World Steel Association announces Steel Safety Day

The World Steel Association (worldsteel) has announced today the launch of its third annual Steel Safety Day.

Aligned with the World Day for Safety and Health at Work held by the International Labour Organisation on 28 April, Steel Safety Day was set up in 2014 to create a safer working environment across the entire steel industry worldwide.

Ahead of Steel Safety Day, worldsteel is requesting all its members and the wider steel industry to carry out an extensive safety audit on the five most common causes of incidents between now and the Steel Safety Day on 28 April. The five causes are moving machinery, falling from height, falling objects, gas and asphyxiation, and overhead cranes.

Each year one of the five causes is highlighted and special attention is given to raising awareness of how to prevent associated risks. 

This year’s Steel Safety Day focuses on ‘Falling From Height’ and worldsteel urges all steel producers to ensure all employees have access to training, equipment, and preventative techniques when working at height.

Edwin Basson, Director General of worldsteel said: “In 2015, more than 525 000 employees and contractors from 327 steel sites actively took part in the Steel Safety Day audit. The audits have had a major effect in identifying and preventing hazards in the workplace.

“The steel industry’s safety initiatives including Steel Safety Day and Safety and Health Excellence Recognition, have confirmed that strong leadership, direct involvement of the management and proactive engagement of all employees and contractors are core requirements for any successful safety and health initiative. We urge all management and employees of steel producers and related organisations to join the Steel Safety Day.”

Edited from source by Elizabeth Corner

Read the article online at: https://www.worldpipelines.com/equipment-and-safety/10032016/world-steel-association-announces-steel-safety-day/