F&N, we have effectively instilled a culture of behaviour change aimed at fostering a proactive “safety first” mindset, where employees are encouraged to take responsibility for their own safety as well as that of their colleagues. We firmly believe teamwork is critical in our collective pursuit of achieving zero Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate (LTIFR). To strengthen this commitment, “zero lost time injury” was incorporated in FY2024 as part of shared sustainability KPIs for all executives.

Workplace health and safety are fully integrated into our daily routines and ingrained into every aspect of our operations. We implement stringent procedures to safeguard the physical well-being of our on-site employees while also promoting practices that support mental health and resilience. Various safety training programmes are provided to ensure all employees and contractors perform their functions in alignment with F&N’s safety protocols, with training tailored to specific roles and responsibilities. In FY2024, over 1,600 attendees participated in more than 8,500 hours of safety training across Malaysia and Thailand. Beyond classroom training, employees also receive ongoing health and safety education through monthly sessions and newsletters that highlight potential hazards and risky behaviours.

F&NHB strictly adheres to the International Labour Organisation (ILO) guidelines, Thailand’s Labour Protection Act and Malaysia’s Employment Act 1955. These standards are embedded in our Environmental, Safety and Health (ESH) Policy, which underpins our ESH management system. The system is designed to improve performance by establishing objectives, quantified targets, and monitoring key indicators. All personnel and activities fall under this system, ensuring that every worker has access to proper training, protective gear and occupational health resources.

Our primary facilities are certified to global standards such as ISO 45001, demonstrating that our safety measures extend beyond national requirements. Each plant has a dedicated Safety Committee comprising management and worker representatives, supported by Safety and Health Committees at the corporate office and regional sales offices. Oversight is provided by the Board of Directors, with the Sustainability and Risk Management Committee (SRMC) engaging in regular reviews of health and safety strategies, policies, and performance against targets. Quarterly updates on health and safety are presented to the Board.

To safeguard employees and contractors, F&N conducts comprehensive OHS risk and hazard assessments to identify potential sources of harm, supported by prioritised action plans with measurable targets. 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 levels, and for employees in high-noise environments, protective equipment and regular audiometric tests are provided. In cases where hearing impairment is detected, medical consultations are arranged.

Emergency preparedness is a key priority. Trained Company Emergency Response Teams (CERT) are in place across our operations to act swiftly in the event of an incident. Procedures are also established for investigating work-related injuries, illnesses, diseases, and incidents to ensure appropriate corrective and preventive measures are taken. Employees are empowered to report hazards via supervisors, safety representatives, or formal safety committees, with the option to remain anonymous.

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

• flexible working arrangements (two days of work-from-home per week for eligible staff)
• part-time work options
• breastfeeding and lactation facilities
• 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.

Stress management programmes, health talks, and sports activities complement these initiatives. Our flexi-benefit scheme covers dental care, medical screening, traditional and complementary medicine, optical, outpatient medical, fitness subscriptions, and healthy lifestyle programmes. Gym facilities are also available at selected sites.

Extended healthcare protection is provided through Group Hospitalisation & Surgical Insurance, which also covers 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 well-being.

Through these measures—anchored in strong governance, internationally recognised standards, and employee inclusivity—F&N continues to strengthen its safety-first culture, while investing in the health, resilience, and sustainability of our workforce.