CEMEX has a target of zero injuries and does not accept unsafe working practices. Accident prevention, safeguarding employee health and environmental protection are an integral part of CEMEX’s business philosophy. It is company policy that all operations are safe for personnel, communities and the environment. CEMEX has a global policy for health and safety that provides a framework, and a UK policy that expands on the corporate policy, which is aligned to UK standards.

All UK employees must comply with the CEMEX UK Operations Health and Safety Policy, which sets out employees’ responsibilities. It is used to ensure health and safety arrangements are clear, implemented and constantly reviewed. CEMEX expects documented plans to be developed throughout the business detailing health and safety targets, which are formally monitored, to ensure they deliver continuous improvements.

In 2005, the UK guidelines helped reduce employee lost time injuries across CEMEX UK Operations by 35% compared to the previous year. In 2006, the company is on target to reduce the accident rate by a further 30%.

To maintain high standards, the CEMEX Health and Safety Management system, which is based on the following 14 elements, is being implemented throughout CEMEX operations:

1. Leadership and management participation
2. Regulations, audits and inspections
3. Safe operative practices
4. Accident investigation and tracking
5. Behavioural safety
6. Health and safety training
7. Emergency preparation and fire prevention
8. Contractors safety
9. Risk analysis, job safety analysis and PPE
10. Hazardous works and maintenance control
11. Safety promotion
12. Health risk
13. Facilities and work environment
14. Driving safety

To improve safety further, CEMEX is also strengthening its driver safety programmes and expects all employees to comply with the Safety Essentials 12 fundamental rules around safe behaviour.

CEMEX UK Operations Health and Safety Policy
Accident reduction figures
Safety Essentials