SSAB's social responsibility is primarily about offering a safe, healthy and developing workplace, and to always act in a respectful and considerate manner. This way, the organization and skills development in the company is strengthened. Thanks to a good relationship with the community at large, the company will gain confidence and the mandate from the public to conduct its activities.
The work in 2012:
- New network for female managers
- Important starting point for e-learning
- Hosting international safety conference
- Work environment management system in SSAB EMEA
New network for female managers. Together with nine companies in Sweden, SSAB participates in a diversity initiative called Battle of the Numbers, which is aimed at increasing the number of women who hold senior corporate management positions. This is a way of contributing to achieving, in the long-term, greater equality in the sourcing of managers, increased profitability and competitiveness. The companies operate in different industries and represent in total 570,000 employees. Ten future or current female managers from each of the participating companies will act as internal consultants and be included in a network of 100 women. Their task is to produce proposals as to the specific work that each of their companies can do to achieve increased diversity, taking into consideration career paths and work life balance. Proposals are to be presented to each relevant Group management.
Within SSAB, in 2012 women accounted for 18 percent of the managers, and 23 percent of the managerial candidates.
Important starting point for e-learning. SSAB has a comprehensive approach to the issue of training and education within the Group and, during the year, established a global platform for delivering and administering e-learning. At the same time, the possibilities to offer ever more training internally in the form of e-learning are under review. In the long-term, this might result in e-learning modules for the mandatory training stages in the production process, and also for further training within specialist areas.
During 2012, SSAB worked on two important e-learning training courses. SSAB's sales staff will be offered supplementary training about products through a module which is planned to be launched at the beginning of 2013. The other training course, which relates to business ethics, was introduced in the autumn of 2012. The training covers the entire Group and is focused on SSAB’s Code of Business Ethics and ethical approach, Instructions regarding the prohibition of bribery and the Whistleblower reporting routine. The training is available in three languages – Swedish, English and Chinese. The purport of the Company’s guidelines is explained through the use of graphics and in clear, simple language. Employees conducting the training are presented with a number of ethical dilemmas in which SSAB's guidelines serve as guidance. At the end of 2012, more than 20 percent of employees had undergone the training course. The objective is that, in 2013, 75 percent of all employees will have taken the course.
Hosting international safety conference. In spring 2012, SSAB was honored to host the annual safety conference for member companies of World Steel Association. During three days in Stockholm delegates from 27 companies from across the world met and shared experiences from safety work, exchanging advice and best-practice. This illustrates the importance of, and commitment to, workplace safety in the steel industry. Ahead of the conference, members were invited to submit their programs of safety excellence that embody the World Steel Association’s safety principles, for instance on how to prevent lost time injury. During the conference outstanding achievements were recognized.
Work environment management system in SSAB EMEA. During the year, work was concluded on implementation and certification of the Swedish plants in accordance with OHSAS 18001, work environment management system. All Swedish plants are now certified. The work has contributed to further strengthening procedures for safer work methods, creating clear instructions, and safer workplaces.
During 2012, SSAB EMEA conducted safety audits of all major operations outside Sweden; in Poland, the Netherlands, the UK, Italy and South Africa. The aim was to ascertain the progress of safety work at each center and to exchange experiences. One example from the South African operations is “Toolbox talks”, in which specific situations or issues are discussed at regular gatherings at the workplace. This can mean, for example, that routines concerning fall protection or personal safety equipment are discussed in groups. During the year, the plant in Johannesburg, South Africa also became OHSAS 18001 certified.