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The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies wins a special mention at the 2008 DuPont Safety Awards
9 October 2008

International Federation “Stay Safe” programme rewarded for its innovative approach to creating a security culture within the organization.

Geneva, Switzerland, 9 October 2008 – About 200 senior representatives from over 80 countries, ranging from a wide variety of industry sectors, met in Geneva last week at the Leaders Forum on Safety and Performance to highlight the importance of commitment and collaboration to help make lives safer in every corner of the world. The annual event also featured the presentation of the prestigious DuPont Safety Awards for individual and collective safety initiatives in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA).

“The DuPont Safety Award considers contributions or projects in the fields of safety in the workplace or in society in general,” said Ian Hudson, President DuPont EMEA. “There are five categories and we are delighted the International Federation has won a special mention at the DuPont Safety Awards in the Business Impact category.”

In times of crisis, the International Federation deploys emergency teams in response to disasters and also supports and coordinates the operations of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.  In recent years the International Federation has deployed significantly more personnel who are often at risk both from the consequences of the disaster and in some cases, from existing conflicts.  Due to the increasing threats facing its personnel, the International Federation embarked on a process to develop a more focused security culture within the organization.  Its ultimate aim is to ensure that security is an integral part of operational planning, that people systematically take security measures into account and implement them, and that this in turn is recognised by the organisation.

“We are delighted that the work being done to improve security and safety in the International Federation’s disaster support operations has been recognized at such a prestigious event as the DuPont Awards,” said  Lars Tangen, Manager of the International Federation’s Security Unit.   “We have been encouraged by the fact that in 2007, during a period when the number of operations increased by 25% and the number of beneficiaries increased from 5 million to more than 21 million, our overall incident statistics decreased by 18% compared to 2006.  Certainly the process is on-going and we still have some way to go, but the special recognition by the DuPont Awards provides great motivation for us to continue the work we are doing.”

Notes to editors

DuPont is a science company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by creating sustainable solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier life for people everywhere. Operating in more than 70 countries, DuPont offers a wide range of innovative products and services for markets including agriculture, nutrition, electronics, communications, safety and protection, home and construction, transportation and apparel.

Since 2001, DuPont has been promoting the Safety Forum and Award in order to stimulate safety initiatives in companies around Europe, Middle East and Africa as well as to promote safety in all walks of life.

DuPont is the authority on safe workplaces, with a proven track record in consulting and training in workplace safety and operational excellence. Leveraging the Company’s 200 year history of safety knowledge and experience, DuPont helps leading-edge companies gain sustainable improvement in insurance and operating costs, security, productivity, product quality, public image and employee morale.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is the world’s largest humanitarian organization. It comprises 186 National Societies and is supported by some 100 million volunteers and members worldwide. The International Federation and its member National Societies work to reduce the impact of disasters and disease through relief and development activities.

The organization’s work is guided by seven fundamental principles: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality. Over the next years, the International Federation’s collective focus will be on its Global Agenda, working towards the achievements of the Millennium Development Goals.


For further information, or to set up interviews, please contact:

DuPont de Nemours International S.A. Magali Dauwalder Public Affairs Leader Switzerland Tel: + 41 22 717 52 68
Marie-Françoise Borel, Information Officer, Tel : + 41 22 730 43 46


The Geneva-based International Federation promotes the humanitarian activities of 186 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies among vulnerable people. By coordinating international disaster relief and encouraging development support, it seeks to prevent and alleviate human suffering. The Federation, National Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross together, constitute the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

© International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies