At Ontex, personal growth is driven by responsibility, foresight, and the courage to take action. Our colleague Thomas Van Wynsberge, now Group Environmental and Energy Manager, shares how taking ownership of safety and sustainability has shaped his journey and impact at Ontex.
” In 2019, I joined Ontex as the Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) Manager in Dourges. This year, I took on a new challenge as the Group Environmental and Energy Manager. It’s an exciting opportunity to broaden my impact, managing the company’s environmental and energy strategies on a much larger scale.
In my new role, I help the organization achieve sustainability goals by developing and implementing environmental management & conformity plans and improving energy efficiency across our operations. Although my focus has shifted, safety continues to be a key priority for me, as it plays a vital role in the well-being of every employee, both at work and at home.
Taking ownership in responsibility
A major challenge is addressing behavioral issues, which account for 80% of workplace accidents. But beyond safety alone, this highlights a broader need: cultivating a mindset of ownership in what we do. Taking ownership means being proactive, holding ourselves accountable, and understanding the impact of our actions. It’s about stepping up and being part of the solution. I focus on fostering a culture of shared responsibility, where everyone takes ownership of safety. When we all commit to protecting each other, we create a safer environment.
This same sense of responsibility is essential in addressing our environmental and energy challenges. Sustainability isn’t driven by strategy alone — it depends on the daily behavior of every individual. Whether it’s turning off unused equipment, reducing waste, or improving process efficiency, even small actions matter. By encouraging teams to take ownership of their environmental impact, we can drive meaningful progress. It’s not just about meeting targets — it’s about protecting the planet for future generations, both at work and at home.
Safety is about prevention, not reaction
Safety is not just about rules, it’s a mindset rooted in prevention. That is why I use a “trigger list” to actively assess risks, both at work and at home. As a father of two boys, I apply the same safety principles in my personal life and take time to explain the “why” behind safety rules, helping others understand and take responsibility. It is important to address root causes rather than reacting to the symptoms. By identifying and fixing underlying issues, I have been able to prevent future problems.
At Ontex, we are proud to be safe by proactively assessing risks, providing safe working conditions, emphasizing safe behavior, and leading by example. Safety is a shared mindset – one we must showcase together, every day. “
