The World Steel Association (worldsteel) is asking the steel industry to carry out a safety audit on the five most common causes of accidents in time for Steel Safety Day on April 28th.

The third annual event was established in 2014 to create a safer working environment across the entire steel industry worldwide and is aligned with the World Day for Safety and Health at Work held by the International Labour Organisation – also on April 28.

The top five causes of accidents in the industry are:

1. moving machinery
2. falling from height
3. falling objects
4. gas & asphyxiation, and
5. overhead cranes.

Each year one of the five causes is highlighted and special attention is given to raising awareness of how to prevent associated risks. This year’s Steel Safety Day focuses on ‘Falling From Height’ and worldsteel urges all steel producers to ensure all employees have access to training, equipment, and preventative techniques when working at height.

Identifying and preventing hazards

Edwin Basson, Director General of worldsteel said: “In 2015, more than 525,000 employees and contractors from 327 steel sites actively took part in the Steel Safety Day audit. The audits have had a major effect in identifying and preventing hazards in the workplace.

“The steel industry’s safety initiatives including Steel Safety Day and Safety and Health Excellence Recognition, have confirmed that strong leadership, direct involvement of the management and proactive engagement of all employees and contractors are core requirements for any successful safety and health initiative. We urge all management and employees of steel producers and related organisations to join the Steel Safety Day.”

For more information on Safety and Health in the steel industry, click here.

To watch a short animation film which highlights how the steel industry can move towards zero-incidents, click here.

The World Steel Association’s membership represents approximately 85% of the world's steel production, including over 150 steel producers with 9 of the 10 largest steel companies, national and regional steel industry associations, and steel research institutes.