Treatment of occupational diseases
Compliance with OHS-related regulations is a key component of providing a healthy and safe working environment for our employees. In accordance with these regulations the Group insures all EVRAZ employees against work-related accidents and occupational diseases. This insurance covers expenses related to the treatment of all occupational illnesses. EVRAZ also provides financial assistance to employees where necessary. Employees in need of extended medical treatment are eligible for additional compensation.
In addition to legislative requirements, EVRAZ organises health campaigns at all Group facilities, which are available to all employees throughout the year. For example, in 2018 in the EVRAZ Urals region of Steel segment Compensation and benefits department issued almost 7,000 health spa vouchers for rest and treatment to metallurgists, miners, and their families. In 2018 in the EVRAZ Siberia region of Steel segment almost 10,500 health spa vouchers were issued. EVRAZ also promotes healthy lifestyles among employees, by organising various active sports events for personnel and their families. In 2018 the youth conference Safety First took place in Kachkanar.
EVRAZ promotes a culture of safety among young employees by organising the annual Safety First youth conference. In 2018, at the Urals region of Steel segment of EVRAZ KGOK, 10 teams took part in the conference, including guests from EVRAZ ZSMK, Raspadskaya Coal Company and PAO SIBR. Each team presented to a jury technical solutions for improving safety procedures and safety promotion campaigns. All participants were awarded certificates and corporate presents.
During annual medical health checks a number of employees were timely diagnosed with having serious diseases and sent for special treatment. In 2018, 120 EVRAZ employees participated in medical health checks.
Number of registered occupational illnesses
In the reporting period, 256 cases of occupational diseases were recorded at EVRAZ companies worldwide; musculoskeletal and hearing disorders accounted for 82% of these. EVRAZ constantly monitors the working conditions of workplaces that see the highest health risks, and the Group continues to improve risk-based controls to prevent occupational diseases. Each employee has to undergo an annual medical examination, as well as health checks before beginning employment. A person with a high temperature or blood pressure or under the influence of alcohol is not permitted to work. The results of examinations help identify risk groups and evaluate whether an employee is fit to work. Employees that are prone to contracting occupational diseases receive treatment at health spas.