Safety: a human right at the heart of our business
We are committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for everyone who works for, or with, Hindustan Unilever Limited. Our approach to occupational health and safety is guided by the Unilever Code of Business Principles and the Health & Safety Policy, which set out our expectations on protecting people at work. These principles apply across our operations, including manufacturing, offices and research facilities, and work related travel.
Our Safety & Health Policy is underpinned by applicable legal and regulatory requirements and aligned with recognised international standards for occupational health and safety management, including ISO 45001. Our policies, standards and guidelines are regularly reviewed and made accessible to employees through internal platforms. We expect our employees, contractors and other business partners to comply with these requirements and to uphold the same standards of care.
Leadership accountability is central to our safety framework. Leaders are responsible for embedding health and safety expectations across their teams and activities within their scope. At the same time, every employee is expected to take responsibility for their own safety and the safety of those around them, by following established standards and speaking up about risks. We work closely with our partners to reinforce shared safety values across our extended value chain.
We approach breaches of safety requirements with care, fairness and consistency, recognising our shared responsibility to keep everyone safe. Where serious or repeated non compliance occurs, appropriate actions may be taken in line with established processes, while maintaining respect for individuals and a focus on prevention.
Building a strong safety culture
We take deliberate and sustained action to strengthen a culture where safety is embedded in how we plan, operate and lead.
Our Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) governance is overseen by a Central SHE Committee chaired by our Managing Director & CEO. This forum is supported by management level sub committees that provide focused oversight on key areas of safety, health and environment, ensuring consistent attention to critical risks and performance across the business.
Our Safety Moments programme enables leaders to regularly reinforce safety expectations, reflect on risks and demonstrate visible commitment to standards. Safety moments take many forms—ranging from organisation wide engagements to small team discussions—encouraging open dialogue and shared accountability. We aim to foster an environment where everyone feels confident to intervene in the interest of safety.
All safety requirements are embedded within our operating and management systems. Manufacturing sites assess their specific risk profiles and develop targeted action plans that address various hazards including but not limited to mechanical, electrical, chemical and process related risks. This structured approach supports continuous improvement and a consistent safety culture across all levels of the organisation.
Recognising safety best practices
We recognise and celebrate teams and leaders who demonstrate excellence in safety performance and innovation.
During FY 2025–26, several of our manufacturing sites received national recognition for occupational health and safety excellence, and our R&D centres in Mumbai and Bengaluru were acknowledged for strong safety performance and culture.
Making the roads safer for everyone
Safe travel continues to be one of the most significant safety risks involving our employees, business partners and members of the public. We therefore place strong emphasis on reducing road related risks through consistent policies, controls and awareness across our operations.
Our safe travel framework applies to work related travel undertaken by employees and third parties, and sets clear expectations for responsible driving, vehicle safety and compliance with applicable requirements. We continue to strengthen preventive measures that promote safe driving behaviours and early identification of risks, while encouraging our partners to adopt similar practices across the value chain.
Across our operations, we support safer transport through structured engagement with drivers, focus on route related risks, and regular checks on vehicle condition and readiness. Improving road safety also requires collaboration beyond our organisation, and we continue to engage externally to advocate for safer mobility and shared responsibility on public roads.
Contractor safety
In addition to protecting our employees, we are committed to providing safe working environments for contractors and other third parties working on our sites. We continue to strengthen our approach to managing construction and contractor safety by improving standards, building capability and reinforcing the use of consistent safety tools and practices for high risk activities.
Training for everyone, no matter their role
Safety capability building begins before employees start their roles and continues through ongoing learning and reinforcement. Our training programmes focus on building awareness, strengthening safe behaviours and encouraging personal responsibility. Through role appropriate training and regular engagement, we aim to embed safety into everyday decision making and sustain a strong safety culture across the organisation.