Occupational Health and Safety

0

Fatalities

from work-related injuries for employees and contractors yearly

0.5 LTIFR case per million hours worked

for employees and contractors

Note: LTIFR refers to Lost time injury frequency rate

Importance

Effective occupational health and safety (OHS) management is essential for fostering a stable and sustainable working environment. Businesses that operate with a large workforce and diverse workspaces must implement comprehensive safety measures. Identifying and mitigating risks related to workplace accidents and hazardous conditions requires continuous attention. Additionally, compliance with varying OHS regulations across different locations is crucial to ensuring the well-being of employees and all stakeholders involved.

A strong commitment to OHS positively impacts organizations in multiple ways. Maintaining a safe work environment enhances employee confidence, reduces the likelihood of accidents and illnesses, and improves overall productivity. At the same time, customers benefit from a safer shopping experience in facilities that adhere to high safety standards. Furthermore, investors and business partners increasingly prioritize organizations with responsible risk management practices, reinforcing trust and strengthening Central Retail’s competitive advantage along with positive contributes to Central Retail’s financial performance.

Central Retail prioritizes the continuous development of OHS measures across all operations. Through a proactive approach, Central Retail systematically identifies and mitigates workplace risks, adheres to both national and international safety standards, and fosters a culture of safety through ongoing training and internal communication. Additionally, Central Retail promotes safety best practices across its supply chain, ensuring that business partners align with Central Retail’s safety standards. These efforts enhance operational efficiency, build stakeholder trust, and contribute to long-term sustainable growth.

Management Approach

Policy Compliance and Performance Oversight

Central Retail has established an Occupational Safety, Health and Work Environment Policy, along with annual quantitative targets. Central Retail develops action plans to achieve these targets and provides quarterly performance reports to the executive committee or the board of directors. To ensure effective implementation, the Head of Human Resource Department, the Head of Loss Prevention, and the Head of Safety, Occupational Health and Work Environment from each business unit are responsible for overseeing and enhancing the OHS management system. This system covers all employees and contractors across all operational areas, including offices, department stores, rental stores, and distribution centers.

Additionally, Central Retail conducts both internal and external audits annually to ensure compliance with legal requirements and international standards, as outlined below:

ISO 45001: 2018 Occupational Health and Safety Management systems
Machinery Registration Act, B.E. 2514 (1971)
Machine Registration Act (No. 3), B.E. 2558 (2015)
Ministerial Regulation, B.E. 2535 (1992) Issued under the Factory Act, B.E. 2535 (1992)
Building Control Act, B.E. 2535 (1992)
Labour Protection Act, B.E. 2566 (2023)
Occupational Safety, Health, and Environment Act, B.E. 2554 (2011)
Promotion of Labour Skills Development Act (No. 2), B.E. 2557 (2014)
Ministerial Regulations and Notification of Departments under Various Acts of Thailand
Occupational Diseases and Environmental Diseases Control Act B.E. 2562 (2019)
Legislative Decree No. 81 of 2008 on the Consolidated Law on Health and Safety in the Workplace (Italy business unit^*)

^*Remark: Central Retail sold its Rinascente department store business in Italy in accordance with the resolutions of the Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders No. 1/2025 (held on 6 November 2025). The transaction was completed on 18 November 2025, resulting in CRC Holland B.V., CRC Rinascente S.p.A., and La Rinascente S.p.A. ceasing to be subsidiaries of CRC, effective from 19 November 2025 onward.

Occupational Safety, Health and Work Environment Policy

Download

Occupational Safety, Health and Work Environment Committee

Occupational Safety, Health and Work Environment Committee of Central Retail consist of branch managers, safety managers, at least two employee representatives, and medical personnel. Their duties include promoting operational compliance and fostering employee participation in implementing various policies and regulations, monitoring results, and continuously improving the efficiency of the occupational safety, health, and work environment management systems. Additionally, the Committee oversees the planning of accident prevention and safety promotion within the relevant branch by organizing Safety Walks. It also keeps an eye on work progress, conducts inspections when work-related illness or injury cases occur, and responds to comments and complaints. The Committee meets monthly and annually to summarize the outcomes of their work, which are obtained through series of consultations and participation of relevant employees. In addition to receiving information on matters relating to work environments and OHS from employee representatives in the committee, each employee has access to online resources and notifications on the Safety Board in each branch and office, which serve as additional sources of policy, guidelines, and news.

Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment and Incident Investigation

Safety officers are responsible for establishing hazard identification and risk assessment processes to serve as guidelines for evaluating potential risks or impacts in the workplace. If employees suffer work-related injuries or illnesses, Central Retail ensures appropriate medical treatment and insurance coverage. Safety officers also conduct accident investigations to determine the root causes.

Findings from hazard identification, risk assessments, and accident investigations are utilized to develop action plans aimed at minimizing risks and preventing recurrence. These plans must include clear indicators and targets to continuously improve the OHS management system. In addition, emergency response measures, ongoing hazard and risk monitoring in the work environment, and regular evaluations are incorporated.

Furthermore, Central Retail has established a process management and database system to ensure comprehensive operational data collection. This approach supports the prioritization of proactive action plans by setting quantitative targets for effectively addressing OHS risks. Progress and performance evaluations are conducted to refine and enhance OHS initiatives, ensuring alignment with Central Retail’s safety objectives.

Central Retail encourages employee and contractor engagement in these processes through regular communication and training initiatives. Processes are in place to prevent any actions deemed risky and report hazards anonymously through supervisors, line managers, and Help Center for assistance and coordination with relevant departments.

Central Retail has established the hierarchy of controls to systematically eliminate the safety hazards after the hazard identification and risk assessment. This approach, allows to mitigate a wide range of hazards, prioritizing the most effective methods including prevention, substitution, engineering and administrative controls, and investment in personal protective equipment to mitigate workplace risks and hazards for employees and contractors.

Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment Process

Click to enlarge

Investigation of Work-related Injuries and illness

Click to enlarge

Some examples of measures using the hierarchy of controls to mitigate common hazards within Central Retail that may pose risks of work-related injuries and health issues are the following:

Hazard (Cause of Injury)	Work-related Injury/Ill-Health	Preventive Measure	Substitution Measures	Engineering and Administrative & Control Measures	Personal Protective Equipment
Slip and fall	Ankle sprain	Custodians regularly clean wet surfaces. Fix source of leakages.	Keep the walkways clear from obstruction. Use non-slip mats or rugs in areas prone to moisture or spills	Replace slippery flooring materials. Lighting: Ensure that all areas are adequately lit. Spill management: Establish protocols for immediate and effective spill management. Signage and warnings: Use clear signage to indicate wet or slippery surfaces.	Wearing non-slip shoes.
Falling off ladders in storage rooms	Broken arm	Automation if applicable.	Switching to a mobile.	Installing guard rails.	Wear head protection.
Falling objects in storage rooms	Head injury	Proper ladder selection: Use the right ladder for the task at hand. Regularly inspect ladders for any defects.	Elevating work platform. Use stair nosing with anti-slip material.	Installing guard rails and pedestrian aisles. Training on the use of storage rooms. Warning signs: Use signage to indicate heavy or fragile items and remind employees to handle objects with care. Display signs reminding employees to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when working in storage areas.	Wear safety shoe.
Lifting heavy objects	Injuries on the back and legs	Avoid lifting heavy objects without support.	Increase use of forklifts. Provide mechanical aids and equipment to assist with lifting heavy objects, such as forklifts, dollies, pallet jacks, or hoists. Encourage team lifting for heavy or bulky objects that cannot be safely lifted by one person. Workplace ergonomics: Design workstations and storage areas to minimize the need for heavy lifting.	Training on ergonomics. Have frequent breaks. Establish weight limits for manual lifting tasks based on industry guidelines and ergonomic standards. Implement job rotation strategies to minimize prolonged or repetitive lifting tasks. Proper lifting techniques: Train employees on proper lifting techniques to minimize the risk of injuries.	Wear back support. Wear safety shoe. Use lifting belts.
High mental demand of certain tasks	Work-related stress and mental health issues	Prevent long working hours for tasks with high mental demand.	Encourage work-life balance by promoting flexible working arrangements.	Provide training for supervisors on how to detect mental health issues in employees and how to reduce stress in the workplace. Initiate activities to improve wellbeing and reduce stress.	Provide training for employees to promote mental health awareness. Provide employees with access to resources and support for mental health.
Infectious diseases	Getting symptoms of infectious diseases and increase risk of infecting to other employees.	Clean the area at the specified frequency. Work from home arrangements as appropriate. Regular vaccination of employees.	Remote work, or social distancing.	Use screening equipment such as individual test kit or thermal scanner. Install UVC system and air purification system to disinfect work areas. Use digital payment to minimize physical contact. Apply epidemic prevention measures from public health departments of the Disease Control Division, Ministry of Public Health.	Use hand sanitizer. Wear face masks.
A long period of constant work	Office Syndrome	Organize the working space to Ergonomic design.	Work with appropriate posture and increase movement while working.	Take short breaks every hour to stand, stretch, and move around. Use task lighting to illuminate specific work areas. Engage in regular physical activity outside of work hours. Use the ergonomics equipment.	Ensure your chair, desk, and computer monitor are set up at the correct height to promote good posture. Position your keyboard and mouse at a comfortable height to avoid strain.
Shopping Cart hits people	Hit the feet, legs, or body	Designate specific areas for returning shopping carts. Install clear and visible signage to remind customers to return carts to designated areas and to be mindful of others.	Personal Shopping Baskets. Customer Assistance Services.	Cart Size and Design Modification. Anti-Collision Technology, Wheel Locking Mechanisms.	Wearing closed-toe shoes with non-slip soles can help prevent foot injuries.

Occupational Health and Safety Trainings

Safety officers, meticulously selected from the expertise and experience, lead the implementation and enhancement of OHS management systems. Central Retail requires safety officers and relevant employees to undergo regular training, including enrollment in ISO 45001:2018 Hazard Identification & Risk Assessment courses, annual instruction on relevant laws in each country of operation, and other training that are related every year.

Collaboration among the Human Resource Department, Loss Prevention Department, and each business unit organized online and on-site OHS training for employees. The curriculum includes both mandatory topics as direction of the law, and voluntary parts. Training topics include hazard identification, risk and danger assessment, work safety manuals, and warehouse case studies. In addition, drivers and delivery personnel will be trained in safe driving or riding techniques. Furthermore, each business unit's Human Resource Department, Loss Prevention Department and Occupational Health and Safety Department are in charge of collecting OHS data to develop the training subjects.

Promoting occupational health and safety in operations

Central Retail is committed to addressing global health challenges by promoting the health and well-being of its employees through targeted initiatives. Central Retail implements programs that tackle both communicable diseases—such as Tuberculosis, Malaria, and HIV/AIDS and non-communicable diseases, as well as mental health concerns. Key initiatives include health education and prevention campaigns focused on raising awareness and reducing the risk of infectious diseases. To further support employee well-being, Central Retail provides regular health screenings, vaccinations, and mental health services as part of its occupational health and safety programs. These efforts reflect Central Retail’s dedication to fostering a safe, healthy, and supportive work environment.

Apart from that, Central Retail facilitates access to services that are related to OHS, medical and healthcare for employees and contractors. First aid rooms are prepared in each of Central Retail's properties for employees' health welfare reimbursement. Also, Help Center channel is provided for health advice from professional nurses and requests for further assistance.

Alongside the previous initiatives, Central Retail takes additional steps to prioritize the health and well-being of its employees by offering non-occupational medical and health care services. These voluntary health promotion services and programs are designed to enhance employee's wellness and vitality. It encompasses various initiatives such as 'Safe Zone' mental health talk sessions, discounted fitness memberships, consultations on breast cancer, dermatological check-ups conducted in collaboration with major hospitals, as well as access to private and contracted medical services for employees with supplementary insurance coverage held online via Tops Care Telehealth One Stop Care including medical staff online consultation.

Moreover, Central Retail places a strong emphasis on extending OHS measures to encompass suppliers and contractors. Central Retail commits to mitigate risks and ensure a safe working environment for all stakeholders. This commitment is demonstrated through strict compliance with Central Retail's OHS protocols, including the requirement for suppliers and contractors to adhere to appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) standards. By fostering a culture of safety and collaboration, Central Retail aims to create a sustainable workplace that prioritizes the well-being of everyone involved.

In addition, Central Retail continuously improve its OHS management system by the following approaches:

Stay up to date with emerging OHS regulations and best practices.
Encourage employees to suggest new ideas and approaches to improve workplace safety.
Conduct regular audits and inspections to assess the effectiveness of OHS controls.
Continuously review and update OHS management approach to reflect changing regulations and industry best practices as needed.

Supplier and Contractor Management

Central Retail has integrated OHS criteria and requirements into its procurement and contracting processes to ensure that suppliers and contractors comply with Central Retail's OHS standards. Contracts signed between Central Retail and its suppliers or contractors explicitly include OHS criteria, along with a thorough review of relevant licenses and certifications. Additionally, in the supplier and contractor selection process, priority is given to those who emphasize and maintain robust OHS management systems. The selection process incorporates various criteria and requirements, such as compliance with OHS regulations, safety training, and the provision of personal protective equipment (PPE). By incorporating OHS criteria into procurement processes, Central Retail effectively mitigates risks, prevents workplace accidents, and fosters a safer working environment across the supply chain.

Project Highlights

Fundamental Life Support Training (CPR & AED)

Central Retail prioritizes the safety and well-being of both employees and customers, with a strong focus on medical emergency preparedness particularly for incidents like sudden cardiac arrest. Providing correct and quick response in such cases significantly increases survival rates and minimizes the risk of loss of life. Therefore, Central Retail launched the ‘Internal Trainer Team’ project, selecting over 1,500 people from the Hardline group, Central Department Stores, and Power Buy to participate the ‘Fundamental Life Support (CPR & AED)’ certification program. Conducted by medical experts, the training covers basic first aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR & AED) to equip staff with the essential knowledge, skills, and confidence to respond effectively to real-life emergencies. This initiative fosters a safer working environment, mitigates fatal risks, and promotes efficient collaboration and teamwork among employees during critical situations.

Zero Accident Campaign

The Zero Accident Campaign is an initiative established to prevent workplace accidents. The campaign focuses on achieving a zero-accident record through continuous planning and management of Occupational Health, Safety, and Environment, ultimately fostering a strong safety culture and well-being within the organization. Central Food Retail, along with Central and Robinson Department Stores, successfully passed assessments and were honored and received awards from the Thailand Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (Public Organization). This recognition was awarded for the accumulation of working hours without Lost-Time Injuries, serving as a powerful motivator and concretely reinforcing the importance of workplace safety.