2022 Universal Registration Document

Chapter 3 : Risk factors and risk management

Specific risk analysis process for Subsidiaries

The Subsidiaries conduct their own risk analysis based on the list of risks set out below, particularly the fire risk is controlled by very strict fire prevention standards (such as those issued by the National Fire Protection Association).

In addition to the generic risks, the Subsidiaries identify the specific risks related in particular to cosmetics production. For example, the physical risks are the subject of SHAP (Safety Hazards Assessment Procedure) studies, which identify the dangers, generally and for each workstation, assess the risks and allow the implementation of the necessary means of control. Environmental risks are also analysed to assess the nature of the aspects and impacts of a site’s activities on its environment and to control any that lead to potentially serious impacts for the air, soil, water, biodiversity and resources.

This environmental analysis is updated regularly by each of the Group Subsidiaries’ sites and whenever a significant change takes place. If significant risks are identified or if L’Oréal’s standards or regulations impose specific requirements, a more detailed evaluation is carried out for the activities concerned. Appropriate action plans – with immediate action where necessary – are implemented to reduce significant risks to an acceptable level.

With regard to water discharge, each industrial site has implemented a self-monitoring system representative of the wastewater discharged(1). This self-monitoring is a tool for detecting risks of exceeding regulatory thresholds that helps to anticipate any non-conformities and initiate corrective actions. 31 L’Oréal factories have their own wastewater treatment plant and L’Oréal is continuing with the installation of these plants.

The process safety risks are analysed using the HAZOP (HAZardand OPerability analysis) guide. This method focuses on operating conditions, or FMECA(2), which analyses risks related to failures in the process at the different steps in production.

The results and means of controlling industrial and specific risks are summarised in the GHAP (Global Hazard Assessment Procedure) programme.

Specific risk analysis process for Suppliers

In addition to their own risk analysis, Suppliers rely, at the very least, on the risks listed in the audit grid provided by L’Oréal when the Letter of Mutual Ethical Commitment is signed (see section 4.3.1.2.1.) to implement the appropriate prevention measures at each affected site. This grid was prepared in accordance with the list of the major risks described below and is applied during referencing and follow-up audits.

If the specific nature of the Suppliers’ activity requires identification of specific risks and/or additional prevention measures, the Suppliers are required to roll out these additional measures in accordance with best practices in their industry.

For example, in the subcontracting of finished products activity, specific risks may involve (i) the use of certain raw materials, (ii) wastewater treatment, (iii) the use of machines or electrical equipment in processing or storage areas, and (iv) handling techniques that may cause personal injury, in particular.

In the specific case of subcontracting suppliers of aerosol production or storage, bleaching powders, flammable products, the sites are subject to specific risks analyses concerning process safety.

Risks identified in the Environment, Health and Safety in the workplace
Risks of serious adverse impacts to Health and Safety in the workplace

(i) Risks associated with buildings and the use of equipment:

      • soundness of buildings (construction and interior fittings, including the compliance of equipment with operating authorisations and building permits issued by local authorities in compliance with the applicable legislation and, in any event, adaptation to the activity for which the buildings are intended);
      • use of motorised forklift trucks and Automatic Guided Vehicles (AGV): risks caused by interactions and interference between forklift trucks, AGVs and pedestrians;and
      • injuries caused by interactions between humans and machines: risks related to access to the moving parts of work equipment.

(ii) Risks related to energy sources, matter and materials:

      • exposure to energy sources, fluids and hazardous emissions including electricity, high pressure, steam, vapour, hot water and high temperatures;
      • fires resulting, notably, from flammable products and materials or electrical equipment;
      • exposure to hazardous dust and chemical products:by inhalation, ingestion or skin contact; and
      • exposure to high noise levels.

(iii) Risks related to human activities:

      • entry in confined spaces and/or the risk of anoxia;
      • isolated work: risks associated with working alone for long periods of time;
      • slipping and falls;
      • ergonomics of workstations related to load handling;
      • construction works (risks during construction activities);and
      • work at heights (risk of falls associated with the use of ladders and step stools, access to and work on platforms and roofs, use of lift tables and scaffolding, etc.).
Environmental risks

The risks of serious damage to the environment are those associated with the consumption of resources or that could cause damage to soils, water, air and biodiversity (habitats and species) in the context of normal operation or the occurrence of an incident at a site of the Subsidiaries or Suppliers:

  • gradual or accidental pollution; and
  • pollution during the transport of hazardous materials.

(1) Monitoring of regulated and contractual parameters: chemical oxygen demand (COD), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) etc.

(2) Failure Mode, Effects and Criticality Analysis.