Novo Nordisk's new Tianjin enzyme factory was officially opened in April 1998. During construction, health, safety and working conditions have been important issues. The plant is built according to Danish safety standards, and all local laws and regulations have also been met. Furthermore, safety instructions and Standard Operating Procedures have been translated from the Novo Nordisk plant in the US. The Chinese health and safety organisation follows all local regulations with some additional powers allowing management to drive home a strong message on safety throughout the workforce. All new employees receive training on safety and regular refresher courses are held for specialists.

Safety organisation
A safety committee is in place to reinforce the safety message. The committee, consisting of employee and management representatives, was established at the end of 1998. Furthermore, a Chinese doctor has been specially trained by the health and safety organisation in Denmark and she is already responsible for preventative measures. Expert advice and assistance is available from Denmark, for instance in carrying out certain laboratory tests not available in China.

Clear safety targets have been set for 1999 and will form part of the personal performance evaluation of the relevant managers.

As mentioned, the plant has only recently started production, and no injuries had occurred by the end of 1998. Management is continuously working on safety attitudes through training and insistence on following safety instructions. Transmitting the safety message can be a difficult task, and attitudes towards health and safety issues are a focus area in China just as in Denmark.