World Risk Poll data enhances Sedex’s risk assessment tool

Data from Lloyd’s Register Foundation’s World Risk Poll, which launched in October 2020, is now being used by Sedex – a global membership organisation that supports companies to implement responsible business practices in their operations and supply networks.  Sedex provides one of the world’s leading online platforms for companies to manage and improve working conditions in global supply chains.

The poll asked 150,000 people in 142 countries questions about their perceptions and experiences of health and safety in the workplace, including whether they had been seriously injured at work and their freedom to report health and safety issues without fear of punishment. These questions have now been incorporated into the scoring algorithm for Sedex’s risk assessment tool, Radar, used by brands, retailers and manufacturers across the world.

“It’s essential that workers in supply chains are provided a working environment safe from hazards, but we know that in reality standards often fall short of acceptable,” said Tom Sewell, Product Manager at Sedex.

“We are pleased to use data from Lloyd’s Register Foundation to enhance the tools used by Sedex members to understand in which countries and industry sectors human rights issues are most likely to occur. Data from the World Risk Poll helps businesses understand where the risk of accidents and injuries is more likely. Our members can then take steps to prevent and address issues occurring in global supply chains.”

Sedex provides practical tools, services and a community network to help companies operate ethically, source responsibly and work with their suppliers to create fair working conditions for the people who make their products and services. Radar is one example of the tools on offer and is aimed specifically at organisations looking to develop and strengthen their risk assessment programmes.

Sarah Cumbers, Former Evidence and Insight Centre Director at Lloyd’s Register Foundation said: “We created the World Risk Poll to provide data to organisations, communities and individuals to empower them to take actions that reduce risk, so we’re delighted to see the information being used to strengthen Sedex’s Radar tool. By working together with interested parties, we can use our data to make the world safer.”

We created the World Risk Poll to provide data to organisations, communities and individuals to empower them to take actions that reduce risk, so we’re delighted to see the information being used to strengthen Sedex’s Radar tool. By working together with interested parties, we can use our data to make the world safer.

Dr. Sarah Cumbers, Former Director of Evidence and Insight, Lloyd's Register Foundation