Evelien Misset, HSE & Compliance Manager at DuFor, grew up with the idea that the use of plastic should be avoided wherever possible. In her environment, a rather negative image persisted surrounding plastic and everything related to it. But when she came into contact with DuFor, that image dissipated quickly as she learned how perfectly recyclable the material is, and she is proud to be part of a company that contributes to this circularity. Evelien is therefore happy to explain what she does at DuFor every day.
For twenty years, Evelien did secretarial work and in the meantime attended various training courses and further education. An employer in the oil and gas industry sparked her interest in occupational health and safety. “I worked for the technical field service department, where safety is of course an important issue. Among other things, I arranged safety training and certifications. This is how I came to be more and more involved with the safety aspect within the company. After taking the safety science course, I became an HSE manager.”
Coming home
Later, after Evelien had been a full-time caregiver for several months, she started looking for a new challenge. She came across an ad from DuFor and immediately felt herself light up. “The ad had only been online for one day when they received my application. The vacancy appealed to me immediately. The first interview felt like coming home. There was such a relaxed atmosphere! Right after the first interview, it was clear from both sides that we wanted to work together.”
Developments within the plastics industry
So Evelien went full steam ahead, yet at first she did not have an immediate affinity for the product. “I come from a background where people are not in favor of plastic. That’s why I was a little skeptical at first. But that disappeared very quickly when I learned how recyclable and sustainable this product is. In the last five years there have been huge developments in plastics and people increasingly recognize how it can be used sustainably and how it contributes to circularity.”
“With all these developments going on, it’s just a really great time to be working in the plastics industry. I’m truly happy to contribute. For a very long time, I myself was ignorant of the possibilities,” Evelien explains honestly.
‘Joint commitment’
Evelien has now been working at DuFor for five years, although her job title may require further explanation. “HSE stands for health, safety and environment. I deal with everything that has to do with the health and safety of our employees, so that everyone returns home safely and healthy at the end of the day. For example, I make sure that we have the right safety devices and protective equipment, I conduct risk assessments and draw up safety measures. A health and safety professional is often regarded as a kind of police officer, but that is not my approach. That’s just not me. Health and safety touches everybody, and it is a joint commitment. We do it together. Besides, I can’t be everywhere, looking over people’s shoulders.”
“And I don’t need to, because most employees know how to do their work in a safe way. To keep talking with colleagues about safety is important, because I cannot do it all by myself. Safety awareness within DuFor is very high. People follow the rules and are alert in their daily work. In addition, they proactively seek me out when there are concerns or when they have spotted something. It’s good to see they know how to find me.”
Legislation and regulations
“The compliance part of my job is about legislation and has some overlap with HSE, because there too you have to deal with regulations. For example, as a company we have to comply with laws and regulations on working conditions and the environment. More specifically I answer questions from customers about laws from all over the world relating to our products, such as the chemicals contained in raw materials or which legislation food packaging must comply with. It takes time to immerse myself in international legislation and also to understand the chemistry of our products, but when that leads up to a clear answer and a satisfied customer, that is the most enjoyable thing there is. I love it when things come together and fit!”
Learn more
Evelien loves to talk about her work. You can tell that she feels completely at home at DuFor. “I’m definitely feeling comfortable here. I just want to do a good job. It sure is challenging, especially with all the laws and regulations that are also constantly changing. As far as I’m concerned, I’ll keep doing this for many years to come. In addition, I would like to expand my knowledge. For example, learning chemistry to gain basic knowledge about chemicals, or specific laws and regulations. But some understanding in toxicology also helps – a tremendously fascinating subject. It’s nice that within DuFor there is room to learn and expand your knowledge. During the performance reviews, they also ask specifically about your wishes in that respect and it’s great that they listen to them. In fact, I am already working on another training course,” says Evelien enthusiastically.
Human interaction
“Within DuFor, everyone is appreciated for the contribution you make. There is no strict hierarchy and everything is open for discussion. There is a certain kind of warmth here, sympathetic and friendly. And if you have any problem, they will help to find a solution. In addition, DuFor as an employer is willing to make adjustments in order to accommodate individual needs, which is an example of the human way we are treated here. You’re not on your own. And as you may have noticed, I’m not planning to go anywhere else.