Why CORESafetySafety Comes First
All of our workers have a right to go home safe at the end of the day...
I think what CORESafety does is it brings everybody in the industry into a shared level of commitment that safety is our priority number one.
Chairman and CEO,
Peabody Energy
I always have it with me. It's a card that has ten names on it. And those are the names of people who have died at our coal mines… It's a constant reminder to me… and that's why I take it so seriously.
CEO, Alpha Natural Resources
When they came out they were euphoric. This man had been saved. That particular incident changed how we saw safety going forth, dramatically… Everyone goes home safely every day.
Chairman and CEO,
Stillwater Mining
Steve Leer, Chairman and CEO of Arch Coal, talks about the impact of a fatality and the importance of leadership in mining safety.
How is leadership a core element of mining safety and health?
Effective leaders determine the importance of safety and health management in their organizations. They help define and drive the culture by ensuring adequate resources are devoted to safety and health; they set the example through personal behavior; they communicate a strong personal safety and health vision for the company; and they hold others accountable for their safety and health responsibilities.
How can I better integrate a health and safety management system into our culture?
First you evaluate who your organization is and what you want it to be. That evaluation looks at how employees perceive the value of safety in your organization, how they perceive their roles and responsibilities and how risks and accidents are managed throughout the organization. Strengths and weaknesses are identified, and strategies are developed and implemented to address weaknesses and enhance strengths.
How can I recognize participation in a health and safety management system?
Employees at all levels of the organization must not only understand work instructions, but also understand how the system works and the differences between regulatory-driven programs and a systematic approach that drives safety and health improvement—including their role in it. Expectations should be clarified and adequate training and education provided. Individuals should be held accountable for effective performance and recognized through promotions and other rewards programs.