The health of our people comes first

Wittenburg Group, a producer of customer-specific plastic compounds, has a clear ambition: to avoid unnecessary exposure of its employees to hazardous substances. “You can simply comply with the law,” says PSRA Manager Jop Scholtens, “but for us, that’s not enough. The health of our people always comes first.” With Chemrade software and their expertise as a partner, the company transformed from manual processes into an integrated approach where working safely became part of the daily routine.

From manual to overview and control Until seven years ago, Wittenburg attempted to manage risks associated with hazardous substances manually. This was time-consuming and fragmented. We often erred on the side of caution,” explains Jop Scholtens, “but that didn’t mean we were using the most appropriate protective measures.”

The search for a better solution led the company to Chemrade. “It soon became clear that Chemrade is a very pleasant and reliable partner,” he continues. “Like us, they believe that no employee should ever be unnecessarily exposed to hazardous substances. That shared belief forms the basis of our partnership.”

The Chemrade platform provides a single system that offers an overview and provides structural support for processes.The software contains several calculation models available for exposure risk assessment. Depending on the substance, level of exposure and working conditions, the right model is selected to carry out the risk assessment.

Because validated models are used, the results are more reliable, enabling targeted measures on the shop floor. They also serve management reporting and provide stronger substantiation during audits and inspections.

The platform also supports the registration of chemical substances, ensuring that mandatory CMR registration is now in order. “The Chemrade team really helped us map substances and locations during the implementation phase,” adds Scholtens. “Thanks to their support, all processes are now clearly documented.”

The availability of clear instructions marked a major step forward. The Chemrade platform generates workplace instruction cards (WIC) that are always accessible: digitally via tablet, mobile and TV screens, as well as in hard copy where needed.

A particularly practical improvement is the link with the ERP system. Instructions are now displayed automatically when a raw material is weighed. The system recognises the material via the barcode and signals: first consult the WIC, then proceed with weighing. Safe working has become part of the daily routine.

Communication with employees has also shifted. Prevention teams and supervisors increasingly use the software to share instructions in plain language and to highlight them in regular meetings.

“Ultimately, our entire risk assessment process comes down to reliability. The exposure risk assessments now deliver results that we can really rely on. They also help us strike the right balance between technical measures in the plant and the use of personal protective equipment.”

The implementation has brought tangible improvements on several fronts. Instructions are much more accessible to employees, making them easier to apply. The four-step occupational health plan is better covered, and the CMR registration is now at the required level. This supports the policy of replacing hazardous substances with cleaner alternatives, or, where this is not possible, working with them safely.

Wittenburg’s vision on safe working is actually quite simple: ensure that employees are never unnecessarily exposed. Keep instructions practical, short and to the point. For production workers, it’s crucial that they immediately know what is expected of them, without unnecessary complexity.

“The complexity behind it is built into the software,” Scholtens explains. “The full rationale is available for inspections, while employees receive instructions in understandable language.” Chemrade helps us strike that balance: covering complex matters where necessary, but communicating in straightforward terms in daily practice.

“Many steps have already been taken,” Scholtens concludes. “Working safely must become the norm. With Chemrade, we’ve found a partner who supports us in this. With smart software and genuine involvement in our people and processes, they help us reach the next level.”

About Wittenburg Group

Wittenburg Group* is a partnership between Wittenburg, Witcom and Xunfeng, producing customer-specific plastic compounds at sites in the Netherlands and China. The company develops and manufactures high-quality solutions for various industries, including medical devices, food contact, consumer goods and automotive. People-friendly solutions, safety and sustainability are central to their production processes, with employee well-being always taking priority.

About Chemrade

Chemrade supports companies in working safely with hazardous substances by means of intelligent software and practical expertise. As a committed partner, the company combines technology with personal guidance, translating complex regulations into understandable instructions for every employee on the work floor.