Project: Zero Harm Initiative
SAFETY at BlueScope Steel (BSL) is vitally important and for all management and employees zero harm is top priority.
BlueScope Steel has a comprehensive OHS Management System (OHSMS) that started in the early 1990s and is mandatory in all of its operations.
Essential to the company’s OHS strategy is the ongoing training of leaders and employees, and the continued implementation of risk management practices, behavioural health and safety audits, the reporting of incidents and near misses and the identification and prevention of at risk behaviour and at risk conditions.
Specifically within the company’s Australian and New Zealand Steelmaking Businesses (ANZSMB) there are a range of activities designed to keep OHS in the forefront of employees and contractors minds.
The organisation has initiated a range of Living Safety Awards that are open to employees and contractors in Wollongong, Hastings and New Zealand.
Every two years, BSL Port Kembla Steelworks in Wollongong hold a ‘Health and Lifestyle Big Day Out’ Health promotion activity. In 2007, over 7000 people participated in the popular health promotion event, including the company’s employees, contractors and their families.
The aim of the day is to expose employees, contractors and their families to a wide range of health information, plus have their health checked. It was also hoped that individuals would take responsibility for their own well-being and health management.
On the year when the Big Day Out is not held, ANZSMB holds a two day OHS conference for employees and contractors. A range of external speakers are invited and the Living Safety Awards are presented at a dinner during the conference.
BlueScope Steel’s safety improvement initiatives have resulted in substantial reduction in injuries. In 2007/08, the company’s Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate (LTIFR) was 0.6 remaining below 1.0 for the fourth consecutive year.
This means that there was less than one injury resulting in lost time for every million hours worked. Medically Treated Injury Frequency Rate (MTIFR) was 4.0, per one million hours worked.
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