SafeNickel for Anna
Glencore’s first priority is to protect the health and wellbeing of its employees. To achieve this, we must identify and manage Health and Safety hazards in our workplace. To help realize this goal, we launched SafeWork to provide a common global foundation to build our culture of safety worldwide. At our nickel assets, SafeWork has been adapted as SafeNickel, which supports our operation’s individual safety programs and protocols.
The Speaking SafeNickel series aims to keep the SafeNickel conversation going and keep safety top of mind for all employees and contractors.
What does SafeNickel mean to you?
At first, I must admit that SafeNickel meant something very basic to me: operating tasks safely. Because I am in the communications department, far away from major safety risks, I did not see how SafeNickel applied to me more specifically. On my second day at work, I was sent to the mine site for a corporate shoot. It was on that second day that I realised that SafeNickel applies to everyone everywhere. Risks are always present and in every task. Whether it was ensuring that the film crew and I had the necessary PPE or simply walking down some stairs, safety protocols are everywhere at Raglan Mine. Now, SafeNickel is much more than operating tasks safely, it is a lifestyle.
Do you have an example of how safety standards and/or the FHP approach have added value for you?
For me, the safety standards that are in place have added an undeniable value in my professional career. It was easy to underestimate safety in my line of work. Today, these safety standards guide my behaviour and help me perceive risks instinctively at work. Whether it is going to the mine site for a shooting, planning events for our employees or visiting the communities, safety remains my top priority.
What are your current concerns regarding safety and how do you contribute to preventing a safety incident?
My current concerns regarding safety are communicating our safety culture to our new employees. Every week, new employees are hired to work on site and they get a lot of information at once. I think that there is not enough time spent on properly explaining our safety and reporting culture to really have people internalise it. I verbalised this concern with our safety Superintendent and actions are being taken as we speak to amp up our safety presentation for new hires. I think that it is key that everyone at Raglan Mine lives and breathes SafeNickel to live up to our reputation of being the safest mine in Canada.
Has your behaviour regarding safety evolved since you joined Raglan Mine?
Where do I start?! Since joining Raglan Mine one year and a half ago, my behaviour regarding safety has drastically changed. At work, I am now a proud member of the Health and Safety Committee! In my everyday life, no matter where I am or who I’m with, safety has truly become an instinct for me. In the beginning, my partner found it quite funny that I am always perceiving risk and coming up with solutions. He is currently a new employee for a contractor at Raglan Mine and called me the other day to say, ‘now I understand why you’ve become so preoccupied with safety!’. I am happy that he is internalising the safety culture at Raglan Mine, just as I did … just in time for moving day!
- SafeNickel