NL 
DE 
FR 
Safety has always been the highest priority at Schenk – it’s our license to operate. With the launch of the international Sign for Safety campaign, we reaffirm that commitment by making safety a visible and consistent focus at every level of the organisation. Not as something new, but as a lasting priority.
“Safety isn’t something you do on the side – it is your job,” says Jaap Quant, Group SHEQ Director.
Signing for safety – together
During an official kick-off, where all members of the international management team – from the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and the UK – signed the ‘Sign for Safety’ pledge. With their signatures, they confirmed their shared responsibility to make safety a continuous priority.
“At Schenk, safety is not up for debate,” says Quant. “It’s a message that comes through loud and clear, both inside and outside the company.”
From procedures to culture: the Schenk way
The campaign is part of a long-term journey focused on strengthening our safety culture. Not through more rules, but through behavioural change: how do colleagues deal with risks? Do we speak up? Do we feel responsible for each other’s safety?
“A lot of incidents in our sector come down to human behaviour,” says Quant. “So that’s exactly where we need to focus. It’s not just about rules – it’s about ownership. That’s where the real impact lies.”
Safety is not just something you comply with – it’s something you embody. As a colleague, as a leader, as an organisation. Every single day.
SHEQ: Safety comes first
Schenk UK has a strong and established commitment to safety, safe practices and compliance. Safety comes first as shown through our appropriately named SHEQ department which stands for Safety, Health, Environment & Quality.
This focus has now been embodied by the wider Schenk business. “This name highlights our focus: safety comes first,” says Quant. “It’s simple, recognisable, and emphasises the connection between safety, health, environment and quality.”
Leadership as our compass
Everyone plays a key role in the success of safety, but this is driven by the Leadership team through the Sign for Safety. They lead by example – visibly, consistently, and convincingly.
“The highest standard you may expect from others is the lowest you demonstrate yourself,” says Quant. “That’s why we start with (natural) leadership.”
Safety first on the agenda
We have a duty to protect ourselves, colleagues around us and the public. Therefore safety is the first item on our daily agenda, underscoring its importance across all teams.
This mindset is nurtured throughout the company with regular safety sessions, clear lines of communication through operational updates and an open reporting culture, ensuring that every incident becomes an opportunity to improve.
We actively encourage our drivers to place safety at the centre of everything they do and to report near misses as a vital part of our preventative culture.
Fundamental Safety Rules
Schenk UK’s Fundamental Safety Rules reflect the importance of safety within our business. The fundamental safety rules include:
- Safe Systems of Work
- Triple Check & Mental Risk Assessment
- Move Safely around sites
- Couple and Uncouple vehicles correctly
- Use vehicles cautiously
- Work carefully with hazardous substances
- Control vessel pressure
- Work safely at height
The overriding principle of ‘If it is not safe, STOP. If I am not sure, STOP’ applies to all of our Fundamental Rules.
Making Safety Second Nature—Together
Expanding a culture where safety has become second nature, across all countries, departments and roles is a step by step process.
The Sign for Safety is the first step. It represents a re-affirmation of Schenk UK’s commitment that all employees, from the senior leadership to the front-line of the drivers, puts safety at the heart of what we do.
“What begins today with a signature will change the way we work together, communicate, and care for one another,” Quant concludes. “Safety belongs to all of us.”
