Safety at Suttons International: Ensuring Excellence in Chemical Logistics with Mickael Charlier, Global SSHEQ Manager

At Suttons International, we believe that the responsibility for safety in our global activities is shared equally among all members of our organisation. Together, we ensure that our business operates according to the high standards we set for ourselves. Guiding us in this commitment is Mickael Charlier, our Global SSHEQ Manager. With over 20 years of experience in the chemical industry, Mickael brings a wealth of knowledge and a strong commitment to safety, the environment, and sustainability.

Background and Role

Mickael began his career as a chemist in a UKAS-accredited laboratory—the first in the UK to receive MCERTS accreditation in the environmental industry. “As my career developed, I first became involved in environmental and sustainability issues,” Mickael recalls. “From there, it was a natural transition into health and safety, especially given my close contact with plant operators and my understanding of their needs regarding chemical exposure and protective measures. I also became NEBOSH qualified.”

His extensive background in the chemical industry, particularly in health, safety, and environmental (HSE) management, positioned him well to lead Suttons International’s SSHEQ initiatives on a global scale.

Current Challenges and Protocols in Chemical Logistics

The chemical logistics industry faces unique safety challenges, particularly concerning greenhouse gas emissions and the environmental impact of operations. For tank container operators, a major challenge is the industry-wide capacity limitation in cleaning, storage, and other depot facilities across the globe. “This creates backlogs and other adverse issues that affect our activities,” Mickael explains. “Careful management is required to ensure our safety standards are not compromised, and adhering to our pre-established expectations is critical.”

Tank container safety protocols differ from other types of chemical transportation. Each product loaded into a tank container must be carefully assessed to determine the appropriate tank/product combination, the cleaning process, and ensuring the integrity of the tank and the safe transfer of the next product. These stringent protocols prevent various issues such as contamination and containment integrity while supporting our high safety standards.

“Damage to tank containers during transit, especially on ships or other forms of intermodal transport, is a significant concern,” Mickael notes. “To mitigate this risk, we ensure thorough checks are performed and we assess, monitor, and audit all our third-party supply chain partners to ensure they adhere to the same high standards as we do.”

Safety Measures and Training at Suttons

Suttons International implements a comprehensive set of safety measures, including rigorous pre-selection criteria and pre-inspections of third-party partners. All tank containers follow a strict maintenance schedule to ensure they operate at the highest levels of safety and compliance with international ISO standards, with ISO 9001 (quality) being our minimum requirement to operate.

Training is a critical component of Suttons International’s safety culture. Employees receive safety datasheets with relevant product and tank information, ensuring they are well-informed about the product specifics and associated safety measures. “Safety First” is not just a slogan—it’s a core value that guides the company’s operations. Rigorous safety training sessions are conducted to ensure that employees are well-prepared to handle hazardous materials safely.

Various types of verification take place to ensure that our procedures are robust and followed. We also take a particular and detailed focus on addressing issues with the most effective corrective actions, ensuring adequate implementation.

Crisis Management and Learning from Incidents

Suttons International’s approach to handling safety incidents or emergencies is rooted in proactive monitoring and swift communication. The company keeps a close watch on the supply chain, ensuring immediate awareness of any incidents. “We have established a 24/7 hotline across all regions to provide immediate advice in responding to emergency events,” Mickael explains.

Learning from past safety incidents, the company has implemented an internal safety scheme that encourages near-miss reporting. “These reports provide valuable insights into potential risks and issues within our operations and the wider supply chain,” says Mickael. By identifying and addressing these near misses, Suttons International takes proactive measures to prevent future incidents.

Future Challenges and Staying Ahead

Looking ahead, Mickael identifies the digitalisation of our processes, integrating our fleet into the supply chain, and the need for robust business continuity plans as two of the biggest safety challenges for the chemical logistics industry in the next 5-10 years. “As technology continues to advance, integrating digital tools and platforms will be crucial in maintaining safety and efficiency,” he says.

To stay ahead of these challenges, companies in the industry must focus on streamlining their processes and ensuring they are suitably risk-assessed and audited. Embracing digitalisation and investing in innovative technologies will be key to enhancing the safety and efficiency of our operations.

Company Achievements and Milestones

Suttons International’s approach to safety is defined by its unwavering commitment to safety principles. “We ensure that these principles are followed at all times to protect our people, the wider public, and the environment, while minimising disruptions and preventing potential incidents,” Mickael emphasises.

One of the company’s recent achievements is obtaining silver-rated status with EcoVadis, reflecting the hard work and dedication of colleagues across the business. “This recognition represents an important milestone in our five-year ESG roadmap and demonstrates our commitment to continuous improvement in safety, sustainability, and environmental stewardship; and we achieve this as a team,” Mickael proudly states.

At Suttons International, safety is more than just a priority—it’s a core value that drives every aspect of the company’s operations. With a strong commitment to safety, rigorous training, and a proactive approach to crisis management, Suttons International continues to lead the way in ensuring excellence in a competitive chemical logistics sector.