The World Steel Association (worldsteel) has recognised excellence in six safety and health programmes from Arrium, Essar Steel, Gerdau, Hadeed, NatSteel and Tenaris

Wolfgang Eder, worldsteel’s chairman, said that the 2015 safety and health submissions and implemented programmes show that the leadership of the CEO or chairman of an organisation is a key element of any successful safety and health initiative. "Leadership is undoubtedly essential in building a sound, safe and healthy work environment," he said, adding that there is no better way to improve safety performance than through knowledge sharing among peers.

All six programmes demonstrated a commitment to safety and health that fulfilled three key criteria:that the programme 'positively embraced' worldsteel safety and health principles; demonstrated a positive impact upon safety metrics; and could easily be applied to other member companies.

The safety and health projects for which the six companies are being recognised are outlined below:-

Arrium – In South Australia Arrium launched the ‘Swear By Safety’ campaign, a comprehensive cultural change process to shift belief around achieving Goal Zero and injury preventionat its mining and steel business as well as the broader community in Whyalla, South Australia. The campaign was supported through multimedia channels including TV, radio, print advertisements and social media. Overall, 800 people within the workplace and community took the ‘Swear By Safety’ oath, including the local mayor.

Essar Steel – In India Essar Steel launched a ‘Process Safety Management’ (PSM) project in December 2010 with a baseline external audit by a third party,followed by further audits in 2012, 2014 and 2015. The project incorporates a number of different safety initiatives and aims to involve all employees and contractors. Initiatives include an online PSM portal, PSM campaigns, screening of PSM video films and a Safety Rally which brought together over 3,500 employees. As a result, the PSM culture score evaluated by the third party audit improved from 55% in 2010 to 92% in 2014.

Gerdau – In Brazil Gerdau developed a ‘Leader’s Proactive Index’ (LPI) which monitors and evaluates the execution and control of leaders’ safety activities. The LPI approach encourages leaders to demonstrate their commitment through managing safety on a daily basis while successfully and simultaneously carrying out their activities.The LPI initiative has produced both qualitative and quantitative benefits and resulted in notable improvements in the company's Injury Frequency Rate and Severity Rate in 2014.

HADEED – In Saudi Arabia Hadeed built a new user-friendly online Environment Health Safety and Security (EHSS) reporting system, with investigation and action tracking features aimed to make the process of producing Near Miss Reports accessible to all. An overall Near Miss Analysis is carried out on a monthly basis and every near miss subjected to a detailed analysis by the company’s safety department. The Near Miss Analysis report helps the company to identify areas of concern that require attention and encourages employees to adopt a culture of EHSS reporting. As a result of this initiative, the number of near misses reported has increased almost tenfold, from 1,579 in 2009 to 15,433 in 2014.

NatSteel Holdings - In Singapore NatSteel Holdings implemented a ‘Total Workplace Safety and Health’ (TWSH) programme, a holistic approach to integrate its safety, health and well-being activities in 2014. The programme is a continuation of the safety excellence journey to cultivate a safety and health culture in the workplace embarked upon in 2008. The TWSH approach recognises that the work environment and the overall health, safety and well-being of employees are inter-related. With the implementation of various programmes, such as Occupational Hygiene, Wellness and Health programmes, the health of the employees has improved significantly and resulted in the reduction of chronic diseases.

Tenaris – Tenaris launched its ‘Safety Work Instructions’ project globally in 2010 to define best practice and focus on development, availability, training, adherence control and updating. The aim was to standardise behaviours among different teams and encourage management leadership through direct involvement in the approval and control process. The company developed 4,000 safety work instructions, available to all those working in operative areas. Around 8,000 inspections were performed in 2014 and as a result, the total number of injuries last year was reduced by 36% compared to 2010.