AstraZeneca expects, as a minimum, to maintain compliance with the complex web of legislation relating to safety, health and the environment. Although issues do arise from time to time, as reflected in the statistics provided below, we have been largely effective in meeting this expectation. Our compliance management systems are designed to facilitate timely internal communication of non-compliance matters to appropriate levels of line management; achieve full cooperation with local authorities and other regulators; and ensure prompt resolution and effective learning from these events. We are responding to an ever-changing legal landscape by continuously improving these systems as part of the Company's broader governance framework. For example, we have recently established clearer guidelines and processes for communicating SHE matters into the Company’s centralized compliance assurance processes.

Operating beyond compliance
Where practicable, we seek to operate beyond compliance in order to minimise still further the risk that our operations will have adverse consequences for the environment or the safety of our employees or neighbours. For example, we continue to taking a proactive approach to the issue of pharmaceuticals in the environment and climate change and we are already preparing for the potential impact of the REACH regulation of chemicals within the EU and the implementation of the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) for transporting and describing chemicals. Integrated Risk Management and a robust auditing program are key components of this effort. These audits help local managers to identify areas for improvement and also to share best practice across the Company.

Regulatory infringements - safety, health and environment

Prosecutions: Successful legal action taken in a civil or criminal court against AstraZeneca.

Enforcement actions: Any formal enforcement proceedings by a regulator that requires the Company to do, or not do, something.

Regulatory warnings and alerts: Written communication from a regulator, stating that the Company may be out of compliance with an applicable requirement.

In 2007, our facilities were associated with a total of 3 enforcement actions or regulatory warnings. All have been satisfactorily resolved with the appropriate authorities and improvement measures have been taken to minimise the risk of recurrence.

Complaints

We occasionally receive complaints from members of the public in relation to our operations. Each one is investigated and, where possible, issues are resolved. 2 external complaints were received during 2007 relating to neighbours being disturbed by light and noise but both were satisfactorily resolved.

The content of this page was externally assured by Bureau Veritas, February 2008