HESQ policy

Yara is committed to being a leading performer in the area of worker safety, and we have established a series of procedures and standards that cover the health and safety aspects of our operations worldwide. Everyone at Yara is covered by the health and safety policy, and responsibility for our policy stems directly from the CEO.

The company has a clear HESQ policy and goals, with safety and efficiency - for staff, business and the environment - foremost in mind.

These standards are mandatory for all Yara units, and we have established methods to highlight the importance of health and safety efforts at every level. Internally, reports are sent to the Yara Board, and policy documents are distributed to all units. Yara uses the International Safety Rating System for auditing and certification purposes, with Det Norske Veritas on a global basis.

Yara's Safety Committee has issued a clear set of safety management principles for production sites that undergoes regular review. These principles include clear annual safety targets and action plans, job risk evaluation, rules for protective equipment and emergency response plans. Accidents and near misses must be reported and investigated, and corrections implemented.

The environmental aspect of Yara's HESQ policy involves a life cycle perspective. We strive continuously to improve energy efficiency and reduce waste, emissions and discharges. Our products and applications will have the minimum adverse impact on the environment. We are committed to the Product Stewardship program of the European Fertilizer Manufacturers Association  (EFMA).

On a broader scale, Yara has implemented an HESQ Management System, and the company’s management and the European Works Council (EWC) have agreed on a number of health and safety principles that also illustrate our safety management policy.

Points agreed with the EWC emphasize that safety is the responsibility of every employee, at every level of the company. Our target is zero accidents, and safety rules are to be considered minimum requirements. Accident reduction means accident prevention, by exercising safety awareness and the analysis and pre-planning of jobs.

Reporting accidents, near misses and sub-standard procedures is required procedure for everyone. Communication and openness are key tools for ensuring worker safety.