Össur’s mission is to improve people’s mobility. This is the Company’s most important contribution to building a better society. Össur’s products have helped numerous people live a life without limitations, unconstrained by mobility restraints.
The Company, through its line of innovative products, helps people make sure their opportunities aren’t diminished due to injury or disability.
Össur aspires to contribute to a better society and to minimize its impact on the environment.
Since 2008, Össur has monitored various aspects of CSR in connection to its operations. In 2011, Össur reached a milestone by formally committing to the UN Global Compact principles in the areas of human rights, labor, the environment and anti-corruption. Össur is committed to making the Global Compact and its principles part of its strategy, culture and day-to-day operations. Össur’s first CSR report will be part of the Company’s Annual Report for 2012.
The two main CSR focus areas over the past two years have been the environment and fair operating practices. Össur has used materials issued by the Global Compact to develop and structure strategies to work within the Company’s CSR initiatives.
In 2010, the Company implemented the first phase of its environmental standard. The framework that has been chosen is the ISO 14001 environmental standard. Assessment and implementation of this standard has been conducted, resulting in the first certified audit scheduled for Q1 2012. This work has been carried out at the Company’s headquarters. During the next two to three years, the Company will implement the ISO 14001 environmental management system at Össur’s most significant locations. Össur has already reached the performance level on the environmental stewardship model (UN Global Compact).
See Össur's Environmental Policy
Since 2005, Össur has outsourced part of its manufacturing to Asia. During this time Össur has, as always, focused on ethics and establishing and maintaining good relationships with its partners. Össur and its suppliers are instructed to follow a specific code of conduct, and all contracts with suppliers include clauses on human rights, hours of work, compensation and health and safety.
To further optimize this part of the operation, the Company initiated supplier evaluation audits in 2009. The goal of these audits was to further engage with suppliers, identify opportunities for improvement and to improve supplier performance. The critical categories were selected based on components set forth in the Global Compact’s guide on supply chain sustainability. Categories focused on product quality and risk. A grading scale was established to enable measurements and relative comparison between suppliers.
When conducting the evaluation, data was collected internally from surveys of Company staff and the supplier’s staff, interviews and facility tours. The results were shared with all the suppliers who participated, and possible improvements discussed. Results showed suppliers’ evaluation and grades.
Results from 2010 compared with 2009 results showed an increased number of nonconformities during quality inspections. Actions taken to resolve this issue include education and implementation of standard procedures; an emphasis to increase focus and control on forecasts; and a different approach to quality inspections. Already, the Company has seen substantial improvements, such as faults or nonconformities are now discovered earlier in the process. This has resulted in reduced costs for Össur, as quality inspections at the Company’s warehouses are no longer needed. In addition, delivery performance has improved significantly.
Össur supports and partners with a wide range of organizations around the globe.
As a leading orthopaedic manufacturer, it is the Company‘s responsibility and privilege to champion the industry and serve patients and practitioners in every way possible. In fulfilling this mission, we believe it is our obligation to provide not only world-class products but also lend support to those relying upon them.