Our journey to Zero Harm

Since returning to Anglo American four months ago I have been able to build a clear picture of where we are on our safety improvement journey and where we are heading. It has been and still is our top priority to deliver our business strategy safely. Our Global Safety Day (4 November) is an opportunity for us to come together to discuss how we can improve as a company, as well as an industry and the roles individuals can play in achieving Zero Harm.

As we continue to strive for Zero Harm, this week I held a live Q A session on Twitter to respond to questions from the public. The session was a great platform to share our learnings, introduce our programmes and resources being implemented across the business, and it highlighted that we are all working together to achieve the same goal of Zero Harm.

Please find a summary of my Q &A session below:

Q1: What is your top safety priority for the next year?

A1: Our aim is always to achieve Zero Harm. This year we’re focusing on planning and preparation. Embedding core programmes that are already in place and ensuring the effectiveness of those programmes. Key to these programmes is identifying hazards and working safely as a team.

Q2: What are the core programmes for achieving Zero Harm?

A2: Our core programmes include: SLAM – Stop, Look, Assess, Manage, which is hazard identification in action. SLAM is a short way to remember to stop a task if you think your safety or that of a colleague is at risk.

There is also, ‘visible felt leadership’, which all of our managers are required to take part in. It goes beyond safety to caring, communication and coaching.

And lastly, we learn from incidents. Each one is a valuable opportunity to learn how to not make the same mistake twice.

Q3: Is it hard to maintain a strong commitment to safety as you are a global company with many cultures?

A3: Yes it is. To assist in overcoming this challenge, we’re staging Global Safety Day for a second year in a row.

Q4: What is Anglo American doing to ensure that young graduates understand that safety is a core value?

A4: From the Chief Executive to graduates, everyone has a role to play. At Anglo American, we encourage a safety culture that includes everybody, even young leaders.

Q5: How do you ensure improvement in safety performance while going through financially-stretched times?

A5: Planned work is safer, more efficient & creates sustainable value that makes a difference.

Q6: Do you agree that safety has become mining companies number one priority?

A6: Absolutely, it is the right of every employee to go home safely at the end of the working day.

Q7: How do you think Anglo American can achieve Zero Harm in your mining operations?

A7: Our journey continues to show improving trends, with LTIs improving by 14% year on year and total recordables by 17%. Our goal remains Zero Harm.

Q8: What new technologies can support Zero Harm in mining?

A8: We continue to investigate and invest in new technologies. Here is one on collision avoidance bit.ly/WihLFX

Q9: What do you anticipate to be the greatest challenge to mine site safety over the next 5 years?

A9: Getting everyone to understand, from a risk-based approach, what unwanted events have the potential for harm. We need to work closer with our first-line supervisors to identify hazards and manage risks.

How are you planning to achieve Zero Harm?