In the download section of this website Global Safety Alert - Supplier fatally injured (860 downloads)  you can read a Global Safety Alert relating to a fatal incident in our operations overseas, where a Technician working for an equipment supplier tragically lost his life when there was a hydrogen gas explosion on a Cement Plant.

While the circumstances of the incident are quite specific, and at first sight may seem of limited relevance to other business areas, the Alert can be used with teams to discuss:

• Ensuring only contractors from our Approved List are used unless there is a specific formal exemption from a Senior Manager.
• The importance of Management of Change procedures, to ensure necessary planning, risk assessment, communication and in some cases HAZOP Studies (Hazard and Operability) have been completed.
• Trials of new technology or equipment are strictly controlled, with mitigation measures in place to anticipate any unexpected risks.
• Strict controls and verification practices are in place where equipment is controlled / adjusted remotely, in this case off site.
• All personnel have the required competency and are working in accordance with necessary Safe Systems of Work.

Please review the Alert with members of your teams, using the above bullet points to prompt discussions with appropriate personnel.  The Alerts should also be displayed on relevant noticeboards.

CEMEX Global Protocols require all Fatal Alerts to be communicated and Managers to capture the signature of employees and contractors to confirm they have received and understood the information and the control measures they need to adopt.  In addition, operations are invited to observe a one-minute silence in memory of the deceased at the time of discussing a Fatal Incident Safety Alert.