Integration of the environmental management system and the OHS management system

In July 2017, work started towards integration of the environmental management system and the occupational health and safety management system. For this purpose, one authorised officer was appointed to supervise the operation of the systems and an integrated policy was adopted. At subsequent stages, a procedure was implemented, governing both systems, internal auditors were appointed, and training and workshops were conducted for a wide group of employees. As part of implemented changes, the environmental management system was adjusted to the requirements of the international standard ISO 14001:2015-09 “Environmental management systems. Requirements with guidance for use”. In the area of occupational health and safety, the system remained in compliance with the Polish standard PN-N 18001:2004 “Occupational health and safety management systems”.

Effective implementation of the integrated system was confirmed by a relevant certificate which was issued to PSE for the period from 24 July 2018 to 11 March 2021.

By maintaining the integrated management system, the company voluntarily declares that it will reconcile the reliable and efficient operation of the power system with its development whilst respecting the natural environment and public interest. It is PSE’s particular concern to ensure the security of employees, visitors, and contractors’ personnel.

To achieve the above objectives, PSE has committed itself to:

• prevent accidents at work, occupational diseases, near misses and environmental pollution,
• continuously seek to improve the standards of environmental safety and health, fire protection and environmental protection through measures including the identification of hazards and risk management,
• monitor the working environment for occupational and environmental safety,
• comply with the requirements of laws and other regulations applicable to the company,
• improve employees’ skills, empower their roles and engage them in activities
• towards improvement of occupational safety and health, and environmental protection,
• develop and upgrade the network infrastructure in such a manner as to ensure work safety, preservation of landscape, protected areas and areas of particular natural value.

In 2018, the environmental aspects identified to set the directions of the company’s initiatives concerning the reduction of negative impact on the natural environment and strengthening positive impact remained unchanged.

Significant aspects:

• electromagnetic field emissions,
• noise emissions,
• discharge of precipitation water and sewage into soil and waters,
• generation of waste,
• hazardous substance spill.

Positive aspect:

• supporting environmentally-friendly projects aimed at the projection of natural resources.

The objectives pursued in the environmental area included, e.g., transformer upgrades and the delivery of a scheme of exercises in clean-up of hazardous substance spills at selected power facilities. In the OHS area, the priority is to prevent accidents at work and increase the involvement of employees and contributors in measures towards improving work safety.

As part of supporting environmentally-friendly projects, educational actions were undertaken, addressed to employees.